From groundbreaking legislation and a new model for neurodiversity inclusion, to the first-ever official recognition of Community College Month in Illinois, Dr. Maureen Dunne is driving a significant transformation within the community college system. For her dedication and accomplishments, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) officially recognized Dr. Dunne for her extraordinary contributions at its June 2023 board meeting.

Dr. Maureen Dunne, ICCTA President
Dr. Maureen Dunne, ICCTA President Dr. Maureen Dunne, ICCTA President

Advocating for Neurodiversity: A Landmark Resolution

In a monumental stride towards inclusive education, the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA), under the leadership of its president Dr. Maureen Dunne, has inspired the Illinois General Assembly to pass a groundbreaking legislation, House Resolution 219, also known as "Neurodiversity in Higher Ed." This resolution is set to reshape the landscape of higher education in Illinois, ushering in a new era that champions neurodiversity and inclusion.

House Resolution 219 aims to encourage all educational institutions to adopt a strength-based Neurodiversity Inclusion statement, a profound paradigm shift from a focus on deficit-based perspectives to a focus on the unique strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals. As discussed in arecent commentary by Dr. Dunne, the initiative recognizes that while support needs differ for each neurodivergent person, all students, neurodivergent and neurotypical alike, deserve to feel valued and empowered. This legislation reflects an innovative understanding of neurodiversity, recognizes and celebrates the variety in human brain functioning, and asserts the importance of inclusivity and diversity in higher education.

Dr. Dunne's leadership in advocating for neurodiversity was instrumental in the creation of this resolution. As the first community college graduate to be named a Rhodes Scholar and a seasoned advocate for neurodiversity, Dr. Dunne has consistently demonstrated her commitment to empowering individuals who learn and think differently. Her efforts have not only brought a spotlight to the potential of neurodivergent students but also paved the way for necessary changes in America's educational system to better accommodate and leverage the unique capabilities of these students.

The passing of HR 219 sets a precedent for other states and educational bodies across the country, illustrating the power of legislative action in fostering an inclusive environment for neurodivergent students. By recognizing the importance of a strength-based approach to neurodiversity, Illinois is spearheading a transformative movement in higher education, inspiring a shift in attitudes and policies that will undoubtedly resonate across the nation. The resolution received national attention, with coverage in Inside Higher Ed andlocal TV broadcast news.

As a result of HR 219, educational institutions in Illinois will now be better equipped to support neurodivergent students, facilitating their academic success and personal growth while simultaneously enriching the educational experience for all students. This legislation underscores the undeniable truth that when we embrace neurodiversity, our educational systems and society as a whole become more vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive.

Celebrating the Community College System

The Illinois community college system is the third largest in the United States. ICCTA provides legislative advocacy and trustee education for 48 member colleges, serving over 700,000 students.

In April 2023, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker declared for the first time that the month would be officially dedicated to recognizing the state's community college system. This milestone was celebrated during the inaugural Illinois Community College Legislative Caucus Reception, where Dr. Dunne, as President of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA), shared her personal journey as a product of the community college system and the first community college graduate to be named a Rhodes Scholar.

When Dr. Dunne was selected as the incoming President of ICCTA, Nominating Committee Chair Bob Thompson said in the press release announcement, "[Dr. Dunne's] got talent that matches her intellect, and we couldn't be more fortunate to have her in leadership with our association."

In her role, Dr. Dunne has shown gratitude and acknowledged the transformational work done by legislators, college presidents, and trustees. At the annual ICCTA Awards Banquet, Dr. Dunne served as the master of ceremonies and made it her mission to recognize the trailblazing work being done at Illinois community colleges.

Preparing for the Future of Work

Beyond her legislative and advocacy efforts, Dr. Dunne is also proactively addressing the future of work. She played a key role in several recent national and international conferences, including the Future Work Series USA 2023, the Global Early Education Summit in Panama, the Next Web Conference, and London Tech Week, where she shared her insights on the increasingly significant role community colleges will play in the upskilling and reskilling of workers in our evolving economic and technological landscape. Dr. Dunne believes in fostering closer partnerships between community colleges and industries, working together to build a future-ready workforce. As ICCTA President, she established the first Future of Work committee with the goal of bringing together trustees, presidents, industry leaders, and economic development agencies to realize a vision where community colleges play a central role in uplifting communities as we all adapt to an increasingly uncertain future.

Creating Inclusive Spaces for Neurodivergent Students

Along with her future-of-work initiatives, Dr. Dunne's belief extends to creating welcoming environments in community colleges for neurodivergent students. This involves revising and establishing policies, training, and principles based on the Neurodiversity Inclusion statement to build a more inclusive higher education ecosystem. Dr. Dunne is scheduled to speak this October at the Leadership Congress for the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) about ICCTA's journey in spearheading the first Neurodiversity Inclusion statement to inspire new legislation with case studies of colleges in the process of implementing the model. In 2021, Dr. Dunne was elected by her peers to serve as a national Board Director of ACCT, representing more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern over 1,200 community, technical, and junior colleges, serving over 12 million students annually.

Recognition by the Illinois Community College Board

At the June 2, 2023, board meeting of the Illinois Community College Board, Dr. Maureen Dunne was officially recognized for her outstanding leadership and contributions to the Illinois community college system in her role as ICCTA President as well as her significant achievements in making higher education more inclusive at the state, national, and even international levels. ICCB Chairman Dr. Lazaro Lopez presented Dr. Dunne with a certificate signed by the Chairman and Executive Director, Dr. Brian Durham in Normal, IL, which states that Dr. Dunne is officially recognized for her "dedication, efforts, visionary guidance, and exemplary leadership." In addition to her legislative and visionary leadership achievements, Dr. Dunne led trainings for academic administrators, provosts, and presidents across the state and presented on Neurodiversity Inclusion to the ICCB Board.

Not only is the new legislation inspired by ICCTA making a huge impact across Illinois, but it is already getting traction by moving other state systems, legislators, and colleges across the country interested in adopting similar inclusion statements, policies, and programs.

Dr. Dunne is an internationally recognized leader and has brought together the global neurodiversity community to support innovative programs and initiatives, including LEGO Foundation's $20M Play for All Accelerator Fund, which she helped launch last year.

Her first book on the topic of Neurodiversity is being published by Wiley and is expected to be released during Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024.