Harper College Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Harper College has 7 executives leading key functions including information technology, external affairs, human resources, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and community development, Harper College empowers students through accessible education and workforce training programs across the Northwest Chicago Region.

Leadership Roles at Harper College

  • President - Kenneth Ender
  • President - Avis Proctor
  • Chief Information Officer - Riaz Yusuff
  • Chief of Staff & Vice President, External Affairs - Jeffery Julian
  • Interim Chief Human Resources Officer - Stephanie Wemusa
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Erika Hartman
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Amanda Duval
  • Kenneth Ender - President

    Kenneth Ender, the President at Harper College, provides executive leadership for the entire institution, setting the vision for academic and community impact. Ender directs the strategic planning process to ensure the college meets the evolving needs of the Northwest Chicago Region. By overseeing the executive cabinet, the President ensures alignment across all academic and administrative divisions. Kenneth Ender architects partnerships with industry leaders to develop workforce training programs that bridge the gap between education and employment. This leadership role involves representing the institution to the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders to secure funding and support. Through the promotion of student-centered initiatives, the President drives improvements in graduation rates and academic performance. Ender maintains a focus on fiscal responsibility and long-term institutional viability. Ultimately, the President drives the mission of providing accessible, high-quality education to the diverse population served by the college.
    Kenneth Ender

    Avis Proctor - President

    Avis Proctor, the President at Harper College, leads the institution's efforts in fostering innovation and academic excellence. Proctor oversees the implementation of new curriculum frameworks that respond to the changing demands of the modern economy. By directing campus-wide initiatives, the President ensures that the college remains a hub for community engagement and lifelong learning. Avis Proctor architects collaborative environments where faculty and staff can pursue research and pedagogical advancements. This leadership role involves managing complex institutional budgets and resource allocation to maximize student impact. Through the cultivation of a culture of equity and inclusion, the President drives efforts to improve access for underserved student populations in the Northwest Chicago Region. Proctor maintains strong relationships with regional leaders to advocate for the value of community college education. Ultimately, the President drives the strategic evolution of the institution to ensure continued relevance and success.

    Riaz Yusuff - Chief Information Officer

    Riaz Yusuff, the Chief Information Officer at Harper College, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy for the institution. Yusuff manages the secure integration of academic software and administrative systems to support student learning outcomes. By overseeing the campus network and cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer ensures data integrity across all departments. Riaz Yusuff architects scalable cloud solutions that facilitate remote access for faculty and students throughout the Northwest Chicago Region. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with academic deans to align technical resources with evolving curriculum requirements. Through the implementation of advanced analytics, the Chief Information Officer optimizes operational efficiency and resource allocation. Yusuff maintains a robust digital environment that fosters innovation in teaching and learning. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer drives the technological transformation necessary for maintaining competitive standards in community college education.
    Riaz Yusuff

    Jeffery Julian - Chief of Staff & Vice President, External Affairs

    Jeffery Julian, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, External Affairs at Harper College, manages institutional communications and government relations. Julian coordinates strategic partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to enhance the college's regional impact. By overseeing public relations and legislative advocacy, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, External Affairs ensures alignment between institutional goals and public policy. Jeffery Julian directs outreach initiatives that strengthen the connection between the campus and the Northwest Chicago Region. This leadership role involves facilitating high-level board discussions and managing executive communications to maintain institutional transparency. Through the cultivation of external alliances, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, External Affairs secures vital support for academic programs and campus development. Julian executes comprehensive engagement strategies that elevate the profile of the institution. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, External Affairs secures long-term community trust and institutional sustainability.

    Stephanie Wemusa - Interim Chief Human Resources Officer

    Stephanie Wemusa, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer at Harper College, manages talent acquisition and employee relations during periods of organizational transition. Wemusa oversees the implementation of personnel policies that support faculty and staff development. By directing recruitment efforts and benefits administration, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the institution attracts high-quality talent. Stephanie Wemusa facilitates conflict resolution and performance management processes to maintain a productive workplace culture. This leadership role involves collaborating with department heads to address staffing needs and organizational restructuring requirements. Through the optimization of human capital management, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer supports the broader mission of academic excellence. Wemusa monitors compliance with labor regulations and institutional standards to mitigate operational risks. Ultimately, the Interim Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational stability and fosters an inclusive environment for all employees within the Northwest Chicago Region.

    Erika Hartman - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Erika Hartman, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Harper College, designs comprehensive workforce strategies to support the institution's academic mission. Hartman oversees professional development programs and compensation structures that retain top-tier faculty and administrative staff. By directing labor relations and collective bargaining processes, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures harmonious operations across the campus. Erika Hartman architects inclusive hiring practices that reflect the diverse demographics of the Northwest Chicago Region. This leadership role involves partnering with the executive team to align personnel capabilities with long-term strategic goals. Through the management of employee wellness initiatives and performance evaluation systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer enhances organizational productivity. Hartman maintains rigorous standards for workplace safety and regulatory compliance. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives the development of a high-performing workforce that directly contributes to student success and institutional growth.

    Amanda Duval - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Amanda Duval, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Harper College, focuses on organizational design and leadership succession planning. Duval manages the integration of HR technology platforms to streamline administrative workflows and improve data-driven decision-making. By overseeing talent management and career pathing, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the institution remains a premier employer in the Northwest Chicago Region. Amanda Duval directs internal communication strategies that promote transparency and employee engagement. This leadership role involves working closely with the Board to refine compensation models and benefits packages that remain competitive in the education sector. Through the implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a supportive campus culture. Duval monitors workforce trends to anticipate future staffing requirements and skill gaps. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives the operational excellence of the human resources department to support the college's overarching strategic objectives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Harper College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Harper College?
    Harper College is led by Kenneth Ender (President), along with executives such as Avis Proctor (President) and Riaz Yusuff (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Harper College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Harper College includes leaders such as Kenneth Ender (President), Avis Proctor (President), Riaz Yusuff (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Harper College have?
    Harper College has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Harper College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Harper College includes roles such as President, President, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff & Vice President, External Affairs, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer.