Paul “P.J.” Foley

Building a Foundation Through Education

Paul “P.J.” Foley grew up in Rock Island and graduated from Alleman Catholic High School before attending Black Hawk College from 1996 to 1999.

He later earned a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education from St. Ambrose University in 2001, followed by a Master of Organizational Leadership degree in 2005.

P.J. worked at St. Ambrose University from 2002 to 2018 in a variety of leadership roles, including director of government and community affairs. He also served for many years as an adjunct instructor within the university’s Department of Political Science and Leadership Studies.

Leadership Through Public Service

In addition to his work in higher education, P.J. has remained actively involved in civic leadership and nonprofit service throughout the Quad Cities.

He served as Third Ward alderman for the city of Rock Island from 2009 to 2017, helping represent residents and contribute to local government initiatives during a period of continued community development.

P.J. also has served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards, including the Rock Island Community Foundation and the Deere Wiman/Butterworth Foundation Board of Trustees, supporting philanthropic and community-focused efforts across the region.

A Lasting Appreciation for Black Hawk College

P.J. credits his experience at Black Hawk College with helping prepare him for future professional and personal success.

“The professors at Black Hawk College helped hone my writing, reading, and public speaking skills,” P.J. says. “Many of the classes I took from history, psychology, English, communication, and fine arts really helped me gain a perspective to be a well-rounded individual and showed me that I could use my education at Black Hawk College to achieve many great achievements in my professional career.”

Through his continued service in education, government, and community leadership, P.J. remains committed to helping create opportunities and positive change throughout the Quad Cities region.