The Wisconsin Technical College District Boards Association has selected Gateway Technical College Board of Trustee member Ram Bhatia as the 2024 Board Member of the Year.
Bhatia began serving on the board in 2005 and has held several different leadership positions, including board president.
“On behalf of the staff, faculty and students of Gateway Technical College, I want to thank Trustee Bhatia for his dedicated service to the Gateway Board of Trustees and to the District Boards Association,” said Gateway Technical College President and CEO Ritu Raju. “Over the years, he has served on many committees for both bodies and as chair and vice chair of Gateway’s board.”
WTCDBA says the board of trustee member of the year selection is to “recognize a district board member who has made an outstanding contribution to technical and vocational education through participation as a trustee on the local, state, regional and national levels.”
Bhatia’s nominator says his work has had an impact on Gateway, its students and technical education locally, statewide and even nationally.
His nominator said: “Ram makes a point of attending every graduation, and we have many. He is also highly visible in the Racine community, attending every relevant community event where he espouses the virtues of Gateway. Ram has also served as the board vice chair and the chair. During his leadership as the board chair, Ram was instrumental in strengthening college leadership. He continues to participate as a very engaged and active member and brings fresh ideas to the Gateway Board.”
Nominees are scored in several areas with the board member of the year receiving the top score.
“He is a strong advocate for students and attends graduation ceremonies, nurse pinning ceremonies and other events where we celebrate our students’ accomplishments,” said Raju. “He has also been instrumental in bringing in scholarship funds for the Gateway Foundation. We are grateful for his service and for this timely and well-deserved recognition.”
The WTCDBA is made up of the 144 district board members of Wisconsin's 16 technical college districts.
