Jul 4 (4th of July) - No ClassesSep 2 (Labor Day) - No ClassesNov 11 (Veteran's Day) - No ClassesNov 25 to Nov 30 (Thanksgiving Break) - No ClassesDec 25 (Christmas Day) - No Classes
In The Know – Archive
Graduation Edition
Message From the President
I hope this message finds you well and filled with pride as we reflect on our recent graduation ceremonies and the successes of this past academic year. This year’s graduation ceremonies were some of the largest attended, and the “congratulations tunnel” formed by faculty and staff was greatly appreciated by our graduates. In addition to commencement, the ADN and LPN Pinning Ceremonies and Mary Logan High School Graduation were also held. On May 7, we had our 53 Honors Night, one of my favorite nights of the year. We honor our students for their hard work and hearing about their journey and plans is inspiring.
These ceremonies were not just a culmination of academic achievements but a celebration of resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit of our students. They were momentous occasions made even more special by the presence of our dedicated faculty, staff, families, and friends, who have supported our graduates every step of the way.
To our faculty and staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence in education and for nurturing the talents and aspirations of our students. Your dedication is the bedrock upon which our students build their futures.
Congratulations to our graduates on reaching this significant milestone! Your hard work, determination, and perseverance have paid off, and I do not doubt that you will go on to achieve great things. As you embark on the next chapter of your life, remember that you are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values instilled in you during your time at John A. Logan College. Dream big, aim high, and never forget the incredible potential within each of you.
We also celebrated the careers of 11 colleagues who have retired or will retire before the end of June: Teri Campbell, Paul Crawford, Catherine Hagler, Robin Humphries, Rick Layne, Christy Marrs, Christy Stewart, Debra Russell, Karla Tabing, Cheryl Thomas, and Gary Tendick. This group of dedicated employees represented over 200 plus years of service to John A. Logan College.
On May 1, Dr. Rachel Sveda-Webb became the Assistant Provost for Student Affairs. Her former position of Director of College Readiness was unfilled with her employment. Rather than fill this position as it was currently structured, the Board of Trustees approved four individuals within the Student Affairs division to assume additional duties and responsibilities. With a focus on student retention and success, these changes were necessary to make the most efficient use of our existing staff to ensure we meet the needs of our students, K-12 partners, and community. This will allow us to monitor, evaluate, and continuously improve our efforts to improve retention and completion rates.
The Board approved the following promotions effective July 1: April Martinez, Director of Enrollment Management; Kaylee Smith, Registrar; Abby Porter, Manager of Dual Credit and Partnerships; and Donnie Winget, Manager of Counseling. In addition to these promotions, a Manager of Student Transitions position will be posted to fulfill further student onboarding and retention responsibilities.
As a reminder, Open Enrollment is underway with our new insurance broker, USI. The HR office will continue to email the campus information regarding virtual and in-person meetings. Open enrollment ends on June 6.
Regards, Kirk Overstreet, PhD. President, John A. Logan College
News Around Campus
Dr. Heather Hampson Named JALC Outstanding Faculty Member
John A. Logan College proudly announces that Professor Dr. Heather Hampson, an esteemed faculty member in Nursing, has been recognized as the College’s 2024 Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) Outstanding Faculty Member.
Fellow faculty members vote on this prestigious award and highlight Professor Hampson’s dedication, commitment, and exceptional contributions to the academic and professional development of John A. Logan College students. As a distinguished faculty member, Professor Hampson has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovative teaching methodologies, and a profound commitment to student success.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Dr. Heather Hampson’s remarkable achievement as the 2024 ICCTA Outstanding Faculty Member,” said Dr. Kirk Overstreet, President of John A. Logan College. “Her dedication to excellence, tireless commitment to student success, and exemplary contributions to our academic community truly embody the spirit of this prestigious award.”
As a Professor of Nursing for the ADN and LPN programs at John A. Logan College, her impact extends far beyond the classroom. She teaches in the traditional, hybrid, lab, and clinical settings. Her classes include Respiratory, Pharmacology, Orth/Derm/Immune, IV therapy, Assessment, and Leadership/Ethics. Dr. Hampson sits on the Executive Committee of the Illinois Education Association and enjoys being the ADN club co-sponsor and LPN advisor to 150 students a year.
One of Dr. Hampson’s proudest professional accomplishments is the Eggstravaganza, established as an annual event in 2018. This student-led event services hundreds of children and families with disabilities from the community. The event was created to combine service learning for the students while investing in the community. The importance of this event was highlighted at the OADN National Conference, where Dr. Hampson co-presented “Thinking Outside the Box – Beyond the Hospital Walls” to encourage other community colleges to adopt the event.
Hampson’s teaching philosophy is rooted in not only teaching the students to be competent nurses but also in the aspects of caring and compassion.
“I take students to the hospitals, guide them as they apply knowledge into action, and watch as they grow as individuals. Engagement and recognition of achievement are constant components of my teaching environment,” said Hampson. “For caring and compassion, we have created several student service-learning projects. I am proud of The Not So Scary Trick or Treat and the Eggstravaganza. These events are important for our students to learn and show caring.”
Hampson says service-learning events serve hundreds of children and families from our community. They have been nationally recognized as an opportunity for community college nursing programs to creatively incorporate clinical learning opportunities and service learning outside of the hospital setting.
“As an educator, I must also demonstrate caring and compassion. I want my students to understand that I care about them as students and individuals,” said Hampson. “They are complex and will endure a spectrum of emotions and experiences in the nursing program. I want them to know I will help at every step of the journey.”
In addition to her classroom and clinical work, Dr. Hampson has presented at National Conferences and served on the Executive Committee as the IEA representative and the Professional Development Committee. She has previously served on the International Committee and Behavioral Intervention Committee. She also serves as the LPN Advisor for incoming LPN nursing students and has created an orientation that all incoming nursing students must attend. She co-chairs the ADN Nursing Clubs for full-time, part-time, and hybrid students.
Dr. Hampson also played an integral role in John A. Logan College receiving ACEN accreditation in 2019 and currently serves on the writing team for the 2024 ACEN re-accreditation visit.
She is a member of the Organization of Associate Degree Nursing (OADN). This organization specifically supports and educates nurse educators in the community college setting. She is also a member of the Infusion Nurse Society (INS). Dr. Hampson has attended several national INS Conferences to provide JALC students with the most up-to-date evidence-based practice. Dr. Hampson obtained a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) certification. This certification demonstrates a determination to provide excellent therapies while protecting the most vulnerable.
