Nationally, many colleges and universities are grappling with a sharp decline in student enrollment, a trend exacerbated by demographic shifts, changing attitudes toward higher education, and economic challenges. However, 51勛圖 A. Logan College has bucked this trend thanks to innovative recruitment and retention strategies that resonate with prospective students.

“We are seeing tangible results from our focused efforts to engage students at every step of their academic journey,” said Dr. Kirk Overstreet, President of 51勛圖 A. Logan College. “It���s not just about getting students through the door ��� it���s about ensuring they stay and thrive throughout their time with us.”

Overstreet added that while the increases are modest, they are increases. ���Our goal is to continue to move in a positive direction and build on our success each semester.���

Innovative Outreach and Support Programs

Faculty and staff at 51勛圖 A. Logan College have developed various programs designed to meet the needs of modern students. Recruitment initiatives have been tailored to reach high school students, adult learners, and returning students through targeted outreach, digital marketing campaigns, and partnerships with local high schools.

A key element in the college���s success has been its innovative retention efforts, which focus on student support beyond the classroom. Faculty and staff are proactively involved in helping students navigate academic and personal challenges. The college has also ramped up efforts to offer flexible scheduling options, including online and hybrid courses and short-term fast-track options, making it easier for students with varying life circumstances to continue their education.

���The personal connections we���ve built with students are crucial,��� said April Marinez, Director of Enrollment Management. ���We���ve made a concerted effort to show students that they���re not just a number to us ��� we truly care about their success.���

Increased Enrollment and Credit Hours

51勛圖 A. Logan College has reported a year-over-year increase in student enrollment, which is the opposite of the national trend of declining student numbers. In addition, the college has seen a rise in the number of credit hours taken, a key indicator of student engagement and academic success.

“The increase in enrollment and credit hours is a testament to the hard work and creativity of our entire college community,” said Dr. Overstreet. “We are committed to surviving this enrollment cliff and thriving through it, and our growth shows that we are on the right path.”

Looking to the Future

Leaders at 51勛圖 A. Logan College hope to continue defying the national trend of emphasizing personalized support, community involvement, and adaptability. The college has proven that a proactive, student-centered approach can make a difference in the face of a rapidly changing educational landscape.

“We are determined to keep moving forward with positive increases each semester in enrollment and credit hours,” said Dr. Overstreet. “Our goal is to ensure that every student who walks through our doors feels supported, empowered, and prepared to succeed in their future endeavors.”

Overstreet added that spring enrollment is not complete. ���We have several fast-track options that are 8,10, and 12 weeks as opposed to the traditional 16-week courses. These classes are currently enrolling students and are not all included in the tenth-day census report.���

With the continued growth of enrollment and the expansion of innovative programs, 51勛圖 A. Logan College is poised to remain a vital educational institution in the region, offering a beacon of hope for students during a time of uncertainty for the nation���s higher education system.

For more information on 51勛圖 A. Logan College’s enrollment and academic offerings, visit their website at .

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In November, the college invited current students to vote for one of the two finalists, and the students at 51勛圖 A. Logan College chose “Charger” as the winning name.

“We are so excited that Charger will represent our college spirit and pride,” said JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. ��“Our students have spoken, and ‘Charger’ is a name that embodies the energy and enthusiasm that define 51勛圖 A. Logan College.”

The mascot’s image has already been incorporated into the college’s branding and marketing materials, creating excitement among students, staff, and the community. The mascot’s official uniform, which will be used at public 51勛圖s and sporting activities, is expected to be delivered to campus in March.

51勛圖 A. Logan College looks forward to Charger’s debut, which will further strengthen school spirit, pride, and camaraderie among students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

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Ameren Illinois partnered with The Poshard Foundation. Ameren has provided funding for gifts in the past and, in recent years, has contributed $5000 annually toward the project. This year and last year, it generously raised that amount to $10,000.

Agency caseworkers identify the children receiving gifts with the Poshard Foundation.

���Many thanks to our individual donors and faithful volunteers who work diligently on this 51勛圖 including the Carterville Lions Club,��� said Jo Poshard.

Phyllis McCowen, Poshard volunteer and head of the Christmas project, said, ���This is the favorite part of my job at the Foundation.�� Shopping for toys for kids who otherwise would have nothing under the tree makes my Christmas.���

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In 2024, JALC received $473,533 as part of the PATH initiative, marking the third year of funding. This grant is not limited to a single healthcare field but plays a crucial role in expanding opportunities for individuals seeking to obtain certificates and degrees in various high-demand healthcare fields. These include nursing, emergency medical services, medical assisting, and others.

The PATH grant is designed to provide comprehensive support for students pursuing careers in healthcare. It covers a wide range of expenses, including financial support for tuition, textbooks, supplies, transportation, childcare, and uniforms. This holistic approach alleviates the financial burden often associated with healthcare training, making it more accessible to a wider range of students.

