Illinois Valley Community College previously applied for a $7.5 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity alongside three other community colleges to establish the Central Illinois Manufacturing Academy and drew in a great amount of support locally as two sites will be picked by spring, expressed during the board meeting on Feb. 11.

President Jerry Corcoran remarked, “Special thanks to the 17 manufacturers, nine mayors, five chambers of commerce representatives, five community-based organizations, one economic development director, two legislators and 15 superintendents who all were very positive and willing to put their names on the line in support of this program for IVCC. It’s a major initiative and I’m glad where we are and I’m optimistic about the future.”

Ron Groleau, Dean of Natural Sciences and Business, and Jennifer Grobe, Director of Nursing, recommended instructors Kevin Hermes, criminal justice, Amber Fox, accounting, and Jessie Bouxsein, nursing, for tenure who were then all approved by the board.

Board Chair Jane Goetz stated, “I want to personally thank all of you and welcome you to IVCC. It is impressive listening to your work and the enthusiasm you have and the dedication you have for the students here. We thank you for that. We’re glad you’re here,” when referring to the three instructors.

In addition, the board meeting consisted of the approval for a conclusion designating the fiscal year be from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 and the budget calendar that was presented as well as the confirmation for adjustments to 100 course fees which was reviewed by the audit finance committee.

Not only was a 16-credit Agricultural Studies certificate approved as presented, but also a transfer of a little over half a million dollars to a Capital Development Board trust account at Midland States Bank was accepted “to cover the anticipated local match for the air moisture infiltration deferred maintenance project,” explained Goetz.

Longtime Art Instructor Karen Zeilman will be retiring after 17 years of teaching and was wished a happy retirement by Goetz on behalf of the board.

Corcoran congratulated Kathy Ross, IVCC controller, for her fine work as her article titled “Quality calendars key for tracking year-end to-dos” was published in the twice-monthly business magazine Keep Up to Date on Payroll. He went on to recognize Heather Seghi, an IVCC faculty member and Program Coordinator for Dental Assisting, and her colleagues for their partnership with the American Dental Association and their “Give Kids A Smile” campaign which resulted in providing over 50 IVCC area district children with free dental care.

“Heather and her part-time faculty are pursuing additional grants from the Dental Association and Delta Dental to help more people and expand our dental clinic. I say that because they feel like they’re turning away 12 to 18 students per year who would like to enroll in the dental hygiene program here, but must be sent elsewhere, typically about an hour away,” mentioned Corcoran.

The board also recognized the many compliments that were expressed for IVCC’s COVID-19 vaccination site and stated that the 55^th annual commencement ceremony will take place online on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. produced by Matthew Klein Films with the keynote address being presented by IVCC Chemistry Professor Promise K. Yong.

The board approved:

• Changes to 100 course fees including 81 increases, 12 new courses, one decrease, removal of course fees from five courses and the assignment of course fees to one existing course.

The board learned:

• On-call librarian Katrina Bromann has resigned.
• Student organization budgets were included in the board packet.
• Three student athletes have been removed from their teams for violating the student athletic contract.