ICCTA Meritorious Service Award

2001 Recipient



Dr. Joseph J. Cipfl
President / CEO
Illinois Community College Board

Under Dr. Joseph J. Cipfl's bold leadership, Illinois' 48 public community colleges have won long-deserved acknowledgment as the state's primary provider of quality workforce training.

Other ICCB achievements during Cipfl's tenure include the successful transfer of the state's adult education and literacy programs to the Illinois Community College Board; the passage of a five-year, $250 million capital construction program; and the purchase of the Harry L. Crisp Community College Center in Springfield, located just 400 yards east of the Illinois State Capitol (and home to the offices of ICCB and ICCTA).


Dr. Joseph J. Cipfl of the Illinois Community College Board accepts his ICCTA Certificate of Merit.
Dr. Joseph J. Cipfl of the Illinois Community College Board accepts his ICCTA Certificate of Merit.

Prior to his 1997 selection as ICCB's president/chief executive officer, Cipfl was president of Belleville Area College for nine years. He also served as a public school superintendent for 12 years and as a principal and a teacher in the metro East area.

The recipient of numerous education and public service honors, Cipfl was named one of the nation's Outstanding College Presidents by Phi Theta Kappa. In 1995, he received the Boy Scouts of America's Distinguished Citizen Award. A member of the "Hall of Fame" at Illinois State University's College of Education, Cipfl has received the PTA Distinguished Scroll Award and the Education for the 90s Award.