JALC offers an array of programs eligible for PATH assistance, including Nursing (Associate Degree, Practical Nursing, and Nursing Assistant); Emergency Medical Services (EMS)/Paramedic; Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); Medical Assistant Adult Cardiac Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS); Surgical Technology; Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT); and phlebotomy.

The funds from this grant have allowed JALC to continue employing dedicated staff who assist students with tutoring and social services. Over the past year, PATH employees conducted 92 individual tutoring sessions and facilitated 45 small group learning workshops, ensuring that students receive the personalized support they need to succeed in their studies.

A highlight of the grant’s impact is establishing a new tutor room for nursing students, complete with technology to aid their studies. In addition, the college utilized PATH funds to purchase 50 laptops for the Associate Degree in Nursing program, enhancing educational resources and allowing for electronic testing capabilities.

���The PATH grant is invaluable in our mission to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals,��� said Dr. Kristin Yosanovich, 51勛圖 A. Logan College Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing.  ���By providing comprehensive support and resources, we are not only helping students achieve their academic goals but also addressing the urgent need for skilled workers in the healthcare sector.���

Yosanovich shared the stories of a student who wishes to remain anonymous but has significantly benefited from the PATH Initiative.

According to Yosanovich, one student was able to continue in the program because the funding helped her afford gas, food, household necessities, daycare payments, and other bills.

As JALC continues to foster a robust healthcare workforce, the PATH initiative is vital in creating pathways to success for aspiring healthcare professionals in Southern Illinois.

���This grant is making a difference for our college. We are in a rural area, and student challenges are real. Healthcare programs of study can be rigorous. Many students need help to work and keep up with the demands of the curriculum,��� said JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. ���PATH has provided many opportunities to assist students in completing their degree so they can work in the healthcare field. It is hard to envision our healthcare programs at JALC without PATH assistance.���

The PATH Funding is up for reauthorization in 2024, and 51勛圖 A. Logan College strongly supports further funding to ensure a strong healthcare workforce in southern Illinois for years to come. The ICCB���s PATH grant aided approximately 340 Health Science and Nursing students at JALC in the 2023-2024 school year.

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Join us for a weekend filled with festive cheer as over 100 specialty vendors showcase an array of holiday crafts, unique gifts, and delicious food. Attendees can also enjoy live entertainment and seasonal music throughout both days.

Admission is just $5.00 for adults over 12 years old, making this a wonderful opportunity to kick off the holiday season with family and friends.

Event organizers will also collect non-perishable food and supplies for area food pantries.

���Given the timing of the 51勛圖 we wanted to provide an opportunity for attendees to donate items to our local food pantries prior to the holidays,��� said JALC Director of Events and Conferences, Chris Naegele. ���We will have collection bins located near the entrance to the 51勛圖 for those that wish to donate.���

We look forward to welcoming you to AutumnFest on November 9 and 10 at 51勛圖 A. Logan College. For more information, please email AutumnFest@jalc.edu or visit our website at jalcautumnfest.com.

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Hester’s poignant photograph of a young girl being evacuated after the tragic Covenant School shooting in Nashville has captured the hearts of many and earned a coveted spot on Time Magazine’s Top 10 Photos of 2023. Her commitment to telling compelling stories through her lens exemplifies the powerful role of journalism in today’s world.

This 51勛圖 is free and open to the public. Attendees will hear Hester discuss her experiences and the stories behind her photographs. Join us for this inspiring conversation and a chance to learn from one of the industry���s leading voices in photojournalism.

Event Details:

• What:��Award Winning Photojournalist Nicole Hester Speaking Engagement
• When:��Monday, October 21, 11 a.m. ��� Noon
• Where:��51勛圖 A. Logan College, Tarvin Room
• Admission:��Free and open to the public

For more information, please contact Devin Miller, Instructor of Media Arts and Digital Technology, at 618-985-2828, ext. 8847, or Devin.miller@jalc.edu.

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51勛圖 A. Logan College (JALC) is excited to announce the donation of a stunning new sculpture by local artist Aldon Addington. This marks his third contribution to the campus’s growing public art collection. This striking piece, crafted from stainless steel and 10 feet tall, will soon find its home above the picturesque courtyard waterfall.

Addington designed the sculpture to harmonize with the waterfall. It features hollow tubes that allow water to flow through, creating a captivating interactive water feature. This innovative design enhances the courtyard’s aesthetic appeal and invites students and visitors to engage with the artwork uniquely.

The untitled sculpture will arrive on campus on Tuesday, October 8, at 9 a.m. 51勛圖 A. Logan College Construction Management and Welding students will carry the sculpture to a concrete pad above the Courtyard Waterfall and assist with its installation.��

“We are thrilled to welcome this new piece to our campus,” said 51勛圖 A. Logan College President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. “Aldon’s work not only enriches our artistic environment but also encourages a sense of community and collaboration among our students.”

