General Archives - 51�Թ� A. Logan College

51�Թ� A. Logan College Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with Launch of Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship Program

Phillip Lane — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:36:27 +0000

51�Թ� A. Logan College is marking National Apprenticeship Week (April 26–May 2, 2026) with the announcement of a new Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship Program in partnership with Intertape Polymer Group and Man-Tra-Con Corporation.

The collaborative initiative is designed to strengthen workforce development in Southern Illinois by providing students with hands-on training, real-world experience, and a direct pathway into high-demand industrial maintenance careers. Participants in the program combine classroom instruction at 51�Թ� A. Logan College with paid, on-the-job training at IPG’s Carbondale facility.

“IPG is a tape manufacturing plant located in Carbondale with a long history in Southern Illinois,” said Glenn Edwards, CI Process Manager at Intertape Polymer Group. “IPG has a positive relationship with 51�Թ� A. Logan College and is proud to offer work experience for students to learn and develop.”

The program is already producing results. 51�Թ� A. Logan College student Jason Ralston is currently participating in the apprenticeship, gaining hands-on experience in electrical maintenance while applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.

“IPG is proud to have Jason Ralston on our team,” Edwards added. “He is doing an excellent job applying his educational knowledge in electrical maintenance at IPG. He has a bright future ahead of him.”

Ralston knows the value first-hand. “You have problems that show up that won’t show up in class. There’s a lot of other things, variables, on a job site that are different than in class that you can’t control. So you learn a lot more.” He also shared what the experience has meant beyond the job itself. “They really want to make sure I succeed,” said Ralston. “It’s like a big family there.”

College officials said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to student success, regional economic growth, and meeting the workforce needs of local employers. By aligning education with industry, the program helps ensure students are prepared to transition seamlessly into meaningful careers upon completion.

National Apprenticeship Week highlights the importance of apprenticeship programs in building a skilled workforce and expanding opportunities for individuals nationwide. 51�Թ� A. Logan College, Man-Tra-Con, and Intertape Polymer Group officials said they are proud to contribute to that effort by investing in innovative training models that benefit both students and employers.

For more information about the apprenticeship program, contact careerreadiness@jalc.edu.

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Why Omar Naser Chose JALC Twice

Phillip Lane — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:44:53 +0000

For Omar Naser of Carbondale, 51�Թ� A. Logan College was not just where his college journey began. It was a place he chose twice.

After high school, Naser enrolled at JALC to begin his college experience, drawn by its affordability, smaller class sizes and proximity to home. Like many students, he was still figuring out what he wanted to do, but JALC gave him the space to explore.

That exploration led him to a program he had never considered before.

While attending a campus 51�Թ� showcasing academic programs, Naser was introduced to diagnostic cardiac sonography. Watching real-time images of the heart sparked his interest, and from that moment, his path began to take shape.

He went on to complete the program and entered the workforce, spending two years in Chicago using his degree in a clinical setting.

But it was that experience that ultimately brought him back.

Working with patients, Naser saw first-hand the challenges many faced when it came to access to care, especially when insurance limited their options. Those moments shifted his perspective on what he wanted to do long-term.

“I thought, why not go back to school, get my bachelor’s, and get into the administrative side of things and hopefully be able to be one of those people to make a change,” he said.

So he returned to 51�Թ� A. Logan College, this time with a clearer goal.

Now pursuing a degree in biological science, Naser is preparing to transfer to Southern Illinois University Carbondale to study health administration. His decision to come back to JALC was intentional.

He said the college’s affordability, strong professor-to-student ratio and supportive environment made it the right fit both times.

His second experience at JALC looked very different from the first.

The first time, he mostly went to class and headed home. This time, he got involved, joining clubs, connecting with others and taking advantage of the resources around him.

“I wasn’t involved in any clubs the first time,” he said. “Now I’m involved in about 10, and it’s a lot more enjoyable.”

That shift changed everything.

Through his work as a biology tutor, Naser also found a passion for helping others succeed. He enjoyed guiding students through difficult concepts and seeing the moment when things finally clicked.