Dr. Hampson became a member of Sigma Theta Tau, an International Honor Society of Nursing, after completing her doctorate work titled “Assessing the Needs of the Individual with Autism Spectrum Disorders,” published in the Summer of 2020. Her work on educating staff and students about the needs of Autistic individuals in the hospital setting fosters a spirit of inclusion and diversity while maintaining integrity and safety.
The Illinois Community College Trustees Association sponsors the Outstanding Faculty Member Award. It recognizes outstanding faculty members who have made significant contributions to the academic community at Illinois Community Colleges. Dr. Heather Hampson’s exceptional achievements and dedication to excellence embody the spirit of this award, and he serves as a role model for faculty members across the institution and state.
Dr. Hampson will be recognized at the 2024 John A. Logan College Commencement on Friday, May 17, and at the ICCTA Annual Meeting in June Where the statewide award winner will be named.
Communications Instructor Cornelius Fair Named JALC Adjunct Faculty of the Year
John A. Logan College proudly announces the College’s 2024 ICCTA Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member Award recipient. Cornelius Fair, an esteemed educator and dedicated member of the John A. Logan College community, has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the institution’s academic excellence and commitment to student success.
Mr. Fair’s passion for teaching and mentorship has been demonstrated through his outstanding leadership and innovation as an adjunct faculty member at John A. Logan College. His tireless dedication to fostering a dynamic learning environment, coupled with his ability to engage and inspire students, has significantly impacted the educational experience at the College.
“We are thrilled to honor Cornelius Fair with the Adjunct Faculty Member Award,” said Dr. Kirk Overstreet, President of John A. Logan College. “His unwavering commitment to our students and his innovative approach to teaching exemplify our mission of enriching lives through learning and community engagement. Cornelius’s contributions have enriched the academic community and positively influenced the lives of his students.”
Overstreet added that Fair’s dedication and commitment to his students makes him stand out.
“Throughout his tenure at John A. Logan College, he has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. His passion for his subject matter and his dedication to student success have earned him the admiration and respect of his colleagues and students alike.”
Cornelius Fair, a native of Mississippi, is a proud alumnus of Jackson State University. He holds a master’s degree from Western Michigan University. Currently, he is pursuing his doctoral studies at Southern Illinois University.
Despite calling southern Illinois home for nearly two decades, it was his time as a youth in Mississippi that he witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education.
“For me, education emerged as the beacon of hope, countering the shadows cast by Mississippi’s complex past,” said Fair. Surrounded by educated Black role models, I witnessed firsthand the tangible manifestations of success.”
It is those experiences that have influenced his teaching philosophy.
“At the core of my teaching philosophy lies a commitment to empowering students to interrogate their beliefs, challenge assumptions, and embrace diverse perspectives. I urge them to transcend the confines of conventional wisdom, embarking on a journey of self-discovery where the diversity of truths coexists.”
In addition to teaching, he serves on the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee and Shared Governance Council. He has assisted with the college’s newly formed speech and debate team and regularly attends JALC athletic events. He has helped organize successful events on campus, including the 2023 Juneteenth commemoration and other student life events, where he has served as emcee.
He attends professional development opportunities hosted at the college and, this past year, along with other JALC Faculty, presented at the Illinois Communication and Theater Association annual conference and the Central States Communication Association conference last month.
The Illinois Community College Trustees Association sponsors the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member Award. It recognizes outstanding adjunct faculty members who have made significant contributions to the academic community at Illinois Community Colleges. Cornelious Fair’s exceptional achievements and dedication to excellence embody the spirit of this award, and he serves as a role model for faculty members across the institution and state.
Cornelius Fair considers teaching at John A. Logan College a privilege, a privilege that his students have benefited from.
“I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Fair. “Teaching at John A. Logan College has been a privilege, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such talented and motivated students. I am committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders.”
He will be recognized at the College’s graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 17, and at the ICCTA Annual Meeting in June, where the statewide winner will be announced.
John A. Logan College Celebrates Success at the 56th Annual Honors Night
Carterville, Illinois – May 30, 2024 – John A. Logan College proudly announces its 56th Annual Honors Night award winners. This prestigious event served as a platform to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and excellence throughout the academic year.
“This is one of my favorite nights of the year,” said JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. “I want to give a heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients and participants. Their accomplishments are a testament to their hard work, determination, and passion for learning. They fulfill the College’s mission of enriching lives through learning and community engagement.”
The following awards were presented at the 56th Honors Night at John A. Logan College:
Allied Health and Public Service Department:
Academic Excellence in Criminal Justice: Piper L. Jones
Southern Illinois Dental Society Scholarship for Dental Assisting: Manuel Vicente
Applied Technologies Department:
ELT Biomedical Electronics Technology Student of the Year: Alex Jackson
ELT Computer Support & Networking Student of the Year: Logan Owens
ELT Freshman – Computer Support & Networking Student of the Year: Kaleab Bramlett
ELT Freshman – Electronics Technology Student of the Year: Braden Wright
ELT Electrical Engineering Technology Student of the Year: Casey Nimo
ELT Electrical Engineering Technology Student of the Year: Chalotte Arnold
ELT Freshman – Electrical Engineering Technology Student of the Year: Jason Ralston
ELT Mechatronics Engineering Technology Student of the Year: Payton Craig
ELT Freshman – Mechatronics Engineering Tech. Student of the Year: Chris Bates
ELT Volunteer Infantry Award: Zachary Hill
Business, Computer Science, and Mathematics Department:
Excellence in Business AA: Timothy Sunny
Outstanding Mathematics Student: Kody Behnken
Communication, Humanities, and Social Science Department:
Excellence in English: Lacy Beatley
Excellence in Music Leadership: Keara Sweeney, Ethan Roman
Lifelong Learner Award: Betty Adams, Brian Stanfield
Life and Physical Science Department:
Excellence in Biology: Cara Cox, Darren Hale
Excellence in Chemistry: Savannah Bain, Anna Rolla
The co-curricular awards celebrated student engagement and leadership in various extracurricular activities:
Engaged Leader Award: Denisse Pedroza Valadez
Excellence in Artistic Experimentation: Jesse Adams
Excellence in Professional Art Practice: Victoria Vukadinovich
Outstanding STEM Club Members: Savannah Bain, Carson Frost
Student Leader of the Year: Savannah Bain
The President’s Awards, presented by Dr. Kirk Overstreet, honored outstanding achievements and contributions, including the prestigious Presidential Scholars:
ICCTA Paul Simon Student Essay Award: Michael Rigdon
2024 Gigi Campbell Student Trustee Excellence Scholarship: Magnus Noble
2024 All USA Community College Academic Team: Magnus Noble
Board of Trustees’ Merit Scholarship: Paige Graves
President’s Distinguished Service Award: Casey Nimmo
Presidential Scholars:
Richard Mize
Claire Marie Gardner
Timothy Sunny
Magnus Noble
John A. Logan College sincerely congratulates all award recipients for their dedication and outstanding achievements. These students embody the spirit of excellence and inspire their peers and the community at large.