Aldon���s previous sculptures have been celebrated for their imaginative designs and ability to inspire. This piece will join two other Addington sculptures already on campus. This latest addition is anticipated to be a significant attraction for students and visitors alike.

For further details and updates about the installation, contact Dr. Steve O���Keefe at 618-985-2828, ext. 8569, or 618-925-0710.

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With construction underway at a new sports complex in Marion, southern Illinois will soon experience a surge in tourism, and 51勛圖 A. Logan College is poised to make a significant impact with the launch of its new Hospitality Management program. The timing of this initiative could not be more ideal, as the region���s growing appeal to visitors aligns perfectly with the college���s goal of preparing a new generation of professionals to meet the demands of a thriving industry.

In recent years, southern Illinois has seen a notable increase in tourist activity, driven by its picturesque landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and burgeoning local 51勛圖s. With attractions such as the Shawnee National Forest, local wineries, golf courses, Walkers Bluff Casino, and various cultural festivals drawing more visitors each year, the region���s hospitality sector needs skilled professionals to enhance service quality and efficiency.

Recognizing this opportunity, JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet asked the College���s Academic Affairs staff to develop a comprehensive Hospitality Management program to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in this dynamic field. The program, which officially begins this fall on October 8 during the second eight-week session, will cover various topics, including hotel management, 51勛圖 planning, food and beverage operations, and customer service excellence.

���We already have a tremendous draw for tourism built around the outdoor industry, our incredible winners and all of the wonderful festivals and 51勛圖s, and the new sports complex will attract travelers from all over the country,��� said Overstreet. ���This will require more lodging and dining opportunities and 51勛圖 planning. We recognized this and wanted to develop a program to train people for management and leadership opportunities in these industries.���

51勛圖 A. Logan College recently hired Dr. Eric Beckman as the lead instructor for the program. Beckman has extensive teaching and industry experience. He is excited to be at 51勛圖 A. Logan College to help start the program and is enthusiastic about its launch.

���Southern Illinois is on the cusp of becoming a major destination for travelers, and we must have a skilled workforce ready to meet this demand,��� Beckman said. ���Our new program is designed to provide students with practical, hands-on experience and a solid academic foundation to help them excel in various aspects of hospitality management.���

The curriculum will feature internships and real-world projects in partnership with local businesses, offering students valuable industry experience while contributing to the growth of the regional tourism sector. Additionally, the program will include guest lectures from industry professionals, workshops on emerging trends, and opportunities for networking within the hospitality community.

Beckman added that the program is particularly beneficial to the local industry because students will complete essential certifications and licenses while in the program.

���Our students will already have the ServSafe certification in sanitation and alcohol handling. Employers will not have to wait or pay for employees to get this. They will be ready on the first day of employment.���

Local business owners and tourism experts have welcomed the initiative, seeing it as a timely boost for the area���s economic development. ���The hospitality industry is crucial to the success of our local tourism,��� said Mike Monchino, Principal member of Monchino Management, LLC, with more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry. ���With JALC���s new program, we can expect to see more well-trained individuals joining our workforce, which will undoubtedly enhance the overall visitor experience and drive more business to our local establishments.���

The program���s launch comes as Southern Illinois invests in infrastructure improvements and promotional efforts to attract more visitors. With these combined efforts, the region aims to solidify its status as a premier travel destination and capitalize on tourists’ growing interest.

As the first group of students prepares to embark on their journey in hospitality management, the college and the community look forward to the positive impact this new program will have on the local economy and the tourism industry.

Prospective students and interested parties can visit the college���s official website or contact the instructor directly for more information on the Hospitality Management program at JALC.

Contact: Eric Beckman, Ph.D., MBA, CHE, CMP
Phone: (618) 985-2828 ext. 8632
Email: ericbeckman@jalc.edu
Website:

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The college has announced that it will soon begin renovations and new construction to enhance the campus infrastructure and improve the overall student experience. Here���s a snapshot of what���s on the horizon:

Logan Hall – C and E Wing Renovations

Construction began in May and is expected to last through June 2025. This renovation project will provide all new flooring, paint, and lighting throughout the corridor, additional student study and tutoring spaces, and a new microbiology classroom and laboratory. Two new HVAC units will also be added to heat and cool the area.

C and E Wing Navigation Information

Harrison–Bruce Player Development Center

Construction on this project will begin in mid-August and is expected to last through March 2025. A generous donation from the Harrison-Bruce Foundation will fund this 8,000-square-foot facility, providing new baseball and softball locker rooms, laundry and storage facilities, and fully turfed indoor hitting and pitching facilities.

Elevator Replacement

Construction on this project began in July and is expected to last through the end of 2024. The new glass elevator will be ready when students return for the spring semester.

