Illinois Valley Community College recently honored nine retired professionals with the emeritus title, recognizing their contributions to education. Additionally, the Board of Trustees approved a new Early Childhood Education certificate aimed at developing leadership in childcare. The certificate program, still pending state approval, is expected to start in the 2025–26 academic year. Recognized during the January 16th board meeting were administrators Dr. Robert P. Marshall and Bonnie Campbell and faculty members Stephen Alvin, Dr. Rose Marie Lynch, and Dr. Jane Sack. Sue Isermann, Daniel O’Connor, James Stevenson, and Linda Hawkins were awarded emeritus status in December.
In her monthly report, President Dr. Tracy Morris noted:
- Early Spring 2025 semester enrollment has increased by 6.35 percent in headcount and 12.77 percent in credit hours compared to Spring 2024.
- Transformative Growth, IVCC’s mental health provider partner, provided 615 total counseling sessions in the 2023-24 school year and organized 42 activities for students, staff and the community.
- The Truck Driver Training Program recently received a $300,000 grant from the state Community College Board to promote trades programs to high school students.
In other action, the Board also:
- Authorized the purchase of independent audio-visual systems for CTC conference rooms, a test kitchen, and a yoga studio from Intech Innovations of Washington, Ill., at a cost of $323,955.
- Authorized a furniture purchase for a distance learning classroom from KI of Green Bay, Wis., at a cost of $27,120.
- Learned of the appointments of Danielle Bell, Student Services administrative assistant, and Sarah Ursini, Financial Aid administrative assistant.
- Learned of the resignations of Dustin Lawless, professional tutor; Michael Furlan, professional tutor (who remains a part-time instructor); Kelly Shymanski, Workforce Careers Navigator, and Jen Hauser, CNA instructor.