Kaskaskia College 2021-2022 President's Report to the Community

2021-22 PRESIDENT’S REPORT

SUCCESS STARTS HERE

MISSION

Kaskaskia College is committed to life-long student learning and to providing quality comprehensive education.

VISION

Kaskaskia College aspires to be an institution of “first choice” for its district citizens and is dedicated to providing the highest level of student-centered educational experiences with an unshakeable focus on student success. In collaboration with its community and supported by an effective foundation, Kaskaskia will be a premier institution of higher education, a regional workforce training institution, and a regional center for intellectual, cultural, and social events.

“Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.”

-Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

On behalf of our dedicated faculty, staff, administration, and Board of Trustees, I welcome you to review the 2021-2022 Kaskaskia College President’s Report to the Community.

This report highlights many of the wonderful accomplishments the College has achieved during some very tumultuous times.

This past year, our faculty and staff continued to reinvent themselves and to create new ways to engage our students as a result of the face-to-face limitations created by the pandemic. The commitment and care our faculty and staff have shown for our students and community these past few years is humbling, to say the least, and remarkable, to say the best.

Our students have shown equally solid resolve and determination over the past year. Many have balanced personal responsibilities such as work, family, and other obligations while maintaining strong academic progress and achieving their career goals. Having to juggle so much and to still maintain academic progression is a true testimony to the character our students have shown this past year.

At KC, our greatest accomplishment is helping our students achieve their educational goals. Whether they aspire to complete an associate degree, a certificate or transfer to a four-year college or university, we support you. With our student-focused faculty and staff, KC provides the foundation one can build upon to advance academically, professionally, and personally. We offer vibrant student life opportunities with various clubs, music, and theater performances and provide strong support for our athletics programs, on and off of the field.

We continue to grow our Career and Technical Education programs to align with local and regional business and industry needs. On the workforce front, what you learn at Kaskaskia College are the skills employers are looking for today. On the transfer side, four-year colleges and universities work alongside KC to ensure students will have a smooth transition as they continue their educational pursuits.

If you have not already done so, I encourage you to try our Career Pathways tool

at https://pathways.kaskaskia.edu. We created this tool in-house to help you or your loved one explore career opportunities and develop an educational plan to reach your career goal. If you visit our main campus, you will notice multiple ongoing construction projects. As part of a three-phase campus renovation and modernization, we are renovating several classrooms to enable our instructors to teach in multi-faceted, high-resolution, state-of-the-art facilities that incorporate comfortable seating, enhanced lighting, and the latest digital technology to create the perfect learning environment.

At KC, your success is our priority. It is the driving force behind everything we do. Our entire staff is committed to collaborating with you to help make your time here as enjoyable and productive as possible. Your future starts today at Kaskaskia College.

Together we have accomplished much, and much work remains. We will continue to forge ahead together as a family to ensure our current and future students are provided the highest academic experience possible, in a state of the art facility, surrounded by faculty and staff whose goal is to keep them safe, keep them curious, and keep them forging ahead. Thank you for your continued support of Kaskaskia College.

Success Starts Here!

George M. Evans, MA President Kaskaskia College Class of 2000

KASKASKIA COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

John W. Hawley Chairman

Linda Stover Vice Chairman

Laura Wedekemper Secretary

Jim Beasley Trustee

Jeff Brown Trustee

Bryan Holthaus Trustee

Louis Kalert Trustee

Alexis Enke Student Trustee

George Evans KC President

Karol Potter Executive Assistant Visit kaskaskia.edu/about-kc/board-of-trustees for more information about the board of trustees, the schedule of board meetings, and the minutes of past meetings.

STRATEGIC PLAN

As students’ education opportunities and needs change, Kaskaskia College’s mission continues to evolve in addressing our students’ changing needs and the changing needs of our region.

Kaskaskia College’s strategic plan outlines institutional goals that offer a renewed commitment to accessibility and focus on student achievement and success. We continue to adapt through this changing time and push forward for our community’s educational and workforce needs.

The strategic plan sets forth several strategic priorities, including improving student retention and success, increasing targeted recruitment efforts, improving the college’s operational efficiency, investing in its employees, and enhancing our commitment to diversity and providing equitable educational access for all. As a community college, we strive for continued excellence in our programs and services for all.

Our Strategic Plan goals are:

1. Provide a quality educational experience.

2. Effectively manage enrollment and resources.

3. Maximize regional integration.

4. Engage the community.

We invite you to read our Strategic Plan at www.kaskaskia.edu/about-kc/strategic-planning.

Higher Learning Commission

Kaskaskia College is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) through its Standard Pathway, a 10-year cycle of review. Institutional accreditation validates the quality of an institution as a whole and evaluates multiple aspects of an institution, including its academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances, and resources. The HLC has continuously accredited the college since 1964.

In March 2021, the HLC conducted an onsite visit to KC’s main campus as a requirement for its reaffirmation of accreditation. In November 2021, the college received official notification that it meets all the HLC criteria serving as standards for quality. As a fully accredited institution, Kaskaskia continues to meet Title IV funding, such as Pell Grants and other federal subsidies linked to higher education and qualifications.

KASKASKIA COLLEGE COMMITMENT

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS ON A NATIONAL LEVEL

In fall 2021, Kaskaskia College administered the national *Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI) survey. The Noel-Levitz SSI survey assessed how well the college meets students’ expectations by asking students to rate importance and satisfaction. Over 400 KC students responded about their satisfaction in various campus topics. Below is a summary of how Kaskaskia College fares compared to the national average. #SuccessStartsHere

*Data provided by Noel-Levitz, a national student data collecting agency.

KC NOW

Kaskaskia College established the KC Now program as a cost-savings opportunity for high school students to explore options that may be unavailable to them at their schools. KC Now allows students to explore future interests and get a head start on earning college credit via dual credit opportunities with the support of KC and their high school.

Eligible students are responsible for 50% of tuition costs, fees, and books, but students may submit proof of financial need to the college to see if an additional 25% of costs can be offset. Students and their high school counselor meet with KC to select courses to meet the student’s graduation requirements, plus career or transfer interests to enroll in up to 15 credit hours per semester at KC. To utilize the program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Junior or Senior in good standing per their high school’s criteria.

• Minimum 2.5 high school GPA and on track for high school graduation.

• Completion of KC’s CITA 101 course and any required placement testing before enrolling.

• Participate in KC’s New Student Orientation, plus follow the college’s guidelines for attendance and participation.

• Have reliable transportation.

DUAL CREDIT

KC NOW would not be possible without the offering of dual credit courses. Every year, hundreds of District 501 high school students take advantage of Kaskaskia College’s Dual Credit Program to earn college credit while attending high school. Kaskaskia College is one of the few remaining institutions in Illinois that waives tuition costs and dual credit class fees. This partnership saves high school students and their parents hundreds of thousands of dollars and provides students a successful headstart on their college careers. In 2021-2022, 12,140 credit hours were earned by 1,950 students from 16 District 501 high schools, for a total savings of $1,849,840.

PARTNERING UNIVERSITIES

With over 200+ articulation agreements signed, Kaskaskia College students can relax knowing that if they wish to transfer beyond KC to a four-year college or university, their course credits will transfer easily.

Partnerships include:

• Aspen University

• Capella University

• Central Methodist University

• Chamberlain College of Nursing

• Eastern Illinois University

• Franklin University

• Frontier University

• Greenville University

• Governors State University

• Indiana Wesleyan University

• Iowa Wesleyan University

• McKendree University

• Missouri University of Science and Technology

• Murray State University

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale

• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

• St. John’s College of Nursing

• Western Illinois University

Career Pathways and Dual Enrollment Coordinator Kelsey Tate demonstrates the Career Pathways tool at an 8th Grade Night in Albers, showing students and parents how to utilize high school dual credit courses best.

Thanks to the KC NOW program, Kylie Stockmann has been enrolled in KC’s residential and commercial wiring program since she was a senior at Mater Dei High School. She recently passed the exam to begin her apprenticeship.

