Corey Hall Completes Term As Student Trustee

Corey Hall says his experience serving as the Student Trustee on the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Board of Trustees is one that he’ll never forget. “The experience was great and I would recommend anyone to do it. It was a one of a kind experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything because I got to learn so much from so many intelligent people.”

Hall’s one-year term ended in March. He says other Board members immediately embraced him when he started his term a year ago. Hall says the other trustees were very nice and nothing but good to him. One of his proudest moments on the board came at his last meeting when he was recognized for his service.

Hall says his term was an opportunity to learn about the inner-workings of higher education in a deep way. “I learned a lot about how everyone works to make sure that we get better campuses, I learned about how they try to improve the educational experience, and I learned about how hard we work to also improve the community.”

Hall says he also learned about some of the nuts and bolts of higher ed with things like articulation agreements and the bidding process. One of his most eye-opening experiences was learning about the budget. “I had no idea how much work and money goes into our budget. I didn’t know how big of an operation this is.”

One of Hall’s unique experiences in his time on the board was helping with a transition in leadership. Terry Bruce was serving as CEO when Hall was first seated on the board. When Bruce retired, Hall worked with Interim CEO Marilyn Holt while the board launched a search for a new Chancellor for the District. “I only played a small role in that process, but I was able to give some insight. We all wanted nothing but the best and that’s exactly what we got with Dr. Gower. He deeply cares about IECC and education. You can’t find anyone else with his background and willingness to put in the work.”

Hall says when he first joined the board, other board members immediately started working with him in different ways. He says they are all very intelligent and he learned a lot through his conversations. One board member, in particular, stood out to Hall. “When we traveled to meetings, I got to ride with Dr. Gower and John Brooks. We had conversations about so many different topics and he really taught me a lot.”

As Hall became more comfortable on the board, he says he learned that he shouldn’t be afraid to speak up. “At first, I was a little uncomfortable to use my voice, but then I learned that there’s no bad time to talk and there are no stupid questions. I found that the other board members valued my point of view as a student because I had a different insight.”

He says that perspective also carried on to the classroom. “I use my voice more in class. I ask more questions. I might have the same question that someone else has, but they may not be willing to ask. If I ask that question, I’m helping prepare others and myself.”

He also believes that his experience on the board will help him in life. He says in the last year, he’s learned a lot about leadership and responsibility. “These are traits that I’ve definitely improved in the last year. I think this experience will help me in a lot of ways and in a lot of areas, not just higher education. I learned far more than I expected and that’s prepared me to be more successful.”

Even though it is early, Hall says he wouldn’t rule out running for office sometime in his life thanks in large part to his experience as the Student Trustee.

As for future students serving on the board, Hall says don’t be afraid to speak up and talk as much as possible. ‘You have more insight than you think. The Board of Trustees appreciates the point of view of students. You’re living the student life and that’s something you have that nobody else does. There are going to be topics that may not directly affect students, but there are a lot that do and that’s when you need to speak up.”

As he departs from the Board of Trustees, Hall also thanked a couple of people that influenced him to run in the first place. “When this opportunity first came up, Ms. Boyce talked to me and told me that I should do this. She also talked to Coach Bowers and he talked to me about it too. I’m forever grateful that they helped push me to do this.”