About Rich Morthland

Rich Morthland brings with him over 20 years of experience as an educator and self employed farmer. His diverse background, joined with his track record of principled leadership, provides him exactly the type of fresh attitude sorely needed in the broken political system in Springfield.

Born and raised in Rock Island County, Rich resides on his family farm established by his ancestors in 1842. Raised in the local agricultural community as an active member of the Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers, he remains committed to his agricultural roots, remaining the owner operator of his family’s farm in Coe Township, where he and his wife, Betsey, maintain 400 acres of crop ground and a 100 head cow herd.

By profession, Rich has taken on the challenge of being a professor of Speech Communication for the past decade. He teaches courses at Black Hawk College, Scott Community College and Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa.

Despite his rigorous schedule, Rich has always made it a point to stay active in the community. In addition to serving as the District One Rock Island County Board representative, Rich is also a member of numerous civic organizations, including the River Cities Rotary, Black Hawk College Speakers Bureau, and the Rock Island Republican Organization. Betsey and Rich are active members of Heritage Church, Rock Island.

Rich and Betsey are also continually seeking out volunteer opportunities locally as well as internationally. They were key volunteers for the Red Cross during the Hillsdale flood, and have twice traveled to the Czech Republic, at their own expense, to serve as English teachers to Czech youth.

Rich grew up in northern Rock Island County where he attended Riverdale Schools. He has been married for 30 years to his wife, Betsey, who is an Assistant Professor of Health Information Management at Black Hawk College. They have two daughters, Eliza (28, Chicago) and Bethany (25, Moline). Rich has his BA in Communications from St. Ambrose University, a master’s degree in a Communication-related field earned in Denver, Colorado, and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Communication from Spring Arbor University.

Our campaign office is located at 215 N High St, Port Byron, IL.