John A. Logan College Announces Juneteenth Celebration on June 18
John A. Logan College is excited to announce its upcoming Juneteenth Celebration, scheduled for June 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Waterfall Courtyard.
The Juneteenth Celebration promises to be a joyous occasion for the community, featuring a variety of activities and entertainment. Attendees can look forward to local food from Smokin K’s BBQ and Cajun Cuisine and Cold Blooded Coffee and Roastery, as well as live entertainment from the J-Sound Band. There will also be arts and games, dancing, storytelling, and poetry.
“We are thrilled to host this Juneteenth Celebration at John A. Logan College,” said JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. “This is the third year we have hosted this event on campus, and it has been greatly supported by our community. It’s an opportunity for our community to come together, reflect on our history, and celebrate our progress. We invite everyone to join us for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship.”
Attendees should bring their lawn chairs, tents, and picnic blankets for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The Juneteenth Celebration is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.jalc.edu/diversity-and-inclusion or contact Toyin Fox at 618-985-2828, ext. 8586, or toyinfox@jalc.edu.
For media inquiries, please contact: Dr. Steve O’Keefe, Assistant Vice President for Marketing, Public Relations, and Communications, John A. Logan College 618-985-2828, ext. 8569 or steveokeefe@jalc.edu.
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
As we near the end of the spring semester, I am filled with pride and gratitude for all we have accomplished during this academic year. Everyone’s work to achieve our goals and tactics and think outside the box to develop innovative methods of instruction, recruitment, and student support has been marketed by resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence here at JALC.
Throughout April, our innovative approach to our mission of enriching lives through learning and community engagement has been on full display. We have had several events that have brought hundreds of people to campus. World Music and Food Day was celebrated this past week. Labor History Society Vice President Mike Matejka, songwriter, performer, and historian Bucky Halker, presented Dark as a Dungeon Illinois Cole Mining in Story and Song. We also held our new student orientation for all our in-district high schools in April.
All our spring sports teams will begin post-season play in May. The softball team is 43-7 overall and 31-3 in conference play. Baseball is 39-7 overall and 19-5 in conference play. Both teams have one more home series before they begin postseason play next week. Men’s and Women’s golf recently competed in the Region 24 Tournament and are preparing for the District Tournament.
We have much to anticipate and look forward to in the coming months as we plan for the start of the fall semester. I know the College’s health insurance plan has been on everyone’s mind, and I am pleased to announce that we have chosen a health insurance broker. I want to thank the insurance committee members for their hard work and commitment. We will begin creating a contract with the broker, providing us with several healthcare packages. I anticipate they will start meeting with faculty and staff in the next month to explain the options and coverage one-on-one and in groups. They are the experts and will be able to answer any questions and concerns you might have.
Dr. Susan LaPanne and her team have done an outstanding job guiding us through the new budgeting process. The Cabinet met and reviewed each of the “new” initiatives submitted, and we are now establishing a timeline for each based on the budget. Moving forward, our goal is to begin the budget process in the fall and have it ready for Board approval by early spring to allow adequate time for planning.
Several faculty and staff members attended conferences in March and April, including AACC and HLC. I am particularly proud of Cathrine Hoekstra, Kaylee Smith, and Emily Monti for their outstanding presentation on building morale at the AACC Conference. They did an exceptional job and spoke to a standing-room-only crowd.
At each conference, one theme was on everyone’s minds: student retention. This past week, Cabinet and extended cabinet members met to plan our goals and tactics for the upcoming academic year. The group consensus is to focus on retention as a central theme in 2025. As your departments meet to discuss your goals and tactics, I ask you to consider your tactics and goals for retention through the lens of enriching lives and uplifting the community. As we strive to provide a transformative educational experience for our students, we must recognize and prioritize the importance of retaining them throughout their academic journey.
I extend my best wishes to all this year’s retirees. Thank you, Teri Campbell, Paul Crawford, Catherine Hagler, Robin Humphries, Rick Layne, Christy Marrs, Christy Stewart, Debra Russell, Karla Tabing, Cheryl Thomas, and Gary Tendick. You will all be greatly missed, but we hope you enjoy your retirement. A retirement celebration will be held in the Conference Center on Wednesday, May 15, at 2 p.m.
In closing, I congratulate our graduating students as they embark on their next adventure. May you continue to pursue your dreams with passion, courage, and integrity, knowing that you carry the spirit of John A. Logan College wherever you go.
Regards, Kirk Overstreet, PhD. President, John A. Logan College
Retirement Reception May 15th
News Around Campus
College Announces Graduation Week Activities
John A. Logan College will hold the Fifty-Fifth Commencement on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Donald L. Brewer Gymnasium and Convocation Center on the John A. Logan College Campus in Carterville.
Due to limited seating, the College will hold two ceremonies. The Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Engineering Science, and Associate in Fine Arts degrees ceremony will be held at 5:00 p.m. The Associate in Applied Science and certificate ceremony will be held at 7:30 p.m. Seating is based on a first-come-first-serve basis. Additional seating with a live video stream will be available in the O’Neil Auditorium.
Doors will open for the 5:00 p.m. ceremony at 4:00 p.m. After the first ceremony, the Gymnasium will be cleared, and doors will reopen at 6:45 p.m. Students graduating should report to the gymnasium no later than 4:15 p.m. for the 5:00 p.m. ceremony and 6:45 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. ceremony.
Award-winning Nashville, TN-based realtor Nichole Holmes will be recognized as the distinguished alumnus and featured speaker at both ceremonies. In addition to her career in real estate, Holmes is an accomplished model, actress, and host of the Netflix show Marriage or Mortgage.
Chay-Chen Hartman will be the student speaker at the 5 PM ceremony, and Betty Adams will be the student speaker at the 7:30 PM ceremony. Dr. Heather Hampson has been selected as the Faculty of the Year, and Cornelius Fair as the Adjunct Faculty of the Year. Both will be recognized at the graduation ceremonies.
