Rich Lake
Dean of Career Programs

Office: X210
Telephone: 217/351-2236
FAX: 217/373-3865
richlake@parkland.edu

Career Programs
Career Center
Work Ethics Module

Rich Lake joined the Parkland College administration in July 1997, working with career program supervisors and faculty, the library, and academic discipline. Later duties have included supervising the Business Development Center, leading the facility development for the Illinois Employment and Training Center and the Construction Education Alliance, developing new programs (including Diesel Power Equipment Technology and the Customized Career Preparation programs), and working with career department staff to maintain and upgrade existing programs.

Rich's previous professional experience includes six years of high school teaching in Des Moines, Iowa, eight years of teaching and management at Southeast Nebraska Community College, and 15 years in management and administration at three community colleges in Iowa. He is currently president of the American Technical Education Association, where he has provided more than a decade of service in various roles. He has been a member of the Association for Career and Technical Education (formerly the American Vocational Association) for more than 30 years and has served as ACTE state president in Iowa and on ACTE Technical Education Division committees. In 1974, Rich was awarded a fellowship from the Education Professional Development Act to complete his master's degree.

Active in community service, Rich is currently a Rotarian in the Mahomet club and has served as trustee for his church here and in Iowa. He was active in Scouting for many years, including service as pack and troop committee person and assistant scoutmaster.

Rich's family includes a son, Dan, a daughter, Deb, and a son-in-law, Greg, all of whom live and work in the Des Moines area.