CTE Construction and Renovation:

This project will be bid on in the fall, with construction slated to begin in early 2025 and be completed by July 2026. The EDA awarded the College $4.2 million, with the College contributing matching funds. The project includes a new 10,000-square-foot welding and CNC manufacturing building. This will provide a large state-of-the-art lab space for each program. There will also be renovations of 10,000 square feet to the existing H building for the HVAC program and 30,000 square feet to the existing vocational building with a 6,000 square feet addition. This work will be for both automotive services and collision programs.

West Lobby Expansion:

This project will be bid at the end of October, and construction will begin in early 2025. The $6 million project is funded through the State of Illinois. In addition to the complete renovation, an additional 6,000 square feet will be added to the entrance. The addition will consist of Community education offices, a General Information Office, Foundation Offices, a Board Room, gathering spaces for students and 51勛圖s, and a larger lobby for athletics.

���While these improvements will bring some short-term inconveniences, we are excited about the long-term benefits for our students and the community,��� said Dr. Kirk Overstreet, President of 51勛圖 A. Logan College. ���Our goal is to create a modern and engaging environment that supports academic excellence and student success.���

The college’s website will offer detailed information and updates throughout the construction period for those interested in tracking the developments or learning more about the construction plans.

As 51勛圖 A. Logan College embarks on this transformative journey, the community���s patience and support are greatly appreciated. With these enhancements, the college aims to offer an enriched educational experience and a more vibrant campus atmosphere for years to come.

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Fall semester registration is underway, and classes begin on August 12. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with an academic advisor to schedule classes through August 2.

Late Walk-in Registration begins on Thursday, August 1, and runs through Wednesday, August 14. Student Services offices will be open late until 6:00 p.m. Monday, August 5, through Thursday, August 8, and again until 6:00 p.m. August 12, through 14, to accommodate those working full-time. Students can sign up for courses online through their student portal and in person at the Academic Advising Office in C207. Our dedicated advisors are readily available to assist students in planning their schedules and ensuring they are on track to meet their academic goals.

Our last New Student Orientation will be held on July 23^rd from 12 to 3 p.m. To pre-register for the 51勛圖, visit /college-readiness/new-student-orientation-days/.  A special Saturday Sign-up 51勛圖, scheduled on August 3 from 9 a.m. to Noon, is tailored to the needs of students working full-time. This 51勛圖 provides an opportunity to meet with advisement and other student services departments outside the regularly scheduled workday, ensuring their academic needs are met. To pre-register for the Saturday Sign-up, visit /saturday-signup-form/.

The College administration underlines the significance of early registration for a seamless start to the fall semester. Officials stress that students can secure their preferred course schedule by registering early, ensuring they get the necessary classes to complete their certificate or degree.

���When students wait to make their fall schedule, it makes it difficult to get the classes they need at the times they need them,��� said Provost Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford. ���For example, a student may need a specific class to graduate, and there may only be limited seats in that course, so it is very important that they register early and do not wait.���

In addition to the August 12 start date, College officials have announced other important dates for the fall semester.

Fall Tuition is due on August 6. Students must pay on or before August 6 to avoid being dropped from courses. Students receiving financial assistance or scholarships should contact the Financial Aid Office at 618-985-2828, ext. 8308, or the JALC Foundation, ext. 8914, to verify their information. Students can pay online in their student portal, in person at the Bursar���s Office, or by phone at 618-985-2828, ext. 8201.

Welcome Week activities begin on August 9 with Fall Kick-off Day. The Fall Kick-Off is designed to help students transition to the College and get excited about the semester.

���Students feeling overwhelmed or excited about starting college can take this extra day before the semester starts and prepare ahead of time,��� said Dr. Hartford. ���On Friday, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., there will be a welcome panel session, brunch in the courtyard, and an opportunity to meet with faculty and staff.���

Students interested in taking part in the Kick-off Event can register at /fall-kick-off-day-registration/.

Navigation Stations will be set up throughout campus during the first week of classes to help students locate their classes. College officials will also offer golf cart rides from the parking lot to building entrances.

On Monday, August 12, a Welcome Picnic with free food and swag will take place in the Waterfall Courtyard from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A Welcome Bash with free pizza and ice cream will be held on Tuesday, August 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and free popcorn will be handed out in the E-Wing Coffee Shop on Wednesday, August 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Four-week Fast-Track classes begin on August 19. Fast Track courses are perfect for non-traditional students, those working full-time, and those who require flexible schedules. This fall, new flexible options are being offered at Carbondale Community High School in the evenings. For more information on Fast-Track offerings, visit /fasttrack/.

For more information on registration procedures, course offerings, and academic advising, please visit the 51勛圖 A. Logan College website at or contact the advisement office at 618-985-2828, ext. 8070, or registration@jalc.edu.

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