Skip to content

Office of the President

Office of the President

Feb 17
President's Day Holiday-No Classes
Apr 18
Good Friday Holiday-No Classes
May 26
Memorial Day Holiday-No Classes
Jun 19
Juneteenth Holiday-No Classes
Jul 3
4th of July-No Classes

In The Know

In The Know is published each month on the Wednesday following the Board of Trustees Meeting. In each issue, we will update you on the Board of Trustees meeting, happenings in HR, Institutional Research updates including survey results, Construction updates, Athletics, Academic Affairs, Student Services, Business Services, upcoming events and announcements, and recap of news around campus.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break and took some time to relax and recharge. As we look back on November, it was an exciting and busy month here on campus, filled with engaging events and meaningful celebrations. We kicked off the month with our annual AutumnFest, and we’re off to a great start in both men’s and women’s basketball. November also allowed us to honor Native American Heritage Month, reflect on the recent election with a post-election analysis, and highlight the important contributions of the LGBTQ community to health care.

Earlier in the month, our Highway Construction Program celebrated the success of 11 graduates in a special ceremony. Thank you to our student senate for organizing another successful Thanksgiving Food Drive, which assisted many in need. Also, our Angel Tree project is well underway. A few ornaments are still left on the trees near the entrances and at Logan Fitness. You have until December 11 to participate and help bring some holiday cheer to families in need.

On November 26, the Board of Trustees held their meeting, and I am thrilled to share the exciting news that Jennifer Fuller has been approved as our new Assistant Director of Legislative Affairs. Jennifer brings a wealth of experience with the Illinois Legislature and will be a valuable asset to our team. Additionally, I was honored to be named the Legislative Liaison for the Southeast region of Illinois community colleges. Jennifer and I will work closely with our local elected officials to address key issues impacting community colleges across our state.

On a more somber note, we sadly accepted Chief Allan Wilmore’s retirement request. He has distinguished himself by serving the College and the Police Department. His leadership and dedication will be greatly missed, and we wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life.

Toyin Fox, our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director announced her intention to retire on January 5. Toyin had done an outstanding job organizing events on our campus and in the community.

Lastly, I must acknowledge a personal and bittersweet farewell to Susan May. Susan has been my right arm since day one at this college. As the Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Assistant to the President and the Board of Trustees, she has been an invaluable colleague, and I will miss her deeply. Her dedication, integrity, and friendship have meant so much to me and the College community. Though we will miss her, we are all excited for her to enjoy retirement and spend more time with her grandchildren. Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful December as we wrap up this semester. Thank you for everything you do to make our College such a vibrant and supportive community.

Regards, 
Kirk Overstreet, PhD. 
Kirk E. Overstreet PhD. signature
President, John A. Logan College

John A. Logan College to Host Ribbon-Cutting Event for New Medical Labs and Classrooms

Celebrating New Classrooms and Labs for Adult Cardiac Diagnostic Sonography, Medical Laboratory Technology, and Surgical Technology

John A. Logan College will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of new labs and classrooms for three key health sciences programs: Adult Cardiac Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Laboratory Technology, and Surgical Technology. The event will occur at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the college’s Carterville campus, located on the lower level of the B-Wing. The public is invited to attend and learn more about these exciting new opportunities in healthcare education.

The new labs support Medical Laboratory Technology and Surgical Technology previously offered through the Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market (SICCM) and provide new space for the Adult Cardiac Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. The project was completed with a generous donation from Deaconess Illinois Medical Center and will provide students with hands-on training in cutting-edge facilities. These programs are integral to addressing the growing demand for highly skilled healthcare professionals in Southern Illinois.

About the Programs:

Adult Cardiac Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS):
Cardiac sonographers use high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart and its structures, assisting in diagnosing and monitoring heart disease. This program awards an associate in applied science degree and includes clinical rotations across hospitals and clinics. The job outlook for cardiac sonographers is expected to grow by 11% from 2023-2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), boasts a 100% job placement rate. Graduates earn the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDCS) credential through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT):
Medical laboratory technicians play a crucial role in diagnosing diseases through laboratory tests. Students in the MLT program learn to perform diagnostic testing on various bodily fluids, supporting patient care and treatment. The program, accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), offers an associate in applied science degree and includes extensive clinical experience. With a 5% job growth expected through 2033, graduates enter an in-demand job market, and the program has a 100% job placement rate. JALC is the only provider of this program in Southern Illinois within a 75-mile radius.

Surgical Technology Program (STP):
Surgical technologists assist surgeons during operations, ensuring the operating room is prepared and sterile. They are responsible for equipment and instruments and supporting patient safety throughout the surgical process. The STP program offers an associate in applied science degree and prepares students through clinical rotations in diverse hospital settings. The job outlook for surgical technologists is projected to grow by 6% through 2033. The program, seeking initial accreditation through CAAHEP, boasts a 100% job placement rate, with many graduates securing positions before completing their studies.

The ribbon-cutting event will mark a milestone in JALC’s commitment to providing high-quality, hands-on education in essential healthcare fields.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: John A. Logan College, Lower Level of B-Wing, Carterville, IL
Public Welcome: Yes, all are invited to attend.