The John A. Logan College Nursing Department will hold the Nurse Pinning Ceremonies on Thursday, May 16, in the Donald L. Brewer Gymnasium and Convocation Center. The LPN ceremony will be held at 2:00 p.m. and the ADN ceremony at 4:30 p.m.
Mary Logan High School’s Graduation will be held on Thursday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the O’Neil Auditorium. Doors will open for the graduation at 6:00 p.m.
John A. Logan College Launches Innovative Hospitality Management Program to Meet Regional Workforce Demand
John A. Logan College proudly announces its establishment of a groundbreaking hospitality management program poised to revolutionize the regional workforce landscape and foster economic prosperity in southern Illinois.
With the region’s tourism, recreation, and hospitality industries flourishing, there’s a pressing need for skilled professionals to fill the current vacancies and anticipated future roles. Recognizing this demand, John A. Logan College is committed to providing top-tier education and training through its newly developed Hospitality Management program.
“We aim to equip individuals with the expertise and skills necessary to excel in the dynamic field of hospitality,” said Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford, Provost of John A. Logan College. “By offering this program, we are not only meeting the needs of our community but also contributing to the continued growth and development of southern Illinois.”
The program comes at a pivotal time, as the projections of the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate a significant surge in job opportunities within the leisure and hospitality sector. Over the next decade, the U.S. economy is expected to add 1.9 million jobs in this field, constituting 23.1 percent of all new job additions. With an annual growth rate of 1.3 percent, the hospitality industry emerges as the fastest-growing sector, underscoring the importance of initiatives like John A. Logan College’s Hospitality Management program.
Enrollment in the program has begun, and classes will begin in August 2024. Students can choose between a degree in Hospitality Management or a certificate in Hospitality Management Operations. The program promises a comprehensive curriculum to nurture the next generation of hospitality leaders.
“We are excited to embark on this journey with our students, empowering them to thrive in diverse hospitality environments,” remarked Dr. Nathan Arnett, Assistant Provost of Academic Affairs. “Through hands-on training, industry insights, and experiential learning opportunities, we are shaping future professionals who will drive innovation and excellence in hospitality.”
The Hospitality Management program at John A. Logan College exemplifies the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, workforce development, and community enrichment. Southern Illinois continues to emerge as a hub for tourism and hospitality, and John A. Logan College is committed to helping grow tourism in southern Illinois.
For more information about the Hospitality Management program at John A. Logan College, visit www.jalc.edu/program-guides or contact Mr. Scott Wernsman, Dean of Career & Technical Education and Workforce Training at scottwernsman@jalc.edu (618) 985-2828 x8403.
Around Campus
In The Know Links and Updated Information
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
I hope each of you had an opportunity for some downtime during Spring Break. March has been very busy with performances, competitions, and mid-terms. The spring semester is halfway over, and we have begun registering students for the summer and fall semesters. March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. The College has dedicated the week of March 25 through the 29 to celebrate Women’s History. The Diversity and Inclusion Office will have Thank You note cards available at the E, G, and C Wing Entrances or at the library, where you can send a thank you note to women leaders in our lives.
In addition to the thank-you cards, Carbondale Mayor Carolyn Harvey was the keynote speaker at an event on campus. Thank you to Toyin Fox for organizing the event and Robyn Stevens for moderating. April is Community College Month. Be sure to check the website and calendar for events and announcements. We will also welcome our in-district high school seniors on campus for New Student Orientation Days in April. It is exciting as we welcome our new students to John A. Logan College, and I look forward to the buzz around campus that the orientations generate.
This month, I visited our in-district high schools to award two-year scholarships to our newest Student Ambassadors and talk to students who plan to attend JALC in the fall. For the students and their families, this was indeed a life-changing event. I enjoyed participating in their celebration and talking to the students about all the opportunities at JALC.
Congratulations to Dr. Heather Hampson and Corneilus Fair on being named the 2024 Outstanding Faculty and Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Awards. The ICCTA sponsors the awards, and both will be recognized at graduation and at the ICCTA Annual Meeting in June.
I want to congratulate Chris Thornton, and the 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee cast on an outstanding production. Thanks to Matt Garrison and the Humanities Faculty for an outstanding Humanities Day event. I also want to congratulate the Forensics Team on their tremendous success in their first year of competition.
The basketball season concluded at the Region 24 Tournaments for our Women’s and Men’s teams. I want to congratulate Coach Jones and Coach Smithpeters on their outstanding seasons. Baseball, softball, and women’s and men’s golf seasons are underway, and conference play has recently begun. Seeing the teams practice and play on campus reminds me that spring is here. Another reminder of spring is the hard work that our building and grounds team does to make the campus beautiful.
This past weekend, our campus and hearts were full as hundreds of children and their families participated in Dr. Patchett’s Eggstravaganza. The event is held annually by the Nursing Department and the Nursing Club. It celebrates neurodiversity, and I want to applaud the efforts of the department and the students who made it memorable for everyone involved.
I want to close with an update on Insurance. First, I would like to thank the Insurance Committee, Stephanie Harner, and Dr. Susan LaPanne for their hard work. At the March board meeting, the Board approved the request not to continue with Team Care as our Insurance Broker. We are continuing talks with the two brokers selected from the survey with the intent to provide a recommendation to the Board in April. The committee will provide updates when available.
Regards, Kirk Overstreet, PhD. President, John A. Logan College
Welcome and Congratulations
We want to welcome our new JALC Faculty and Staff and congratulate current staff on their new positions. The following appointments were approved at the March Board of Trustees meeting. Colleen McLaughlin, CCR&R Infant Toddler Specialist; Keisha Rafe, Athletic Services Coordinator; Jacee Woodward, Full-Time Faculty, Biology; Angela Lampley, Full-Time Faculty, Medical Lab Technology; Jennifer Jordan, Full-Time Faculty, Surgical Technology; Jimmy Dodd, Building Maintenance; Daneila Brooks, Executive Assistant II, Business Services.
We also want to congratulate Christy Marrs on her retirement and thank her for her many years of dedicated service to the College.
News Around Campus
JALC to Host Historian Mike Matejka and Musical Artist Bucky Halker to Discuss Dark as a Dungeon Illinois Coal Mining in Story and Song
John A. Logan College will host Illinois Labor History Society Vice President Mike Matejka and songwriter, performer and historian Bucky Halker on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the John A. Logan College Conference Center as they present Dark as a Dungeon Illinois Col Mining in Story and Song.