KASKASKIA COLLEGE CAMPUS MODERNIZATION PROJECT

In the spring of 2022, Kaskaskia College began a major modernization and renovation of the college’s main campus.

This three-year renovation will address aging infrastructure and learning environments, and provide much-needed technological and structural improvements. Each project focuses on improving the college’s infrastructure to provide a modern, state-of-the-art environment for students and staff and will position the college to maintain its effectiveness for the next 20-plus years.

These projects include classroom modernization and renovations, renovation of the admissions area, the fine and performing arts area, replacing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, replacing parking lots, redesigning the adult education and career services area, renovating and modernizing the accounting and business office, and replacing the gymnasium, which is approaching 50 years of service.

These projects will be funded by a combination of Protection, Health, and Safety Funds and funds from the CARES Act, plus extending and refinancing an existing bond levy, which will not increase the college’s tax rate for district property owners.

The college was notified that the completed loft renovation was chosen as a finalist in the renovation/ conversion less than $5 million category.

Kaskaskia Room, 1st Floor Health/Business Modernized Classrooms, 1st Floor Library

Kaskaskia College’s renovated student loft, the Geary Student Loft, was named a finalist in the St. Louis Business Building St. Louis 2021 Awards.

Study Lounge, 2nd Floor Health/Business Hallway

PROJECT TIMELINE

Project Planning and Design

JUN 2021NOV 2021

APR 2022SEPT 2022

Capital Development Board Waterline Replacement and Security Camera System Upgrade

APR 2022FALL 2022

Health/Business & Library 2nd Floor Hallways/Offices/ Classrooms Abatement and Remodel

MAY 2022AUG 2022

Admissions, TRIO Financial Aid, 1st Floor Health/ Business and Library Classrooms, Career Pathways and Adult Education Remodel NOV 2022AUG 2023

Science/Technology Annex Parking Lot Remodel

APR 2023AUG 2023

Automotive Lab and Science/ Technology 1st Floor Hallway Remodel MAY 2023AUG 2023

FALL 2023FEB 2024 West Parking Lot Remodel

Administration 1st Floor and Business Office Remodel

Fine Arts and Gymnasium Renovation/Replacement Project EST. LATE 2024 East Parking Lot Remodel

EST. START 2024

STUDENT EXCELLENCE

The Kaskaskia College 1st Place Dairy Judging Team (L to R) Aaron Heinzman, KC Ag Professor and Coach, Cloe Haas, Rosalee Zehr, Addison Raber, and Zach Paul.

KC student Ximena Aparicio of Albers, IL, won ninth place in Desktop Publishing at the National Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) Conference.

KC Nursing’s ADN Pinning Ceremony in December 2021

Madelyn Owens (left), Sophomore Vocal Performance Major, and Chloe Beal, Freshman Vocal Performance Major, were both semifinalists at the 2021 Central Region National Association of Teachers of SingingNational Student Auditions Competition.

KC student Anthony Gazdik is standing in the doorway of his “Doctor Who” TARDIS that he constructed utilizing skills he received in Professor Pete Donnelly’s cabinetmaking classes. Gazdik, who is currently earning an Associate’s degree in Applied Science (Industrial Automation), began the internship in Donnelly’s program through KC’s Board of Trustees Scholarship Program.

KC student Brittany Phillips earned a full scholarship via a speech competition to attend Greenville University through the Panther Preferred Scholarship program, where she plans to attend fall 2022.

Kaskaskia College Ambassadors serve as “peer” recruiters supporting recruitment activities held by the college. Pictured (left to right) are KC Ambassadors Rob Catacutan, Jazmyne Myers, and Cami Lyons, who provided tours for the college’s first Explore KC Day.

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the KC Theatre Guild hosted a fall production to perform “Check Please and Check Please: Take 2” for three performances.

WORKFORCE EQUITY INITIATIVE

A goal of the WEI program is to place students in full-time jobs to earn at least 30 percent above the regional living wage or to place them on a pathway to a family-sustaining salary.

