In a recent election across campus, student Jason Carroll was elected student trustee. However, since he is transferring to Western Illinois University in December he would not be able to serve for the entire term that the position requires.

Thus, the runner-up Deborah Dole is to take over the position for the 2008-2009 term beginning April 15.

Dole is a returning adult student whose main goal is to make students more aware of scholarship and financial aid opportunities available especially for students who are in a situation that may prevent them from seeking further education.

Dole states, "There are funds available for distribution that remain in trust because no one applied for them."

Besides making students more aware of the amount of money available, Dole also feels safety is an issue.

Dole says, "I have observed during fire drills that students stand in front of the building when they need to be moving as far away from the structures as possible. I realize it’s a drill and not the real thing; but I’ve been inside a burning school building as a child- move away from the building!"

Although not the originally elected trustee, Dole and Carroll expressed similar goals in their campaign as far as making information more available to the students.

Pam Dilday, Director of Student Activities and Campus Student Life, feels Dole will do a great job at increasing awareness across campus and will bring a unique perspective to the office, being a returning adult student.

Dilday says, "We seem to have a problem reaching students with pertinent information so any help that Deborah can provide will be welcome. Another voice sharing information with students is a positive addition!

"If we can make more students aware of the opportunities available both in financial aid and scholarships as well as helping them to feel safe while at JJC, then we have accomplished something."

Being eligible for the position of trustee is a slight challenge in itself. The candidates must have earned at least 9 college credit hours at JJC and be enrolled for 6 or more credit hours besides meeting a minimum GPA requirement and being in good standing with the college as defined by the current college catalog.

Having met these requirements, Dole originally ran for trustee as a result of her past.

"Volunteerism has always been a big part of my life; as a high school student, throughout my adult life, and in fact, I continue to volunteer today with my church," Dole said.

"I think, however, the biggest reason I decided to run for Student Trustee is to have a voice. It’s really very simple, in everything if you don’t speak up for what you want, or what you believe in, you lose."

Yet as the trustee Dole must be the voice for a large and very diverse student population and she feels she cannot represent the student body without input from the students.

Thus she has asked for her email to be provided at the end of this for any students willing to give said input.

Although representing an entire student population is a challenge in itself, the position does have it’s benefits for the candidate.

"The role of student trustee is a crucial one to the college and a huge opportunity for the student in that position," Dole explains.

"Besides experience in seeing how the college is run by attending the board of trustee meetings and workshops, there is also an opportunity to attend statewide meetings and many conferences throughout the year."

"The student trustee will work with work with other college’s student trustee as well as meet legislators and college administrators. It’s a huge networking opportunity," said Dole.

Hopefully this networking opportunity will help Dole achieve her plans for the future.

"Post JJC I plan on finding a job in the Health information Management field and I will be making inquiries into an appropriate program for a four-year degree," said Dole.

" I’ve been fortunate at this time in my life to be able to concentrate solely on school, but I need to get back into the job market. I will work full time and finish the four-year degree as a part-time student. I recently visited the Hines VA Hospital where I’d like to work someday."

Considering the way Dole was elected, however, one of her immediate goals for this next year is to gain the support and trust of student government and to get acquanted with it’s members and the student body in general. To contact Dole, email her at ddole45@jjc.edu.