Frank Papke will become the Vice President of Business Services and Finance in mid-February when Dr. Frank Zeller retires.

Papke, who has been Rock Valley College’s business manager since 1995, is Rockford born and raised, but said he feels good about relocating to the Illinois Valley.

"It just feels right," said Papke, who began working at IVCC on Jan. 4. "The people of the Illinois Valley are very friendly and outgoing and have really made me feel welcome here."

Papke, 46, received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Illinois and both his MBA and School Business Official Certification from Northern Illinois University.

He began his career as an internal audit staff member for United Financial Services. In 1978, he became Rock Valley College’s comptroller, a position he held for 17 years prior to becoming their business manager/chief financial officer.

Explaining why he accepted the position at IVCC, Papke said, "I have been ready to make a professional advancement for some time, and the opportunity was not available at Rock Valley. I am very pleased to join IVCC just as they are beginning all the exciting changes to be implemented."

He said he is looking forward to "overseeing the implementation of the Master Plan objectives with as little inconvenience to staff, faculty and students as possible."

Papke said he wants to keep communications as open as possible.

"I want to help staff, faculty, students and administration in any way I can," he said. "I look forward to meeting with IVCC people to discuss a variety of issues."

Papke will be responsible for overseeing the accounting and finance departments, human resources, facilities, the bookstore, safety services, the college budget, insurance and contracts. He said he is excited about working with human resources since this will be a new responsibility for him.

He will commute from Rockford until his wife, Lorri, and three children, Heather, a high school senior, Joshua, a sophomore, and Mallory, who is in eighth grade, are able to find a home in the Illinois Valley. He is anticipating moving in the next several months.

Papke can be reached in his temporary office in C-335 or by phone at 224-0386.