The overall goal is to accelerate the time for the participating minority population to succeed and enter in postsecondary education/training programs that lead to employment in high-skilled, high-wage, in-demand occupations.

Kaskaskia College’s Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) continues to help minority students excel and complete their certificates in ten different programs offered through the Serving with An Equity Lens (SEALs) program.

To date, the program has benefited over 50 students, with 27 students who have already completed the program and gained employment. Thirty-four students completed their certificate programs at the end of the fall 2022 semester.

KC has been awarded $599,539 to continue the grant for a second year and added three additional certificate options, including culinary, emergency medical technician (EMT), and industrial technology.

The SEALs program provides minorities living in the KC district with the resources they need to compete in today’s world, all completely free.

“Sometimes the environment doesn’t allow us to reach out or to know what resources are available, or we don’t know how to reach out for the opportunity,” said SEALs participant Dwayne Dardon. “We feel discouragement from past experiences with people who say they are trying to help us.” In August 2021, Dardon completed his truck driving certificate (CDL) and started working with a local trucking company in September.

In addition to the three newly added certificate programs, students can choose to participate in the following KC programs: welding, carpentry, network security administration, automotive technology, certified nurse assistant (CNA), truck driving training, and heating/ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC).

For more information or questions, please contact KC’s WEI Recruiter at 618-545-3122.

Veya Jones WEI Participant

The Workforce Equity Initiative is designed to help minority students get trained and job-ready in less than a year with benefits such as:

• FREE tuition, books, and course fees.

• FREE childcare and transportation for those who need it.

• FREE advising and job placement support.

• FREE academic and training assistance.

• FREE training in critical “soft” skills valued by employers, plus a stipend for every student who successfully completes the training.

“

WEI gave me an opportunity, a chance for something. I’m now able to graduate and be an actual truck driver with pay increases. I already make more in one week than I did in two weeks working for Walmart. Acquiring my CDL really has changed my life, and I am truly grateful and blessed for what has come my way.”

Thanks to the WEI program, sisters Monique Campbell and Dimitria Panega both graduated from the 160 Driving Academy Truck Driving Training in Fall 2021 and were hired on at Werner Enterprises. They both credit the WEI program as the resource they needed to make it able for them to make career changes.

-Christopher Boyd, WEI Graduate

Center: Dwayne Dardon and Christopher Boyd, WEI Graduates

Jessie Jackson WEI Participant

TEACHING STEM AND ARTS

IN TODAY’S WORLD

By offering art and STEM courses at the community college level, KC can provide a high-quality, low cost education, plus easy transfer for those working towards a bachelor’s degree, retain a local workforce, and re-train displaced workers.

KC Music Associate Professor Lynda Marshall provides an innovative learning environment to music students throughout the district to help their musical talent flourish, regardless of age.

KC Arts Assistant Professor Tim Wight helps develop students’ art interests in various mediums while teaching them foundational experiences for a career in art education.

Kaskaskia College recognizes the high importance of the role it plays in the region to educate students in the arts, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields as economic and workforce development needs change.

By teaching engineering courses at the community college level, KC Assistant Professor Michael Geiger provides students a stronger foundation for when they transfer to a university.

KC Associate Professor Angenien Huffstutler teaching Cyber Defense, which is one of the largest growing career fields in the U.S, and has a projected 31% increase in jobs over the next decade.

KC Science Professor Bruce Fink’s science courses give students opportunities to understand how and why things function - and how to utilize skills that many are afraid they lack.

TECHNOLOGY

FORWARD

Kaskaskia College continues to research and obtain grants, plus strengthen partnerships with local industries to ensure students utilize the latest technology used by employers today.

In addition, the college has received several Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) grants that continue to modernize the campus. In 2021, the college added five vehicle charging stations and a new solar panel array.

KC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program received a new Affinity 70 G ultrasound machine from MW Imaging to teach a new generation of sonographers.

