Dr. Terri Winfree named Interim Vice President of Academics at GCC
Gogebic Community College recently held a special meeting to approve Dr. Terri L. Winfree, of Tinley Park, IL as Interim Vice President of Academics. She brings more than 30 years of higher education experience in higher education, including extensive leadership experience at the community college level in academic administration, student success, workforce development, strategic planning, accreditation, and community partnerships.
Winfree holds a Ph.D. in Education and Human Resources from Colorado State University, a Master and Bachelor of Arts from Governors State University along with an Associate’s Degree from Prairie State College. She has also taught numerous courses in communications, business, leadership, strategic communications, and human resources.
Winfree currently serves as President of Terri L. Winfree & Associates, LLC, focusing on leadership, communication, personal development, and organizational growth. She also serves as Co-President of the Illinois Community College System Foundation, supporting Illinois’ 39 community college districts through scholarships and program support.
She most recently served as President of Prairie State College in Chicago Heights,
Illinois, from 2013 to 2020, where she led a comprehensive community college serving
approximately 9,000 students annually. During her tenure, she guided the college through
significant institutional challenges while advancing initiatives focused on student
success, enrollment, academic programming, workforce development, and institutional
effectiveness.
Winfree also led Prairie State College through its Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation and established processes to strengthen compliance, transparency, communication, and decision-making. She developed partnerships with business and industry and helped create mobile training centers that brought manufacturing training directly to businesses and regional employers.
Prior to serving as president, Winfree was Vice President of Community and Economic Development at Prairie State College for five years. She also served as Associate Dean and Dean of Continuing Professional Education, where she led the development of new programs, expanded opportunities for traditional and non-traditional students, identified new funding sources, and increased enrollment and revenue.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Winfree to Gogebic Community College,” said Susan Beals, Chairperson of the GCC Board of Trustees. “Her extensive experience in community college leadership, academic programming, accreditation, strategic planning, workforce development, and student success will be a tremendous asset to GCC. We are very confident that she and Ric will lead us through this transition period and set us up for the future.”
An accomplished speaker, author, and consultant, Winfree has presented nationally and statewide on leadership, communication, workforce development, organizational change, board governance, and student success. She is co-author of Facing Vexing Problems for Community College Leaders, published in 2025.
Her professional accomplishments include the Distinguished Alumni Award from Governors State University in 2024, Leadership in Business Award from the 2nd Congressional District in 2025, Training Excellence Award from the South Suburban Small Business Association in 2025, and the Heart of the Southland Award from the Southland Development Authority in 2026.
Dr. Winfree will provide oversight and leadership for the college’s academic operations and programs in this interim role and begin her duties on Monday, August 17.