“There’s nothing like that light bulb moment when a student finally gets it,” he said.

That experience reinforced the value of connection, something he believes is one of JALC’s greatest strengths.

“I never went around without being greeted with a smile, a wave, a hello,” he said.

Academically, his time at JALC helped him grow in ways he did not expect. He learned how to study, stay organized and, most importantly, ask for help when he needed it.

“Because of 51�Թ� A. Logan College, I learned to help myself,” he said.

Now, as he prepares for the next step in his education, Naser carries with him both the skills and perspective he gained along the way.

For Naser, JALC was not just where he started. It was a place worth coming back to.

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Starting Again, Finishing Strong: Jacie Nunley’s JALC Story

Hilary Holdinghausen — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:46:59 +0000

For Jacie Nunley, this spring’s graduation will be her first.

And it was something she once wasn’t sure would happen.

Originally from Mackinaw, Illinois, Nunley’s path to college did not follow a straight line. During the final semester of her senior year, she made the difficult decision to step away from high school.

“I had a really hard time,” she said. “I ended up dropping out and getting my GED.”

At the time, she was navigating health and personal challenges that made it difficult to succeed in a traditional school setting. While she was capable academically, the environment simply was not the right fit.

She completed her GED quickly, but finding her footing afterward took time.

Eventually, she made the decision to start over somewhere new. “I just needed a better environment,” she said.

That decision led her to 51�Թ� A. Logan College.

She initially enrolled with plans to pursue the Medical Laboratory Technology program, but her experience at JALC became about more than just a major.

From the moment she arrived, something felt different.

“The faculty and staff were so welcoming,” she said. “They made me feel valued.”

That environment gave her the space to move forward. The turning point came when she chose to get involved.

After learning about student organizations during a class visit, Nunley began attending Student Senate meetings and later joined Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community colleges.

She did not just participate. She stepped into leadership roles.

Now serving as president of Student Senate and vice president of Phi Theta Kappa, Nunley took on responsibilities that shaped her college experience.

“Being involved in student organizations has been invaluable,” she said.

Those experiences helped build skills and gave her a reason to stay engaged. “Being involved motivates you to go to class, to be on campus and to be part of something,” she said.

Phi Theta Kappa, in particular, opened doors she may not have found elsewhere. “It’s something I wouldn’t have had if I didn’t go to a community college,” she said.

Through leadership, involvement and support from faculty, Nunley began to regain momentum.

She also found something just as important. A sense of belonging.

From professors to staff members across campus, she said the environment at JALC made a lasting impression. “Everyone is so welcoming and kind,” she said.

After graduating in May with her Associate in Science, Nunley plans to continue her education, working toward a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with long-term goals of pursuing a career in toxicology.

But no matter where she goes next, this milestone will always mean more.

For the first time, Nunley will walk across the stage and earn a degree of her own.

“Because of 51�Թ� A. Logan College, I am earning my first degree,” she said.

For someone who once stepped away from school, that moment carried deeper meaning.

Nunley hopes others see themselves in her story.

“Everyone here has their own story,” she said. “Their own reasons for being here.”

For Nunley, JALC was not just a place to continue her education.

It was a place to start again and come back stronger than ever.

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New Statewide Report Highlights the Economic Impact of 51�Թ� A. Logan College on the Regional Economy

Hilary Holdinghausen — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:22:52 +0000

A new statewide report released by the Illinois Community College Board highlights the significant economic and social impact of 51�Թ� A. Logan College, underscoring the institution’s role in driving regional growth and student success.

The report, issued in recognition of Community College Month in April, examines how 51�Թ� A. Logan College contributes to the economy across its district and throughout Illinois. Findings show the college generated a total economic impact of $244.3 million in fiscal year 2023–24, supporting 3,616 jobs in the region.

College officials say the data reinforces the institution’s long-standing mission of preparing students for the workforce while strengthening the local economy.

“We are living up to our mission to enrich lives through learning and community engagement, and this report illustrates how 51�Թ� A. Logan College continues to be a powerful economic engine for southern Illinois,” said JALC President, Dr. Kirk Overstreet. “From educating students to supporting local businesses, the impact extends far beyond the classroom.”