According to his bio on the Illinois Humanities website, Mike Matejka is an author, historian, community activist, and retired union representative. He served as the Governmental Affairs Director for the Great Plains Laborers District Council, edited the Grand Prairie Union News for 40 years, and was also elected for 18 years to the Bloomington City Council. As an Illinois Labor History Society vice-president, he knows Illinois’ nationally significant labor history. He is a past president and current board member of the McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington, where he was guest curator for five different exhibits, including two on railroad topics. He has written for multiple publications and is completing an overview book on Illinois labor history.
Bucky Halker is a songwriter, performer, and historian with 15 albums, including Anywhere But Utah: songs of Joe Hill (2015), a musical tribute to martyred labor songwriter Joe Hill and the Ghost of Woody Gutherie (2012), an original music tribute to the legendary folksinger.
According to John A. Logan College Professor of History Dr. David Cochran, the event will tell the story of Illinois Coal mines from the perspective of the coal miner.
“Coal has provided the fuel for Illinois history, both literally and figuratively. Corporations and towns have been built on it while miners have endured horrific safety conditions, and Illinois has suffered more than its share of mining disasters, Cochran said. “Through Illinois coal fields run multiple themes of American history, including immigration, ethnic and racial divisions, and numerous bloody labor confrontations as miners struggled to establish their right to organize for a living wage and a decent life.”
The event is free and open to the public and sponsored by the John A. Logan College Department of Communications, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the Illinois Humanities Council Road Scholar Program.
JALC Speech Team Captures National Award
The John A. Logan College Speech team continues to have success in the program’s first year of competition. Earlier in March, the team competed in the Illinois Intercollegiate Forensics Association State Finals and ranked in several events. At the competition, Pat Idzik received the Dennis Ross Award, which was voted on by student competitors and awarded to the coach who is dedicated to forensics excellence and service. Students placing at the competition included: Kellen Colson, sixth in dramatic interpretation, and fifth in poetry; Marissa Bogdansky, sixth in impromptu; Alberta Grinston, third in poetry; and Mischa O’Connell, second in IPDA debate.
The team also competed at the National Speech Championship, an open tournament for qualifying schools at the University of Illinois Chicago. The team placed in seven events and captured the National Two-Year College title in Sweeps. Team members placing at the tournament included: Kellen Colson and Mia Bogdansky, tenth place in duo; Kellen Colson, eighth place in poetry, Alberta Grinstron, sixth place in poetry; Kazia Taylor, fifth place in impromptu; Mia Bogdansky, fifth place in poetry and Mia Bogdansky, Alberta Grinstron, Kazia Taylor, and Emily Nelson, second place in group improv.
“I am extremely proud of this group of hardworking students and coaches,” JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet said. “To find the success that they have while navigating their first year of competition is truly remarkable.”
New Marketing Department Website
The Office of Marketing, Public Relations, and Communications has a new website to assist individuals and departments with publication needs and publicity requests. The website includes a style guide, downloadable logos, and information on media relations. Event promotion and website update request forms are also available. The site is located on the President’s Page at https://www.jalc.edu/marketing-public-relations-and-communications/media-relations/.
Photos Around Campus
In The Know Links and Updated Information
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
Message From the President and February Board of Trustees Meeting
It is hard to believe that the semester is almost halfway over. February has been busy, highlighted by Black History Month and CTE Month. We have had some great workshops and guest speakers for Black History Month, including an outstanding presentation by our own Dr. David Cochran on “The Language of the Unheard: The Persistence of Racism in Post-Civil Rights Era America.” I want to thank Toyin Fox and the Diversity Committee for their hard work organizing these important discussions.
As we celebrated the value of Career and Technical Education and the achievements and accomplishments of our outstanding program at John A. Logan College, we welcomed Illinois Community College Board Executive Director Dr. Brian Durham to campus to tour our CTE programs and meet with faculty and students. We were excited to have Dr. Durham on campus to show him the state-of-the-art equipment that our students are using, and we were able to share with him the architectural drawings of the CTE building renovations and construction.
We held an informational forum on Tuesday, February 20, where four insurance brokers shared presentations and answered questions from the Insurance Committee. I want to thank everyone for your quick response to the survey. Two brokers selected to present proposals to the college are USI and Clemmens. Our goal and the brokers’ responsibility are to find insurance carriers that can provide a plan equal to our current plan with additional options, including opting out of coverage if your spouse or partner has insurance coverage under which you can be included.
February will close with Humanities Day and the John A. Logan College Foundation’s Annual Italian Dinner on Wednesday, February 28. Over 200 students are expected to be on campus for Humanities Day. The Italian Dinner will include a spaghetti dinner prepared by Joe’s Pizza. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children. They will begin serving at 4:30, and carryout meals will be available. Dinner tickets include admittance to the Men’s Basketball game vs. Kaskaskia at 7 p.m.
March will be equally as busy, with several events planned on campus. On March 1,2 and 3, the Spring Musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!” Tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6233868.
Best-selling author Eric Litwin will be on campus on Saturday, March 2. The event is sponsored through the ECACE grant. Litwin, author of the Pete the Cat series, will present his book, The Power of Joyful Reading: Help Your Young Readers Soar to Success! Early Childhood educators and students from the region will participate in this event. Nearly 200 participants have pre-registered to attend the event on our campus.
Registration for the summer and fall semesters will begin on Monday, March 4, and the Annual Job Fair will take place on Wednesday, Mach 27.
The Eggstravaganza, an Easter Egg hunt specialized for Neurodiversity sponsored by the Nursing Department, will take place on March 23 from Noon to 2 PM.
Six of the College’s seven athletic programs will compete throughout February and March. I wish Men’s and Women’s basketball good luck as they begin postseason play and good luck to baseball, softball, and men’s and women’s golf as their spring seasons get underway.
The February Board of Trustees Meeting was held on Monday, February 26. The entire Board Agenda Pack was available on the John A. Logan College website. This will be standard procedure moving forward. At the Board meeting, the College received a clean financial audit. I want to thank everyone on campus for continuing to be good stewards of our financial resources.
I also want to congratulate Jason Stutes, Applied Technology; Andrew Carr, Business, Computer Science, and Mathematics; and Rebecca Corbit, Life and Physical Science, on their appointments as Department Chairs. I also Want to congratulate Wade Dover, Hannah Henson, Torrey Holland, Patrick Idzik, Sumar MacDonald, and Connie Robinson on receiving tenure.
The retirement requests of Debra Russell, Professor of Practical Nursing, and Karla Tabing, Director of Logan Academy, were approved effective June 1, 20204. The retirement request of Susan May, Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Assistant to the President, was approved effective January 1, 2025. I can’t begin to thank each of them enough for their contributions to John A. Logan College, and I wish them the best as they start this new chapter in their lives.
