Title:
From Singapore to Success: Dr. Pam Lau’s Inspiring Journey as President of Parkland College
Description:
As we commemorate Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, we are privileged to have Dr. Pam Lau, President of Parkland College, share her unique and inspiring story with the Executive Club.
Dr. Lau is the first Asian-American and the second woman to serve as President of Parkland College. She grew up in the Republic of Singapore, a city-state on an island just north of the equator.
Dr. Lau attended the University of Singapore. After graduation, she and her husband, Lawson, came to the United States as international students to attend graduate school. The couple attended graduate school programs in the Chicago area. Some years later, they moved to Champaign-Urbana so her husband could do doctoral work in communications at the University of Illinois. They initially thought they would only be here a few years, but life had other plans, and they built their life in Central Illinois.
Dr. Lau's career at Parkland College is a testament to her remarkable journey. Starting as a part-time faculty member in 1995, she has tirelessly dedicated herself to the institution, assuming various leadership roles. Her journey culminated in her current tenure as President, a position she has held with distinction and pride.
Join us as we learn about Dr. Lau’s journey and her passion for improving Parkland College's efforts to provide quality academic programs and improve student learning and success.
About the Presenter:
Pamela Lau serves as the President of Parkland College. She first came to Parkland College as a part-time faculty member in developmental reading in 1995. Over the years at Parkland, she assumed different leadership roles to enhance the college’s efforts to provide quality academic programs and improve student learning and success. Her past positions include being the reading program director, founding director of the Center for Academic Success, Dean of Academic Services, and Vice President for Academic Services. In November 2019, the Parkland College Board of Trustees selected Dr. Lau as President-designee; she assumed responsibilities as the president in January 2023.
Pam completed her bachelor’s degree in philosophy (First Class Honors) at the University of Singapore. She earned a master’s degree in philosophy at the University of Chicago. She was credentialed as a Developmental Education Specialist through the Kellogg Institute at Appalachian University. She graduated from Ferris State University in 2015 with a doctorate in Community College Leadership. In 2017, she received the National Council for Instructional Administrators’ (NCIA) Emerging Chief Academic Officer Award. She is an alumna of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, Cohort 6.
Pam is married to Lawson; they live in Mahomet, Illinois. They have two children, Andreana and JohnMark, whose undergraduate experience included time at Parkland College. They are enjoying their first grandbaby, Benjamin, born to JohnMark and Sarah, on June 5, 2023.
Luncheon Start Time:
11:30 a.m.: Registration and Networking
11:45 a.m.: Lunch is served
12:00 p.m.: Meeting/Program begins in person and Zoom Call Starts
Registration Information:
This event will be hosted in person and via Zoom. The location is at the Lincoln Room, iHotel, 1900 South First Street, Champaign, IL 61820.
Each registrant will receive two reminder emails before the luncheon.
Registration for in-person members is $20.00 and includes lunch. Registration for Zoom is complimentary.
The registration deadline for the luncheon is May 13, 2024, and refunds can be issued up until the same date.
Cancelation and Refunds:
If payment is not received by May 13, 2024, or a cancellation hasn't been made, attendees are expected to honor the luncheon fee. If you need to cancel your registration, please contact Treasurer, Shari Fox.
Non-Members: If you are not a member of ECCC and wish to attend as a guest, please contact Outreach Chair, Susan Toalson to register.