KC’s Welding Technology program purchased a new collaborative robot welder to provide students real-world experience in welding cars and construction equipment with repetitive welds.

KC’s Automotive Technology program received a donation of a 2011 Cummins ISM-320 6 cylinder diesel engine trainer from Cummins Inc. of Columbus, IN, to learn about and diagnose diesel engine issues.

KC’s Criminal Justice program installed a de-escalation simulator that provides proper simulated communication tactics to assist students in achieving learning outcomes.

KC’s Industrial Technology program received an IBM robot from Tim and Deanne Norrenberns to allow students to practice integrating controllers and other lab equipment.

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS

KC President Evans to serve on Executive Committee for Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois

In 2022, President George Evans was named to the Executive Committee of Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois (SWIL). Evans previously served as Education Chair of the SWIL Education Committee and helped spearhead broadband adoption awareness for SWIL.

“The Leadership Council is a strong group of influential individuals who serve to better the southwestern region of this state,” said KC President George Evans. “It is an honor to serve alongside some of the most influential leaders in southern Illinois, and I hope I can bring value to this strong collaborative group.”

The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois has strengthened public and partnerships throughout a nine-county area (Madison, St. Clair, Macoupin, Clinton, Monroe, Jersey, Bond, Washington, and Calhoun) over the last 35 years, laying the foundation for job growth and retention while fostering economic growth. The Leadership Council is committed to long-term workforce development in creating a talent pipeline of world-class skilled, work ready and productive employees.

To enable this process, the Leadership Council

continues to take a leading role in coordination with strategic partners, like Kaskaskia College, in building awareness of career options in Technical Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) related fields.

“The Leadership Council works to unite the region for economic growth through its coalition of 250-plus members who are top leaders in business, industry, labor, education, and government,” said Richard J. Mark, chairman of the Southwestern Illinois Leadership Council, and president and chairman of Ameren Illinois.

“These effective partnerships serve as a driving force behind successful economic development efforts throughout Southwestern Illinois.”

In 2022, the Leadership Council will remain focused on driving growth for the Southwestern Illinois region through its committees and members who advocate for favorable public policy, enhance the region’s infrastructure assets, and partner to build the future workforce. Investments involving Scott Air Force Base, and notable investments regarding the region’s healthcare sector, and infrastructure remain a priority.

The Executive Committee of Leadership Council

SWIL includes:

• Richard Mark, Chairman and President of Ameren Illinois – Executive Committee Chairman

• Gary Hoelscher, Director of Millennia Professional Services (Metro East) – President

• Jay Korte, Director of Client Relations for The Korte Company – Vice President

• Kathy Federico, Executive Manager at Jack Schmitt Chevrolet – Treasurer

• Tim Giddens, Chief Operating Officer of Progressive Recovery, Inc. – Secretary

• Melissa Erker, Director of Government and Community Relations at Phillips 66

• Steve Donahue, President of Horner & Shifrin, Inc.

• George Evans, President of Kaskaskia College

• Bruce Holland, President of Holland Construction Services

• Rick Ortyl, Vice President of Metro East Industries, Inc.

• Rick Parks, President and CEO of First National Bank of Waterloo

• Donna Richter, Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Illinois Builders Association

• Michael Riley, President of Professional Therapy Services, Inc.

• Dennis Wilmsmeyer, Executive Director of American’s Central Port (Granite City)

• Steve Zuber, Principal at BarberMurphy Group

COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS

During October 2021, Illinois Manufacturing Month, Kaskaskia College hosted the City of Centralia’s first October city council meeting to highlight the importance of manufacturing and industry in the south-central Illinois region. Before the meeting, members of KC leadership, KC Board of Trustees,

City of Centralia City Council members and employees, and the Centralia Chamber of Commerce director toured the Harry L. Crisp Technology Center to discuss KC’s role in workforce development and training opportunities that can be highlighted for economic growth.

WHAT ARE OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS SAYING?

“Kaskaskia College has been absolutely outstanding to work with regarding their KC Now program for high school students. We encourage ALL of our eligible students to participate in KC Now as we know the college provides a high level of service and opportunity to our students.”

