During the Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees meeting in December, nine retired professionals were honored with the title of emeritus. Recognized in January were administrators Robert P. Marshall and Bonnie Campbell, along with faculty members Stephen Alvin, Rose Marie Lynch, and Jane Sack. The December recipients included Sue Isermann, Daniel O’Connor, James Stevenson, and Linda Hawkins.
In other news, the board approved a new certification in early childhood education aimed at shaping future leaders in the field. This ECE Director Qualified Certificate will add a course on coaching and leadership to enhance existing early childhood education and administration classes.
Tammy Landgraf, the ECE program coordinator, explained that this program will help childcare workers advance in their careers. Licensed childcare facilities must have director-qualified staff, and there’s a constant need for mentors. Graduates will have a clear program of study that showcases their qualifications to licensing officials. This certification has been recommended by the college curriculum committee and is awaiting state approval, with hopes to enroll the first class in the 2025-26 school year.
President Tracy Morris highlighted several key points in her report:
- Early spring semester enrollment is up by 6.35% in headcount and 12.77% in credit hours compared to spring 2024.
- Transformative Growth, the mental health partner, provided 615 counseling sessions this school year and organized 42 activities for students and staff.
- The Truck Driver Training Program received a $300,000 grant from the Illinois Community College Board aimed at encouraging high school students to explore trade programs.
Additionally, the board took several actions:
- They approved the purchase of audio-visual systems for conference rooms, a test kitchen, and a yoga studio from Intech Innovations for $323,955.
- A furniture purchase of $27,120 was authorized for a distance learning classroom from KI of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
- The appointment of Danielle Bell as student services administrative assistant and Sarah Ursini as financial aid administrative assistant was shared.
- The board noted the resignations of Dustin Lawless and Kelly Shymanski, along with part-time instructor Michael Furlan and CNA instructor Jen Hauser.
Source link
ivcc,education,newstribune
