Joseph Murphy

Name

Joseph P. Murphy

Position Sought

Moraine Valley Community College Trustee (full, 6-year term)

Campaign Contact Information

No information provided

Hometown

Blue Island

Family Members

Wife: Rosemary, 53
Daughter: Jacqueline, 22
Daughter: Julianna, 20
Daughter: Cara Murphy, 18

Education

Illinois State University, B.S. in Business Administration; Northern Illinois University, M.Ed., School Business Management; Keller Graduate School of Management, Masters of Business Administration (24 hours)

Current Occupation and Employer

Director of Business and Finance, Treasurer for Community High School District 155; President of Three Sister Antique Mall, Blue Island

Political Party Affiliation

Nonpartisan

Why are you seeking the position?

I'm seeking reelection to the Board to insure that the quality of education at MVCC continues for the foreseeable future. The college is transitioning a new President after twenty-one years under the award-winning leadership of Dr. Vernon O Crawley. I look forward to assisting Dr. Jenkins in this transition as I bring the experience of my twelve years of service to the college as a trustee and six years as Chairman of the Board.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

My single most important issue will be to continue to make Moraine Valley Community College a well-respected and reasonable cost educational institution for the constituents of the 26 communities we serve. We will continue to offer world class instruction in quality facilities for our students.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

As the Chief Financial Officer for a school district, I bring to the Board a strong educational finance background. This is a critical experience as we deal with the challenges of receiving less and less support from the State of Illinois. Additionally, as a local Businessman in the district I have an appreciation for the need of the college to offer the degrees, training, certificates and resources to assist not only our students, but the business community with quality workers for the next generation.

What facilities would you like to see added to campus?

At present the college is actively constructing a Health and Wellness facility that will bring to the college and the community a state of the art facility that will enhance the college experience for our students, staff and community members. Once completed, the college will have the challenge of repurposing the old Gym building to expand opportunities and facilities that need to have more resources allocated to them.

What could be done to improve campus safety? Does anything need to be done?

The campus safety at Moraine Valley is a top priority. We have a high quality police force led by Chief Patrick O'Connor and we continue to add and upgrade existing resources to the force and to the college to insure the most appropriate level of security for our students and staff. Camera systems, security phones and regular and very visible presence of our police on and around campus is of paramount importance to all. Security is something that always needs to be reviewed, upgraded and enhanced. You are never at the level of saying you have done all you need to do.

Raising tuition costs is a big concern for students. What could be done to keep tuition from rising?

There is very little that can be done to keep tuition from rising. The key issue is how to we limit the increases. In order to continue to offer quality instruction and programs, staffing, material and other costs do increase. A thoughtful and balanced tuition schedule is necessary to insure we are still able to continue to offer cutting edge classes to best prepare our graduates for their next chapter. Whether that is moving on to a 4-year university or returning to the work place with a certificate, degree or simply new skills and knowledge that they obtained from MVCC.

Have you ever been arrested or sued? If yes, please say what the charge was, and the case's and/or lawsuit's outcome.

No.

Any other information pertinent to your campaign.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO)
South Suburban School Business Officials (SSSBO)
McHenry, Boone & Winnebago Business Officials

PUBLIC MEMBERSHIPS

Trustee, Moraine Valley Community College (2001-Present)
Great Lakes Bank – Advisory Board (2002-2005)
United Power for Justice – Community Organizer (2001-2003)
Mainstreet Blue Island Director, (99-2003)
Chamber of Commerce Director, (97-99)
Blue Island Park Board Member, (95-98)
Ban the Burn Committee (94-98)
Good Neighbors Committee (95-99)
School Board Member, CHSD #218 (89-94)
Habitat for Humanity – Volunteer (1989)

AWARDS

Man of the Year, Blue Island Chamber of Commerce, 2007
E. Burton Mercier Service Award, Illinois State University, 2005
Master School Board Member Award, Illinois Association of School Boards (93, 94)
Employee of the Month; Track Data Corporation (89, 99)