Staff Members

Michelle Gonzales

Michelle Gonzales, Executive Director

Michelle Gonzales comes to the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation with a wide breadth of experience in the schools, community and as a board member/officer. Being a former educator in Unit 4, she has witnessed firsthand the benefits and support CUSF provides to our public schools. After stepping away from the classroom in 2014, Michelle discovered an infinite world of public service and volunteerism. She became actively involved with various organizations, served under an elected official from 2015-2020 and has a unique perspective on what makes CU thrive. Michelle then went on to work in the Office of Public Engagement at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign until 2024. She spearheaded initiatives that bolster the relationship between our flagship university and surrounding area. As the new Executive Director of CUSF, Michelle is thrilled and determined to strengthen the community’s commitment to our public schools, teachers and students.

Jeremy Thorpe

Jeremy Thorpe, Assistant Director

Jeremy Thorpe is a proud Unit 4 graduate and longtime Champaign‑Urbana community advocate who brings a strong background in community engagement, communications, and partnership‑building to his role as Assistant Director of the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation. A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and the University of Illinois ,Jeremy has worked across the CU community in roles centered on relationship development, outreach, and collaborative initiatives. Through his work with local nonprofits, schools, and civic organizations, he has focused on expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening connections that support them. He is committed to advancing CUSF’s mission by elevating educator and student stories, fostering meaningful partnerships, and helping grow the resources that fuel innovation across our public schools.

Patricia Dessen

Patricia Dessen, Program Director

Patricia grew up an Army brat and lived in many different states and countries before landing in Urbana for junior and senior high school. Patricia graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in secondary education. She lives in Champaign with her husband Jon. She enjoys working as Program Director for the CU Schools Foundation because it allows her to have a positive impact on both teachers and students through the many interesting grant projects that she oversees and helps develop.

Linda Prom, Finance Director

Linda grew up in Wisconsin and earned a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing in 1992. She moved to Champaign in 1994 with her husband, Chris. In 2000 she earned an associate’s degree in accounting from Parkland College. Linda and Chris have 3 children who graduated from Central High School. Throughout the years she has served as treasurer for a number of different organizations including the PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) and also the Soccer Booster  Club for Central High School. She is excited to support classroom experiences and opportunities for our local public school students.