In closing, I want to share my commitment to John A. Logan College with our community again. In an email sent to campus last week, I shared with you my concern that there had been a rumor that I was a candidate for another position. I want to assure you again that it is false. I am very excited to be here at Logan. Our work to enrich lives and uplift our community is the most rewarding venture I have ever participated in in my professional career. We have accomplished much over the last three years, and I look forward to our continued work.
Regards, Kirk Overstreet, PhD. President, John A. Logan College
News Around Campus
No Debate About It: New JALC Speech Team is Off to a Fast Start
Last year, Instructor of Communications Pat Idzik approached John A. Logan College President Dr. Kirk Overstreet with an initiative to build a competitive speech team. Idzik wanted the College to start a Forensics team to compete state-wide and nationally in public speaking, oral interpretation, and reader’s theater. Overstreet knew he had the right person to start the program and gave him a simple charge. Do it!
“I know there has long been a desire to start a team at the College, and I knew Pat was the right person to get the program up and running. So, I told him there is no time like the present. Let’s get a team together and give it a shot,” Overstreet said.
Idzik hit the ground running by recruiting current and former students and getting the help of staff members who had competed as students.
“We already had a lot of talented students on campus that had high school experience,” said Idzik. “We also had two staff members in our IT department with experience willing to coach, which was a huge help to me. It allowed us to go from talking about doing this to competing in the fall.”
The first call went to Jon Gunzel, a technology support technician in the Information Technology Department who had competed for Southeastern Illinois College’s storied forensics team.
“Jon had experience as a competitor, and he still had contacts that could help us start competing immediately, so I knew he would be the perfect person to serve as the head coach and mentor to our team,” said Idzik. “We had a second staff member in IT with experience in Dustin Myers, who also agreed to help coach the team, and Anthony Zarinana, adjunct faculty in Communication. These volunteer coaches have contributed hundreds of hours to the new team’s success.”
With coaches in place, Idzik’s next move was to recruit someone to be a team captain, and he knew that Kellen Colson from Marion was the first call he made.
“I had Pat as an instructor my first semester at JALC, and he knew about my experience competing in high school and at a college I had previously attended, so he reached out to me over the summer to see If I would be interested in starting a team here at John A. Logan College,” Colson said. “Essentially, it all started small with recruiting the team at Club Day and with signs around campus. Once enough students were interested in competing, the next step was doing the leg work to get us in some competitions.”
According to Gunzel, other programs around the state were extremely helpful in getting the team ready to compete.
“Teams around the state, especially SIC, have been extremely supportive in helping us know what we need to compete, how to get scripts, how to dress, and how to sign up for tournaments,” said Gunzel. “The other coaches have encouraged us and have really been excited for our students as they have placed in events.”
Being the new kids on the block does not mean the students or coaches are not expected to do well. They have decided to go to every competition to place, which is just what they have done in their first year of competing.
At the recent IIFA State Virtual Tournament debate, Mischa O’Connell and Alberta Grinston competed against two- and four-year schools.
Mischa O’Connell has secured first or second place in Illinois’s 2-year International Public Debate. The official results will be revealed at the tournament’s conclusion on March 3.
In addition to O’Connell, several team members recently placed at Pioneer Trails Open Digital Tournament. Kellen Colson and Marissa Bogdansky placed second in duo. Colson also finished fifth in dramatic interpretation and sixth in poetry. Emily Nelson placed fifth in informative, and Bogdansky finished sixth in Prose. The team finished third in Sweeps (awards given to the top teams based on the entire team’s performance at a tournament). D’Kazia Taylor is also a member of the team.
President Overstreet could not be prouder of the group’s quick success.
“We are so proud of what they have accomplished in such a short time. I think they have exceeded everyone’s expectations, and I know they will do well at the remaining tournaments and into the future.”
The team will next compete at the IE tournament in Chicago Heights, where 5 of the members will compete in individual events. For more information, visit www.jalc.edu.
ICCB Executive Director Visits JALC
Illinois Community College Board Executive Director Dr. Brian Durham toured John A. Logan College on Thursday, visiting the College’s Career and Technical Education programs. Durham met with college officials to discuss the governor’s proposed budget and toured the College to see the state-of-the-art equipment JALC students use for training.
Assistant Vice President of Construction, Planning, & Facilities Management Jeremy Sargent unveiled the current architectural renderings of the 8-million-dollar CTE building renovations and additions project. The College is expected to break ground later this year on the facility, funded partially by a 4.2-million-dollar grant that the College received from the Economic Development Administration in 2022.
February is Career and Technical Education Month, a public awareness campaign that takes place each February to celebrate the value of CTE and the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs across the country.
The tour’s highlights included welding demonstrations, auto body paint simulators, and criminal justice training simulators. A tour and demonstration of the College’s new state-of-the-art mobile ambulance. A tour of nursing classrooms, tutoring room, and the College’s Habitat for Humanity Construction project.
The visit came just days after the Illinois Community College Board announced that John A. Logan College is one of 12 community colleges to receive a grant to help implement virtual reality equipment into existing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs throughout the state.
Overall, the funding will allow recipient colleges to purchase VR hardware and software to recruit and instruct students in various workforce training programs for industries including but not limited to healthcare, criminal justice, manufacturing, and HVAC. John A. Logan College will receive $49,840 to purchase equipment for the criminal justice program.
Engineering Students at JALC Can Transfer Seamlessly to U of I with the Engineering Pathways Program and Help From the STEM Scholarship at JALC
Studies have shown that students who begin at a community college do better in their final two years at university than those who start at the university. With an Engineering Pathways Program at the University of Illinois, students can take foundation courses at John A. Logan College that form the building blocks for more advanced STEM courses. Current and former engineering students at JALC are finding success at the University because of the foundation they are getting in physics, chemistry, and mathematics at John A. Logan College.
John A. Logan College is participating in the University of Illinois Engineering Pathways, offering students interested in beginning their college education at an Illinois community college a streamlined transfer experience and guaranteed admission to The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Students admitted to the Pathways program must follow a designated plan of study, earn a B or better in required courses, maintain a 3.5 GPA overall and in technical coursework, and participate in a mandatory advising program.
According to Dr. Prachi Parashar, Assistant Professor of Physics and Engineering at John A. Logan College, her students are leaving John A. Logan College prepared to succeed at the University.
