Christine J. Sobek’s 28-year career in higher education has been marked by exemplary leadership. She has held various administrative roles in the community college setting, and as such, Dr. Sobek has mastered the intricacies of higher education administration. Dr. Sobek’s guidance has resulted in an outstanding educational experience for students, faculty and staff. Dr. Sobek is the president of Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Ill.
Dr. Sobek is a 1978 graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Education. She received her master’s degree in college student personnel. She received her Ed.D. from Northern Illinois University and her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.
In 2001, Dr. Sobek became the fourth president of Waubonsee Community College, after holding several positions at the college. She has served as provost; executive vice president of educational affairs; assistant vice president for instruction; assistant vice president for student development; and dean of student development. Before joining Waubonsee Community College, Dr. Sobek held various positions at the College of Lake County. She has also served as a faculty member at Trinity College. She began her career in higher education at MSU’s Lyman Briggs Residential College, where she served as assistant director of student affairs.
Under her leadership, Waubonsee Community College pioneered the Learning First! Initiative, which has brought about a new framework that changed the structure, processes and culture associated with the operations of the college. Dr. Sobek has led the college in the creation of its 2020 College Master Plan – a blueprint for the development of new classroom, laboratory and learning spaces. Sobek has successfully worked with the college’s board of trustees, and together, they were able to pass property tax referenda to increase operational funding.
Dr. Sobek’s contributions reach beyond the classroom into the community. She sits on the boards of directors for The Conservation Foundation, Rush-Copley Medical Center, The Aurora Economic Development Corp., the Geneva History Center and the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce. She has contributed dozens of articles about education to local newspapers.