The report identifies three primary drivers of economic impact: operations spending, student spending, and alumni contributions.

In fiscal year 2023–24, the college employed 381 full- and part-time faculty and staff, with approximately 83% residing within the College’s district. Total payroll reached $26.7 million, while an additional $17.4 million was spent on facilities, supplies, and services. Together, those expenditures generated $29.3 million in added regional income and supported 407 jobs.

Student spending also contributed to the local economy. 51�Թ� 13% of students came from outside the district, many of whom relocated to attend the college. Combined with retained local students, their spending on housing, food, and transportation added $2.6 million in income and supported local jobs.

The largest impact came from alumni whose education and training have translated into higher earnings and greater workforce productivity. Former students contributed $212.4 million in added income to the regional economy, supporting more than 3,100 jobs.

Overall, the college’s impact accounts for approximately 2.9% of the region’s total gross regional product, with one out of every 26 jobs in the district linked to the college and its students.

Beyond direct economic contributions, the report also highlights strong returns on investment for students, taxpayers, and society.

Students who attended 51�Թ� A. Logan College in fiscal year 2023–24 invested a combined $10.4 million in their education. In return, they are expected to see $72.3 million in higher lifetime earnings, equating to a benefit-cost ratio of 7-to-1. The average associate degree graduate earns approximately $6,900 more annually than someone with only a high school diploma.

Taxpayers also benefit from the college’s impact. The report estimates $28.6 million in total taxpayer benefits, including increased tax revenues and reduced demand for public services such as health care, income assistance, and the justice system.

From a broader perspective, the college generates $256.4 million in total social benefits across Illinois, driven by increased earnings, business productivity, and societal savings.

“The economic impact highlighted in this study would be even greater today,” said Overstreet. “We have three major grant-funded construction projects currently underway with local contractors and supplies purchased from local businesses. The graduates from the programs that will benefit from the new facilities will impact our economy for years to come.”

The study concludes that 51�Թ� A. Logan College delivers substantial value to all stakeholders, including students and employers, taxpayers, and the broader community.

“The results demonstrate that the college is a strong investment,” the report states. “Its contributions support economic prosperity, improve quality of life, and help build a more skilled and competitive workforce.”

The analysis was based on fiscal year 2023–24 data from the Illinois Community College Board and the college, as well as labor market data and economic modeling from Lightcast.

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Finding Direction Through Community: Chandler Phemister Builds His Future at JALC

Hilary Holdinghausen — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:31:55 +0000

When Chandler Phemister of Marion enrolled at 51�Թ� A. Logan College, he did not have a clear plan.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do or what I wanted to study,” he said. “51�Թ� A. seemed like a good place to start figuring that out.”

Like many students, Phemister chose community college as a starting point, somewhere he could explore his options without added pressure. What he found was more than convenience or affordability. He found a place that allowed him to grow.

Now preparing to graduate this spring, Phemister will earn both an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science, a reflection of the path he built through exploration.

He began studying history, later switched to anthropology and even considered geology along the way. That flexibility gave him the space to explore his interests and better understand what he wanted for his future.

But his experience at 51�Թ� A. Logan College was shaped as much outside the classroom as it was inside it.

During his first semester, Phemister mostly attended class and went home.

“I was just doing homework and not really involved, and it got kind of boring,” he said.

That changed when he started attending campus 51�Թ�s, often encouraged by a faculty member who invited students to participate beyond the classroom. Those early experiences led to something more.

Phemister became involved in Student Senate and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, where he began working closely with students, faculty and administrators on projects across campus.

“It was really cool to work with people who make big decisions at the college and be part of those projects,” he said.

Through those opportunities, he developed relationships and found a stronger sense of purpose.

“Getting involved helped me meet people, build connections and find a support system,” Phemister said. “It made me a more successful student.”

One of the most impactful connections he made was with Adrienne Barkley, advisor for Phi Theta Kappa and co-advisor for Student Senate. Her support helped him feel comfortable stepping into new experiences early on.

