Matthew Kelley
Executive Director
Launch the media gallery 1 playerThe KARVES and KACC Executive Boards made a good call when they chose Matthew Kelley as Executive Director. Mr. Kelley, who joined our team in 2009, says he's delighted for "an opportunity to bring ideas, insight and passion for career and technical education into the educational mainstream of our communities."
Mr. Kelley's background mirrors the philosophy of melding career and technical education with formal academia. Originally from Akron, Ohio, Mr. Kelley spent two years as an apprentice machinist, before serving as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy for five years. While in the Navy, Mr. Kelley earned his Associates Degree from the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois.
When Mr. Kelley left the Navy, he knew he wanted to further his education. Mr. Kelley earned his Bachelor Degree in Education from Governor State University. He taught in the Kankakee School District 111 for eight years, all the while continuing to learn. Mr. Kelley earned his Masters Degree in Administration, and completed a Masters in School Counseling in 2011 at Olivet Nazarene University.
Mr. Kelley's diverse work and education histories give him the tools needed for this position. His energy and enthusiasm for seeing students succeed keeps him focused on and seeking out new ideas and opportunities. He constantly works to improve CTE at the Career Center and throughout the KARVES region.
In addition to serving area schools with tutoring and support for disadvantaged students, Mr. Kelley, through KARVES, is also involved in promoting career exploration and supporting career and technical education available within area districts. Mr. Kelley has reached out to area business and educational professionals establishing new advisory committees to keep abreast of the needs of our local employers.
Launch the media gallery 2 playerAlong with his administrative team, Tim Guerin and Lucas Papineau, Mr. Kelley works alongside faculty and support staff creating a cohesive team with the mutual goal of fulfilling our motto: Preparing Students For Tomorrow. He has sought opportunities for students to earn dual college credit and/or industry-standard certifications. He brought career coaches to KACC who help students with interviewing skills, creating resumes and portfolios of their work and accomplishments both at KACC and their home school.
Whether it means revamping curriculum, adding new programs or bringing in additional support services, Mr. Kelley seems to embrace bringing new options and opportunities to the table - just as long as they are beneficial for students.