February 2021 Board Report

Illinois Valley Community College received strong local support in its quest to create the Central Illinois Manufacturing Academy with three other community colleges.

IVCC, Illinois Central, Lincoln Land and Spoon River recently applied for a $7.5 million Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant to establish the academy.

 “Illinois Central College President Sheila Quirk Bailey deserves tremendous recognition for her vision in pulling us all together,” said IVCC President Jerry Corcoran.  “If funded, this will have a profound effect on the current and future workforce needs of central Illinois manufacturers.”

Corcoran credited 17 district manufacturers, nine mayors, five chambers of commerce, five community-based organizations, an economic development director, two legislators and 15 superintendents for writing support letters for the initiative.

DCEO is expected to choose two academy sites by early spring so they can be underway in the fall.

The board approved:

  • Tenure for instructors Kevin Hermes, criminal justice, Amber Fox, accounting, and Jessie Bouxsein, nursing.
  • 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.
  • A resolution designating the fiscal year as July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 and the budget calendar.
  • Transfer of $539,063 to a Capital Development Board trust account at Midland States Bank to cover the anticipated local match for the air moisture infiltration deferred maintenance project.
  • A 16-credit Agricultural Studies certificate to provide basic understanding of the industry. “Businesses need qualified employees to fill entry-level positions,” said Corcoran.
  • The May 31 retirement of art instructor Karen Zeilman after 17 years. “I have enjoyed my time at IVCC and look forward to using skills I have developed at the college in my own private artwork. It is with a deep sense of appreciation that I make plans to leave this position.”
  • Closed session meeting minutes from Jan. 14.

The board learned:

  • “Quality calendars key for tracking year-end to-dos,” an article written by IVCC controller Kathy Ross, was published in Keep Up to Date on Payroll, a twice-monthly business magazine.
  • More than 50 area children received free dental care through Dental Assisting’s participation in the American Dental Association’s “Give Kids a Smile” campaign. Dental Assisting is considering launching a dental hygiene program. Dental Assisting “Turns away 12–18 students a year who would like to enroll in dental hygiene,” said Corcoran.
  • IVCC is a COVID-19 vaccination site. “We are happy our facilities are being used by the La Salle County Health Department and that so many of our employees and students have volunteered to help,” said Corcoran.
  • The college’s 55th annual commencement will premier online at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 22. Chemistry instructor Dr. Promise Yong will deliver the keynote address. The virtual event will be produced by Matthew Klein Films.
  • 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.