BUILDING PARTNERSHIP

THROUGH APPRENTICESHIP - Conagra

Kaskaskia College continues to grow community partnerships with area businesses by establishing apprenticeship programs.

Conagra, a local industry leader in manufacturing iconic food brands such as Duncan Hines, Orville Redenbacher, and Healthy Choice, recently launched an apprenticeship program at KC. This partnership allows combining work-based learning with technical instruction as an avenue to recruit and retain a skilled workforce in southern Illinois. Conagra is also active with several KC program advisory boards, providing donations for KC charitable events and donating student scholarships. Conagra and KC’s partnership highlights how industry and education partner to support education and the community’s economic development.

“Kaskaskia College is going out of its way to make sure they are working with students and their families to make the college experience affordable.”

Kara Harris, Principal Bond County Community Unit 2 High School

“As Mayor, I support Kaskaskia College’s manufacturing and industrial careers training programs that are not otherwise available in our region. The community college system has been the biggest economic engine in our area.”

Nicholas Farley, Mayor City of Salem

“We contact Kaskaskia College on a regular basis, inquiring about skilled students in the welding arena looking for employment. Acquiring skilled workers is an ongoing struggle, but we know students from Kaskaskia College have the skills we need.”

Ron Luebbers, President Luebbers Welding & Manufacturing

Dr. Dustin Foutch, Superintendent Breese Central Community High School

Colonel Brian Alexander (Scott Air Force Base) was the keynote speaker at the college’s Enduring Freedom Veterans Day Ceremony in November 2021.

KC President George Evans talks to participants of the LCpl. J. Kyle Price Memorial Ride, who began the 15th annual ride at the Jim Beasley Veterans Tribute at KC.

Kaskaskia College leadership team members participated in five community engagement meetings throughout District 501.

KC held its first-ever outdoor commencement ceremony in May 2021 on the Blue Angel’s soccer field. Over 220 students took part in the ceremony.

YEAR IN REVIEW

KC continues giving back to the community by being a major sponsor for Centralia Balloon Fest 2021.

Kaskaskia College Faculty and Program Directors after a Professional Growth and Development Day in 2021.

KC Board Trustee Jim Beasley received his 30-Year Service Award from Illinois Community College Trustees Association President Jon Looney.

KC Vice President of Instructional Services Julie Obermark was the keynote speaker at the Illinois Principals Association Conference in March 2022.

ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT

Men’s Basketball player Chauncey Hughes (Cairo, IL) and Women’s Basketball player Jaya Hedgepeth (Evansville, IN) were named All Great Rivers Athletics Conference (GRAC) and All-Region XXIV athletes for 2021-2022.

ATHLETIC STUDENT EXCELLENCE

The following athletes achieved a perfect 4.0 for the fall 2021 semester:

SOFTBALL

M egan Cook

Shelby Houchlei

Bri Roloff

Tess Timmons

Mayci Wildermann

Chase Wise

SOCCER

A lyssa Hutton

Hannah Miller

Madison Toennies

Chloe Whited Ellen Antonacci

VOLLEYBALL

I sabella Auer

Myah Helmkamp

Gabby Jamruk

BASKETBALL

Megan Kronk

Jaelyn Steeby

BASEBALL

Hunter Bilek

Matt Hunzinger

Steven Moraski

Blake Morrison

CROSS COUNTRY

Macie Hargis

Cayla Krueger

Andrew Stevenson

TENNIS

Pierce Farmer

KC Women’s Soccer players Maci Bohannon (Jerseyville, IL) and Allyson Fehrmann (Albers, IL) were selected 1st team, All-Region XXIV athletes. The KC Women’s Soccer Team was ranked as high as 23rd in the nation during the 2021 soccer season.

IN LOVING MEMORY

Coach Larry Smith 1937-2022

In April 2022, KC lost lifetime coach and legacy Larry Smith.