“After talking to her, I felt like I belonged,” he said.

That sense of belonging became a defining part of his time at JALC and shaped how he views community college.

“The community part of community college is huge,” Phemister said. “It’s easier to connect with people here.”

Smaller class sizes and a more interactive learning environment also played a role in his experience. Instead of large lecture halls, Phemister found himself in classrooms where he could engage with instructors, ask questions and build meaningful connections.

Over time, those experiences helped him gain something he did not have when he first arrived.

Direction.

“Because of 51�Թ� A. Logan, I know more what I like doing and what I want to do as a career,” he said.

Now preparing to graduate this spring, Phemister plans to continue his education and pursue a bachelor’s degree. His long-term goal brings him back to where his journey began.

He hopes to return to 51�Թ� A. Logan College one day, this time in a professional role, helping students find their own path.

“I’d love to come back and work here and help students along their educational journey,” he said.

For someone who started college without a plan, Phemister leaves with something far more valuable. A clear sense of direction and a community that helped him find it.

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Harrison Bruce Prairie Museum Groundbreaking

Phillip Lane — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:55:21 +0000

The Harrison Bruce Foundation held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Julia Harrison-Bruce Prairie Museum at the Harrison Bruce Historical Village on the campus of 51�Թ� A. Logan College at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10.

According to the Harrison Bruce Foundation, the museum will stand as a lasting extension of Julia Harrison Bruce’s vision. In this place, historic exhibits and local art will come together to tell the story of this region. A place where voices are heard through oral storytelling—where memories are shared, recorded, and honored. A place for gatherings, for learning, for community, and for celebrating the rich legacy of Southern Illinois.

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JALC Administrators Present at National Accreditation Conference

Phillip Lane — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:52:47 +0000

Three administrators from 51�Թ� A. Logan College were selected to present at the 2026 Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference, marking the first time since 2014 that staff have presented at the national 51�Թ�.

Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford, Emily Monti, and Joseph Dethrow led a session titled “A Practical, Campus-Wide Approach to Preparing an HLC Interim Report,” offering attendees actionable strategies for addressing accreditation concerns through effective interim reporting.

The presentation outlined a collaborative, institution-wide framework that emphasized the use of project management tools, cross-campus engagement, and a structured organizational approach aligned with the Higher Learning Commission’s core components.

Attendees received guidance on developing reports that are both responsive and sustainable, while remaining aligned with institutional strategic planning efforts. The presenters highlighted the importance of shared ownership, clear communication, and intentional alignment in producing meaningful accreditation documentation.

College officials said the opportunity reflects 51�Թ� A. Logan College’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, continuous improvement, and leadership in higher education practices.

“I am extremely proud of our team being selected to present. Hundreds of individuals and groups request to present, and only a few are selected,” said JALC President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. “This is an example of the collaboration and leadership of our accreditation team at JALC.”

The Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference is a national gathering hosted by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), of the accrediting agencies for colleges and universities in the United States.

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From Uncertain to Confident: Evan Giles Finds His Path at JALC

Phillip Lane — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:09:24 +0000

Evan Giles of Du Quoin did not always see college in his future.

“I just didn’t really think school was for me,” he said.

That began to change during his freshman year of high school, when he developed an interest in cars. What started as watching videos and learning online turned into something more serious. With encouragement from a teacher, Giles applied for a job at a local auto body shop, giving him his first hands-on experience in the field.

The experience gave him direction, but college still was not part of the plan.

As graduation approached, Giles expected he would continue working. With guidance from his high school counselors and support from his employer, he was introduced to the automotive program at 51�Թ� A. Logan College. When he received a scholarship, he decided to give college a try.

“I wasn’t expecting to get anything,” Giles said. “But when I got the scholarship, I decided to go for it. I’m really grateful that I did.”

At 51�Թ� A. Logan College, Giles found a learning environment that suited him. Instead of sitting through long lectures, he was able to work with his hands, apply what he was learning and build skills that translated directly to his job.

