Under pressure following drug arrest, Rosemont’s Mark Stephens resigns as chairman of Triton College’s board
The embattled chairman of the Triton College board, Mark Stephens, has resigned his leadership post.
But Stephens — who’s been under pressure to step down since a July 31 arrest on drug charges in far northwest suburban Harvard — is staying on the board as a regular member.
That’s according to a statement released Saturday by the taxpayer-supported school, which is based in River Grove and serves students from two dozen west and northwest suburbs, including Oak Park and Maywood.
“On September 4, 2026, Mark R. Stephens stepped down as Chairman of the Triton College Board of Trustees. Mr. Stephens remains a Trustee,” the statement from Triton’s press office says. “As Triton College’s Board of Trustees, we acknowledge Mr. Stephens’ more than 30 years of service as Board Chair and recognize the dedication demonstrated throughout that tenure.”
“To our campus and community, we remain committed to providing students with a supportive, high-quality educational experience, grounded in the institution’s mission of valuing the individual, educating and serving the community.”
The announcement came several days after a Chicago Sun-Times story quoted two other elected Triton board members encouraging Stephens — a member of Rosemont’s ruling family — to leave the post.
Mark Stephens in his arrest photo.
Harvard police
One of those two members, Tracy Jennings, said Saturday that Stephens made the right decision but added: “That’s step one. We’ll see now how his case and all that goes.”
Stephens has an upcoming court hearing on his criminal charges. It’s unclear whether he can remain on the board if convicted.
When he was arrested during a traffic stop, police found cannabis and what was believed to be cocaine.
It’s unclear who will become the next board chairperson, a position elected by all seven board members, but Jennings said he’s interested in the job.
Stephens, 67, had been chairman since the early 1990s. A son of Rosemont’s late founding Mayor Donald E. Stephens, he couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
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