Coach Smith and his name are synonymous with everything related to KC. He was a true champion for his athletes and a dedicated instructor who encouraged students to focus on their health and well-being. KC’s baseball field bears his name in appreciation for a life of dedication and commitment to the students and staff at Kaskaskia College.

Coach Smith will always be remembered as one of KC’s founding fathers.

Chauncey Hughes

Jaya Hedgepeth

Maci Bohannon

Allyson Fehrmann

EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE

Throughout 2021 and 2022, the college continued to recognize the accomplishments of its staff and faculty. #KCTeam

Kaskaskia College Vice President of Instructional Services Julie Obermark received the Centralia Business and Professional Women’s Club’s (BPW) 2021 Woman of the Year Award.

Kaskaskia College Accounting Manager Christine Wheeler is halfway through her twoyear term in the Community College Business Officers (CCBO) Leadership Academy.

The

Julie was applauded for her high level of integrity and dedicated leadership at the college. Over the past two years, Julie has been instrumental in developing and revamping the college’s health sciences programs while leading a multi-divisional task force that responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Distinguished

As thousands of high school and college students prepare for the annual SkillsUSA competition, those participating in the computer information technology categories will be facing challenges created by Kaskaskia College Associate Professor of Computer Information Technology Angenien Huffstutler.

Huffstutler, a long-time member of the SkillsUSA National Technical Computer Applications (TCA) Committee, developed a unique virtual competition for events in all 50 states and at the national competition. She also created the event modules and curriculum details covering key technology concepts for competitors who will have to complete a series of challenging hands-on projects that judges can monitor virtually.

When completed, Wheeler will receive up to 20 continuing professional education hours, gained new leadership building skills, and know more about current community college issues. The Academy’s program is designed to train the next generation of community college Chief Business Officers and provide current leaders with information on community colleges’ national issues. Wheeler received a $1,500 scholarship to attend the program.

Kaskaskia College English Professor Josh Woods has been awarded an Individual Artist Support Grant by the Illinois Arts Council Agency. The grant is intended to help Woods further develop his novel, The Black Palace, both as a marketed book and as a potential adaptation into a series.

The agency’s Individual Artist Support (IAS) program assists Illinois artists in realizing a career goal, taking advantage of a professional opportunity, or producing and presenting an artistic project.

The Legacy Award is reserved for a respiratory therapist who has dedicated two decades or more to the development, improvement, and advancement of the practice of respiratory care in Illinois. Through her vision, vitality, and diligence, this award recognizes Beth Urban as significantly impacting the profession of respiratory care as it is practiced in Illinois today. She has been in the respiratory care field for more than 38 years and has been a registered respiratory therapist since 1985.

2021 Illinois Society for Respiratory Care Legacy (ISRC) Award was presented to Kaskaskia College Professor Beth Urban at the ISRC Assembly in April 2021.

KASKASKIA COLLEGE FOUNDATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Craig Finke, President

Wesley Gozia, 1st Vice President

Bruce Barkau, 2nd Vice President

LuAlice Kampwerth, Secretary

Jay Jolliff, Treasurer

Michelle Barbee

Brad Barkau

Ty Bates

Nathan Deien

Karen Droste

Bill Hawley

Dennis Hesker

Bryan Holthaus

Jack Johnston

James R. Lampe

Dr. Maryann Langenfeld

Whitney Luebbers

Ted Macon

Jerry Moyer

Kevin Rench

Leonard Rose

Brad Small

Marvin Wiegman

George Evans, Ex-Officio

Dr. Dee Boswell

Marietta Broughton

Ernie Chappel

Elwyn Cheatum

Sherm Doolen

Wanda Goodner

Dr. Dorothy Pedtke

Jerry Rakers

Janice Romack

Joe Seeburger

Ralph Sprehe

Bonnell Swagler

Virginia Whitlock

DIRECTOR EMERITUS

The Kaskaskia College Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Kaskaskia College in enhancing the educational aspirations of its students and to support their pursuit of lifelong learning.