“We teach the basics in mathematics and physics and give students the experience they need in the core courses,” said Parashar. “I am really very proud of our students. They have been transferring with a high success rate after completing their Associate’s degree at John A. Logan College, and it is exciting to see them succeed.”
Parashar added that the environment at John A. Logan College has been one of the keys to her students’ success.
“I absolutely love teaching in a smaller environment. I can connect one-on-one as we progress through the course, which is important in these courses.”
Brennen Thomas of Carterville began taking classes at John A. Logan College while still in high school. He will graduate from the University of Illinois in May with a degree in chemical engineering. After graduation, he will pursue his doctoral degree in biomolecular and chemical engineering. He has fully funded acceptance offers from Columbia University, Vanderbilt University, John Hopkins University, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Colorado-Boulder.
“John A. Logan College taught me the strong work ethic needed to succeed in an engineering curriculum at a university. I felt much more prepared because I had taken classes at John A. Logan College before my freshman year at U of I,” said Thomas.
Thomas added that it was the instructors that made the difference at JALC.
“The instructors were always available after class and wanted to ensure you grasped the material before moving on.”
Mason Norris of Marion is a current student at John A. Logan College. Norris is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and plans to transfer to the University of Illinois next fall. Norris is confident that attending JALC first was the best decision he could have made, both academically and financially.
“My instructor for all my Physics courses, Dr. Prachi Parashar, cares so much about us learning and understanding the material. She isn’t here to get us through the classes. She really loves for us to be in the classroom and constantly learning,” said Norris.
In addition to the excellent instruction, Norris believes attending John A. Logan College made the most sense financially.
“With the number of scholarships and other opportunities like student work, I not only feel prepared academically but also financially to transfer to U of I.”
Results of recent surveys, including the spring Kick-Off survey and data that has been collected, can be found at https://www.jalc.edu/institutional-research/. To obtain results, click the IE SharePoint link on the left side of the page.
Human Resources
The College will host Mental Health First Aid training on March 8, and March 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To register, visit https://myarrowleaf.org/mhfa/. A list of current open positions at JALC is listed at https://www.jalc.edu/employment/.
The Spring Semester is underway, and we survived the first round of winter weather in southern Illinois. We opened the semester with a new look, Kick-Off. It was a bit unorthodox, and I appreciate everyone’s willingness to hang in there during our all-campus session in the morning. I also want to thank everyone who completed the survey following our session. Your input at the session, as well as the survey results, are extremely important.
As I stated at the event, I am committed to uplifting this community through education, including all of you. My efforts, the design, and the purpose of the morning session were specifically meant to be an inclusive event where we, as a team, came together to explore the overall direction of the College, along with discussing what we need to address as a group and to develop a road map to our collective success. The data collected from the walls and the survey have been published on the IER intranet (link). There are some great constructive comments on the survey. I encourage you all to review and consider this feedback and the stop, start, and continue data as you develop your tactics and goals for the upcoming strategic/tactic planning for 2024/2025.
As the semester progresses, I intend to hold several brown bag events where we can explore the stop, start, and continue data and refine some of these ideas into tactics for next year’s strategic planning. Please join me as we continue developing these ideas.
On Tuesday, January 16, we held our first Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration Breakfast. We wanted an event celebrating his life and legacy and allowing our students and community to attend. The event was an overwhelming success! Over 250 people attended the breakfast. Our speakers and performers were incredible and well-received. This will become an annual event at the College on the Tuesday following Martin Luther King Day. I want to thank everyone involved in planning for all their hard work organizing this great event.
Together, we can continue to lead Logan and our community to new heights. Again, thank you for your input and devotion to our mission. I intend to keep the dialogue progressing positively and look forward to hearing from each of you as we work to uplift our community and enrich lives.
Regards, Kirk Overstreet, PhD. President, John A. Logan College
January Board of Trustees Meeting
The Board of Trustees met in regular session on Tuesday, January 23, at 6 p.m. President Overstreet reported on the spring Kick-Off event on January 11. Overstreet discussed the format change that focused on “why we do what we do.” According to the President, overwhelmingly, faculty and staff stated that they are student-driven and focused on improving the lives of our students and the community through teaching and services at the College. Overstreet shared that part of the Kick-Off event involved asking faculty and staff what the College should: Stop, Start, and Continue. He stated that there were a lot of great comments, that the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness was currently tabulating those comments, and that they would be reported to the entire campus in the near future.
Provost Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford reported on the success of the recent Saturday Sign-up event and the start of the fall semester. Dr. Harford also announced that the College was recently awarded $483,508.00 to develop more EV programs, purchase EV equipment, and possibly two vehicles, a Ford Lightening and a Tesla. The funding also provides professional development opportunities for our Automotive faculty.
“JALC is now part of the Development of EV (electric vehicle) Expansion Cohort across the state. We will be part of a group of colleges who will be participating in an EV Network,” said Hartford. “This will allow the college to help create pathway mapping for dual credit and other training as well as develop new programs or courses in our Automotive programs.”
Vice President for Business Services and CFO Dr. Susan LaPanne reported that the staff in Business Services enjoyed the shared collaboration theme of the spring Kick-Off event. Dr. LaPanne also reported that her staff is finalizing training modules for the upcoming budget process.
“It is our goal to help simplify the process and allow individuals and departments to align a specific budget request to a goal or objective for the coming year,” said LaPanne. “It is also our goal to start the budgeting process earlier in the year to allow us to present the budget to the Board of Trustees with adequate time for review and revision.”
Dr. Jane Bryant spoke on behalf of the Faculty Association and echoed the sentiment regarding the spring Kick-Off event. Dr. Bryant also reported on the accomplishments of several junior faculty members and said that the college’s mentorship and orientation efforts for new faculty are working well.
The Board approved a laptop purchase for Health Science and Nursing Students. The Pipeline for the Advancement of Healthcare Workforce Program (PATH) Grant has budgeted and been approved to purchase 50 laptop computers for health science and nursing students in the classroom setting. These laptops will be utilized in the classroom for taking quizzes and exams. Laptops are essential in the classroom because state board licensure exams are computerized. The Board of Trustees approved this purchase on November 28, 2023; however, when the College placed the approved laptop order, the laptop price increased, so the College reduced the purchase quantity to 42 laptops to stay within the approved spending limit. The Pipeline for the Advancement of Healthcare Workforce Program (PATH) Grant has adequate funding to purchase eight (8) laptop computers at a total cost of $7,197.28 so that 50 laptops are available for healthcare programs. In addition to the Health Science and Nursing laptop purchase, the board approved the purchase of 20 laptops for the welding program through the Strengthening Community College Training Grant. The total cost for the Dell Laptops is $28,804.60
A Digital Media Technology Certificate was approved for fall 2024. The request was made to train aspiring digital designers so they may be equipped with an exciting career in digital design, video production, motion graphics, or programming for the web. The demand for digital media technologies is high in Illinois and the United States. The certificate program will also prepare students to enter the Digital Media Technology degree program and award students with a stackable credential.
