Throughout his career, Dr. Joseph John Cipfl repeatedly reminded everyone that good things do not happen by accident, its good people that make good things happen.
O'FALLON, IL, January 03, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Joseph John Cipfl, PhD, with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Dr. Cipfl celebrates many years' experience in his professional network, and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Cipfl began his 50-year long career in education by completing a Bachelor of Science at Illinois State University in 1967. He had long been interested in teaching and had a desire to positively influence his community, feeling that teaching was the best way to do so. He earned a Master of Science from Southern Illinois University in 1968, returning to the university for a Specialist in Education degree in 1976. Dr. Cipfl completed his education in 1982 with a Doctor of Philosophy from Saint Louis University.
Dr. Cipfl commenced his career as a teacher for East St. Louis School District 189 in Illinois in 1967 working with at-risk middle grade learners in an alternative school setting. In 1970, he became one of the youngest principals in Illinois state history at the age of 25 serving Belleville School District 118 from 1970 through 1976. As principal, he developed one of the first continuous progress programs in Illinois enabling individualized student achievement to be both documented and maximized. He also initiated one of the state's first parent volunteer programs.
From 1976 to 1988, Dr. Cipfl served as superintendent of Belleville School District 118, again receiving the honor of being one of the youngest individuals in Illinois state history to hold the position. Assuming the leadership of a school district in severe financial difficulty he immediately implemented multiple cost-saving initiatives and was able to secure first voter approval of an education fund tax increase within 20 years. In addition, he worked with the Illinois legislature to redefine the manner in which Illinois public schools were funded. He was nationally cited for his knowledge in curriculum development, human resource management and collective bargaining.
In 1988, Dr. Cipfl became president of Southwestern Illinois College, serving until 1997, where he created an expanded and significant presence for the college increasing and elevating student enrollment at its three campus sites in Belleville, Granite City and Red Bud, Illinois. In order to validate the value and merit of a community college education, he developed student transfer agreements with multiple colleges and universities guaranteeing upon student transfer that credit will be given for all community college credit bearing courses. He organized customized training programs benefitting business and industry and providing excellent employment opportunities for community residents. Positive relationships were built with faculty and staff resulting in state-wide acknowledgement and recognition.
In 1997 he was appointed chief executive officer and president of the Illinois Community College Board where he developed and organized the implementation of the state's first strategic plan for the Illinois Community College System entitled "Promise for Illinois." Providing opportunity for students to save valuable time and maximize resources, he championed student transfer agreements among Illinois community colleges and Illinois universities. He pioneered the development of the Illinois Community College System as an essential and vital workforce development provider within the state. He effectively secured approval of the Illinois legislature for the ICCB to assume control and oversight of Illinois Adult education. He made certain that the achievement of the high school GED provided opportunity for the GED graduates to enroll in local community colleges enabling them the ability to secure necessary job skill thereby enhancing their employment opportunities. He also secured approval of the Illinois legislature to provide 250 million dollars of construction grants to the state's 48 community colleges.
In 2004, Dr. Cipfl determined that he now wanted to positively impact the preparation of future teachers and administrators and was selected for the chairmanship of the School of Education at McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois. In addition, he was also selected as dean of the university's graduate school and provided administrative leadership to all graduate programs including education, business, nursing, counseling and criminal justice. As dean, he developed the university's first doctoral program, that being, in education.
Dr. Cipfl was a distinguished president of the Belleville Optimist Club in 1981 and president of the Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce. He has been the recipient of numerous awards for his work, including being inducted into the Illinois State University Hall of Fame and receiving two honorary associate degrees from Lincoln Land Community College and Elgin Community College. Likewise, he received the Carol E. Kimmel Community Service Award from Southern Illinois University and was named an Outstanding Educator by the National PTA.
Throughout his career, Dr. Cipfl repeatedly reminded everyone that good things do not happen by accident, its good people that make good things happen. Dr. Cipfl now enjoys his retirement with his wife, Linda Louise Cipfl. Dr. Cipfl also takes great pride in that both his son, Joseph III, and daughter, Jennifer, are accomplished Illinois educators.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to his profession and the Marquis Who's Who community, Dr. Cipfl has been featured on the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement website. Please visit www.ltachievers.com for more information about this honor.
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