Francis J. Rinderer Scholarship Established by Becky Stoecklin

Claybrook-Freer Scholarship Established by Dr. Matt and Sara Freer

Allineal & Sam Norwood Memorial Scholarship established by Maryann Norwood Collins

Virginia F. Maulding Memorial Scholarship established by Martha Maulding Eggers Arthur William and Bessie L. Jones Memorial Scholarship established by the Bessie L. Jones Testamentary Trust

Holly Sallee joins the Kaskaskia College Foundation as the new Executive Director of Development, replacing Suzanne Christ, who retired in December 2021. Previously, she was the Director of Annual Giving & Advancement Systems and Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at McKendree University.

Holly is a proud alumnus of Kaskaskia College and holds a Master’s of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication from McKendree University. She has over seven years of experience in development and alumni relations and is excited to be working with donors and the general public in enhancing the positive image of the KC Foundation.

The Kaskaskia College Foundation hosted the 32nd Annual KC Foundation Golf Tournament at Greenview Golf Course in July 2021. All proceeds benefited student scholarships.

Source: Financial Statements and Supplementary Information Audit for Year Ending June 30, 2021.

CAMPUS MODERNIZATION FINANCING

In October 2021, the Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a resolution to issue $24.5 million in general obligation debt certificates to continue the college’s plans to modernize several areas of the college over the next three years.

The college also refinanced existing bonds which lowered the interest rate over 2.5% and extended the timeframe for repayment by nine years. The issuance of debt certificates in conjunction with the refinancing of existing bonds allows the college to use the capital for several deferred maintenance projects on the main campus, including resurfacing the parking lots, updating classrooms, and renovating the student services and adult education areas.

The financing arrangement described above is not expected to raise property taxes, as the tax levy rate for college bonds is intended to remain the same throughout the life of the bond.

The college will also use Protection, Health, and Safety (PHS) Funds and Federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) as funding sources for these capital project renovations.

In addition, the college is lobbying with the state and federal government for additional deferred maintenance dollars. If successful, the college intends to expedite the repayment process of the debt when allowable.

These renovations will enhance and continue to keep the college functioning at a modern, state-of-the-art capacity for our students and staff.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS

TOM HOLLOWAY

Combining proven bank leadership, an outstanding reputation, and a strong commitment to service to others, Tom Holloway was nominated for the college’s 2021 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award.

After receiving his Associate in Arts degree from KC, Holloway graduated summa cum laude from SIU Carbondale, earning a B.A. in Mathematics in 1972 and an M.B.A. (Finance) in 1974.

During his 40+ years career in banking, Holloway has successfully guided institutions such as The Bank of Edwardsville to post more than $1 billion in assets.

At the same time, he is a leader in his community and leading organizations such as the Boy Scouts and the United Way.

Tom Holloway’s success in his chosen field and work on behalf of his community are prime examples of how community college graduates such as Tom have been prepared to provide strong leadership throughout their careers.

AHEAD LOOKING

Kaskaskia College’s future is bright as it continually evolves to serve the community’s educational, economic, and social needs. We welcome all to have an opportunity to study and complete the first step to their new career or academic journey. KC prepares students to transfer to four-year universities and excel in the workforce.

The college has seen rapid change in the last two years. We will continue to be highly responsive to the students’ individual needs and strengthen our local industry partnerships. We are committed to provide high-quality, affordable education to train and develop our next generation’s workforce and transfer students. That’s our promise.

Main Campus 27210 College Rd. Centralia, IL 62801 618-545-3000

Harry L. Crisp Technology Center 2005 E. McCord St. Centralia, IL 62801 618-545-3400

Greenville Center 209 N. 3rd St. Greenville, IL 62246 618-545-3465

Nashville Center 17869 Exchange Ave. Nashville, IL 62263 618-545-3485

Salem Center 1475 W. Whittaker Salem, IL 62881 618-545-3428

Trenton Center 520 East Broadway Trenton, IL 62293 618-545-3475

www.kaskaskia.edu

Vandalia Center 2310 W. Fillmore St. Vandalia, IL 62471 618-545-3445