The purchase of the Anthology Software Suite through November 30, 2026, was approved. The Anthology Course Evaluation and Outcomes tools will continue to provide the institution with a means for conducting course evaluations (student feedback from each course) and student learning assessments required by our regional accrediting body. The combined contract allows John A. Logan College to use an updated course evaluation platform to incorporate data from both applications and save the IT department time required for manual data uploads. The Board approved the Anthology Outcomes software in January 2023 on a four-year contract. John A. Logan College already had a five-year contract with Anthology for Course Evaluations. In September 2023, John A. Logan College was presented with an amendment to our Anthology course evaluation software that merged the two applications into one annual bill. At the time, this amendment was not considered a change in the contract. However, after further review and internal discussion, this merged amendment does constitute a new three-year contract for the remainder of both software applications. The previous contract for Anthology Outcomes was a 3-year and 10-month contract with a total of $66,885. The previous contract for Course Evaluation was a 5-year contract with a total of $53,278. The new contract is a three-year contract with a total of $80,080.
The following personnel items were approved: Phillip Brewer, Coordinator of Recruitment; Kassandra Teal, Aquatic Coordinator; Dr. Keith Oates, Perkins Support Coordinator; Stephanie Jarvis, Full-Time Temporary Biology Instructor; Isaiah Blades, Campus Safety Officer. The retirement request for Richard (Rick) Layne was approved effective April 30, 2024. The resignations of Josh Starks, Coordinator of Recruitment, and Sarah Carter, Aquatics Coordinator, were accepted.
At the conclusion of the meeting, President Overstreet recognized Trustee Jake Rendleman. The Carterville Chamber of Commerce had recently featured Rendleman on their social media sites for his years of dedication to John A. Logan College and the city of Carterville and southern Illinois. Overstreet also thanked Richard (Rick) Layne for his years of service to the College.
“Rick was one of the first people I met at the College. He is a fixture here and has been a vocal leader of the Teamsters and supporter of the College. He now has the opportunity to spend more time with his grandchildren who live in northern Illinois, and we wish him all the best on his retirement.” Chairman Bill Kilquist announced that the date of the February Board meeting has been moved to Monday, February 26. For more information, agendas, and other Board of Trustees Information, visit https://www.jalc.edu/board-of-trustees/.
News Around Campus
Large Crowd Attended First JALC Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Over 200 community members, John A. Logan College faculty and staff, and students attended the first annual John A. Logan College Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The breakfast event was held on Tuesday, January 16, in the College’s Conference Center. College officials chose the day after Martin Luther King Day to allow more students to be able to attend.
“We wanted to have an event that allowed as many of our students to attend as possible,” said President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. “Our students do not live on campus, so by having the event today, they were able to attend some of the other events in the region yesterday and join us today for our event.”
Terance Henry, a local entrepreneur and the IT director for the City of Marion, was the keynote speaker. Henry spoke about his commitment to continuing Dr. King’s dream and how everyone is responsible for following those principles.
John A. Logan College Speech Team members Kellen Olson, Alberta Grinston, and Mischa read excerpts from some of Dr. King’s speeches. The JALC choir led attendees in a rendition of “We Shall Overcome,” and JALC Music Faculty and Choir Director Chris Thornton sang Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come.”
Other speakers included John A. Logan College President Dr. Kirk Overstreet, Reverend Wad Halva, local music group Houze of Hope, and members of Carbondale United’s Violence Interrupters.
The first Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Alexis Anders during the ceremony. Alexis is working towards her Associate in Arts Degree in Criminal Justice.
President Overstreet Announced plans to continue the event annually on the Tuesday following Martin Luther King Day. “I could not have been more pleased with the large crowd and the program that our Diversity and Inclusion Committee put together,” said Overstreet. “This will be an annual event for us to continue on the Tuesday following the holiday.”
January 2024 marks 20 years of operation for the Logan Fitness Facility on the John A. Logan College campus. The facility has seen remarkable growth and offers a variety of classes for all ages. In 2023 alone, over 4,000 individuals visited the facility and hosted several family events, in addition to offering 35 various fitness and aquatic classes this spring. The facility employs 55 full and part-time employees and will expand to a 24/7 facility later this spring.
John A. Logan College broke ground on the Community Health Education Complex in 2002, and construction was completed in late 2003. An open house was held in January 2004 when the facility was officially opened. By 2009, the facility needed expansion when the fitness center doubled in size; a walking track was added along with several fitness classrooms. In 2015, the facility began to offer multiple new services, including Silver Sneakers, day passes, private swim lessons, and personal training. In 2016, the Student Activity Fee was approved giving automatic facility access to JALC students. In 2017 a free weight room was added, and the facility expanded to include Sunday hours. In 2018, the facility was re-branded as Logan Fitness.
Logan Fitness is a 48,000-square-foot facility with over 150 pieces of fitness equipment that has expanded to meet the community’s needs and John A. Logan College.
“We continue to look at ways to serve our community best, and to offer classes and equipment that will help meet their fitness needs in a state-of-the-art facility that is warm and inviting to individuals of all fitness levels,” said Logan Fitness Director Dr. Bradley Griffith. “We are excited to have the opportunity to expand to a 24/7 facility, which will give our community even more opportunities to meet their fitness goals.”
The College website has a new calendar feature. For some time, we have wanted to overhaul our public-facing calendar. We needed something that was easy to update, searchable, filterable, and visually appealing. We found a calendar that met all these needs and integrated it with our Microsoft calendars system. You can reach this calendar from the calendar link on the right side of the homepage or by going directly to https://www.jalc.edu/calendar/. Contact Phillip Lane if you have any questions about how to post information to the calendar.
In The Know Links and Updated Information
Institutional Effectiveness and Research
Results of recent surveys, including the spring Kick-Off survey and data that has been collected, can be found at https://www.jalc.edu/institutional-research/. To obtain results, click the IE SharePoint link on the left side of the page.
Human Resources
The College will host Mental Health First Aid training on January 31, February 22, March 8, and March 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To register, visit https://myarrowleaf.org/mhfa/. A list of current open positions at JALC is listed at https://www.jalc.edu/employment/.