For more information about the programs or the ribbon-cutting event, please contact the John A. Logan College Office of Marketing, Public Relations, and Communications at (618) 985-2828.

Highway Construction Careers Training Program Celebrated Graduation of 11 Students, Empowering the Next Generation of Tradespeople

The Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) recently held a graduation ceremony for its latest class of trainees on November 14, 2024, at the Carterville Community Center. The event marked an important milestone for 11 dedicated students, including four women, who have successfully completed the program and are now prepared to enter the workforce with valuable trade skills in the construction industry.

The HCCTP is committed to providing disadvantaged communities, minorities, and women the opportunity to learn hands-on construction skills to help launch meaningful careers. This semester’s graduates have demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience, and their success is a powerful example of the impact of this critical program.

Over 150 people were in attendance, including the graduates’ friends and family, faculty and staff from John A. Logan College (JALC), and key Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) representatives.

“We are incredibly proud of this cohort of graduates,” said Martin Merrill, HCCTP Program Coordinator. “They have worked tirelessly to acquire the skills necessary to succeed in the construction industry, and we are excited to see them embark on the next phase of their careers. Our program is dedicated to breaking down barriers to employment and creating pathways for individuals to thrive in a vital industry.”

The HCCTP provides comprehensive training in construction trades, including highway maintenance, safety practices, equipment operation, and more. Since its inception, the program has helped numerous individuals from underrepresented groups secure jobs in the construction field, fostering greater diversity and inclusion in the workforce.

“We believe this graduation is an important opportunity to showcase the achievements of our students and highlight the value of programs like HCCTP, which directly contribute to the growth and vitality of the local economy,” said Merrill.

Dual Credit Programs Play Key Role at John A. Logan College, Supporting Student Success and Community Growth

Dual credit programs are a game-changer for students and community colleges alike, and John A. Logan College (JALC) in Carterville is no exception. Offering high school students the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school, JALC’s dual credit program helps students save time and money while strengthening the College’s relationship with local school districts.

According to JALC officials, dual credit enrollment has grown significantly, with hundreds of students from surrounding high schools participating each semester. The college’s dual credit offerings span a range of fields, from general education courses like English and mathematics to career-oriented programs.

“Dual credit provides an invaluable opportunity for students to get a head start on their college education, especially for those who may not have otherwise considered higher education,” said Dr. Kirk Overstreet, President of John A. Logan College. “By earning credits in high school, students can graduate from college sooner, reduce their overall tuition costs, and enter the workforce with marketable skills.”

For many students, dual credit programs are a bridge to a brighter future. The average cost of a single college course can be a significant barrier to higher education for many families. Still, through dual credit, high school students pay only the fees associated with each course.

The benefits extend beyond cost savings. Dual credit gives students a feel for college-level coursework in a familiar high school setting. Students take classes taught by local high school instructors approved by JALC, and the credits earned transfer directly to the college, helping students build a foundation for future success.

For instance, this fall, Kalena Clark, a Du Quoin High School senior, enrolled in a dual-credit English course. She believes this will give her a competitive edge when applying to four-year universities after completing her associate degree at JALC.

“Taking these classes has helped me adjust to the rigor of college-level coursework,” said Clark, who plans to pursue a Pre-Law and Criminal Justice degree at JALC. “I also feel like I’m ahead of the game. By the time I graduate high school, I’ll already have several college credits, saving me time and money in the long run.”

John A. Logan College’s dual credit programs are also important for the college’s mission to serve the local community. By partnering with area high schools, JALC is helping ensure that students in southern Illinois are prepared for college and careers. The college works closely with local school districts to align curricula and offer students a seamless educational experience.

“We’re not just helping students earn credits; we’re preparing them for the future,” said Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford, Provost at JALC. “Many of our students enter the workforce directly after completing their dual credit courses, while others continue their education at JALC and then transfer to four-year institutions. Either way, they leave here more prepared than they would have been without these opportunities.”

The impact of dual credit extends to the region as well. Studies show that students who participate in dual credit programs are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education. As a result, these programs contribute to developing a skilled workforce essential for the continued growth and prosperity of the southern Illinois region.

As John A. Logan College continues to expand its dual credit offerings, school leaders are optimistic about the long-term impact these programs will have on individual students and the community.

“Dual credit is a win-win situation,” Overstreet said. “It helps students get a head start on their educational and career goals while benefiting the college and the region. We’re excited about what the future holds for this program.”

For more information on dual credit opportunities at John A. Logan College, visit www.jalc.edu/dual-credit.

Institutional Effectiveness and Research

IER SharePoint
The office of institutional effectiveness and research has a newly updated SharePoint site. This new site is broken into the following areas: Dashboards, Enrollment Data, Survey Results, and Student Assessment. Additional information will be updated on this new site over the coming months. The easiest way to access the new SharePoint site is clicking on the “IER SharePoint” link on the left-hand side of the JALC website for Institutional Effectiveness and Research. Or click this link to access the page directly: https://jalcollege.sharepoint.com/sites/InstitutionalEffectivenessandResearch

Human Resources

A list of current open positions at JALC is listed at https://www.jalc.edu/employment/.

Business Services

Facilities and Construction

In The Know – Archive