Feb. 12, 2025
Peggy Heinrich credits Ferris State doctoral program for preparing her for success as Elgin Community College’s first female president
When Peggy Heinrich took the helm as Elgin Community College’s first female president, she brought with her an expertise and vision shaped by Ferris State University’s distinctive Doctorate in Community College Leadership program.
Elgin Community College President Peggy Heinrich is a 2017 graduate of Ferris State University's Doctorate in Community College Leadership program. Photo credit: Mark Carriveau/Elgin Community College.
Heinrich — a 2017 graduate of Ferris State’s program — assumed her new role as president of the 10,600-student, suburban Chicago community college in January.
“We’re off to a smooth start and I’m excited to start building out the team and getting things launched,” said Heinrich, who’s served in various leadership roles at Elgin Community College over the last 18 years.
Ferris State’s Doctorate in Community College Leadership program is the only one of its kind in Michigan. Since its debut in 2010, Ferris State has graduated more than 300 alumni from the program; Heinrich is its 14th alumni to become a college president.
For Heinrich, Ferris State’s doctoral program was a pivotal stepping stone.
“The degree opens doors,” said Heinrich, who received Ferris State’s 2017 Faculty Award for Distinguished Scholar-Practitioner. “The courses really equip you with a broad-based, foundational understanding of community college operations, which is important if you’re going to advance into a position like this one.”
Students examine contemporary issues, strategic planning, teaching and learning, policy and governance, leadership and organizational development, community engagement, finance and resource development.
“We're training these leaders to deal with the specific issues community colleges face and that require a very special kind of knowledge and skill base,” said Wendy Patriquin, director of the Doctorate in Community College Leadership program.
The three-year program is tailored to the needs of full-time, working adults. Its cohort-based model helps foster a sense of community and collaboration among students. Courses are a blend of in-person and online learning, with students gathering periodically in locations like Grand Rapids and Big Rapids.
This flexibility, combined with the program’s practical approach and embedded dissertation model, set it apart from other doctoral programs, Patriquin said.
Courses are taught by experienced college leaders including current and recent community college presidents, vice presidents and deans.
The program has steadily gained national recognition in the higher education community. Heinrich has noticed its growing influence in the Chicago suburbs, where several Elgin Community College leaders have completed their doctorate at Ferris.
As she settles into her role as Elgin Community College president, Heinrich remains a big proponent for Ferris State.
“I’ll always be a proud Bulldog,” she said.