“I’m glad I found something more hands-on,” he said. “I actually get to do things and gain experience in the field.”

What he learns in the classroom often carries over into his work.

“There are things we do here that I can take to work,” Giles said. “Sometimes I even know things my co-workers don’t because of what I’ve learned in class.”

His time at the college also has led to personal growth. Through his involvement as a student ambassador and his experiences on campus, Giles has become more confident and more comfortable connecting with others.

“I’ve changed a lot as a person,” he said. “I feel more confident and more like myself.”

Giles credits faculty and staff for playing a key role in that growth. He said instructors have supported him both in and out of the classroom, helping him manage his schedule and offering guidance when needed.

“I feel like you have more of a family here,” Giles said.

For Giles, that sense of connection is one of the biggest advantages of attending a community college. Smaller class sizes and a more personal environment make it easier to build relationships and stay engaged.

Now, he is focused on what comes next. Giles plans to continue working in the automotive field, earn ASE certifications and expand his experience, potentially beyond Illinois.

“I just want to keep learning and growing,” he said.

For someone who once did not see college in his future, that mindset reflects how far he has come. At 51�Թ� A. Logan College, Giles did not just find a program. He found himself.

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A Place That Felt Right From the Start: JALC is Home for Makayla Collins

Phillip Lane — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:31:11 +0000

For Makayla Collins, a career in healthcare has always been the goal.

From a young age, she knew she wanted to help people. At first, that dream looked like becoming a heart doctor. But as she explored her options and learned more about the field, she found her path in nursing.

“It felt like something I could do so many things with,” she said. “Once I found nursing, I just kept going with it.”

That path led her to 51�Թ� A. Logan College, a place that already felt familiar.

Growing up in Marion, Collins spent time on campus attending 51�Թ�s, visiting with her sister and getting a glimpse of college life before she was even a student. By the time she reached her senior year of high school, the decision felt natural.

“I didn’t really think I was going anywhere else,” she said.

Staying close to home, managing costs and finding the right environment all played a role, but it was the feeling of the campus itself that made the choice clear.

At JALC, she found more than a program. She found a place where she could grow.

“I love it here,” Collins said. “I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.”

That sense of connection has shaped her college experience. Instead of feeling like something she had to do, coming to campus became something she looks forward to each day. She is more engaged in class and more invested in what she is learning.

“I’m excited to go to class,” she said. “I’m engaged. I love what I’m learning.”

That engagement is especially important in a program as demanding as nursing.

Collins describes the program as challenging but rewarding. The pace, expectations and hands-on experiences have pushed her to grow not only academically, but personally.

“It’s shaping me as a person,” she said. “It’s made me more reliable and more disciplined.”

Through her coursework and clinical preparation, she is building both the skills and mindset needed for a career in healthcare.

“I feel like when I step into the real world, I’ll be ready,” she said.

Outside the classroom, Collins has taken full advantage of campus life. As a Student Ambassador and president of her LPN program, she has stepped into leadership roles that have strengthened her connections and allowed her to give back to the college community.

“I love coming here and saying hi to everyone,” she said. “The community is my favorite part.”

She also points to campus resources as an important part of her experience. From the relaxation room, where she found a space to reset during stressful days, to programs like PATH and Perkins that helped cover supplies and expenses, Collins said those supports made a real difference.

“There are so many resources here that people don’t even realize,” she said.

For Collins, community college has been more than a starting point. It has been a place to grow, lead and prepare for what comes next.

After graduating from JALC, she plans to continue her education, earn her bachelor’s degree and pursue a career as an ER or ICU nurse, with hopes of 51�Թ�ually working in a larger city. Still, her path always comes back to where it began. For Collins, choosing 51�Թ� A. Logan College was never really a question. It was simply the right choice from the start.

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JALC Receives Another Clean Financial Audit

Phillip Lane — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 21:28:36 +0000

The Kemper CPA Group, LLP of Marion, has delivered a clean financial audit report to the Board of Trustees of 51�Թ� A. Logan College, affirming the institution’s strong financial management and accountability.

The independent audit reported no negative findings related to the management of the College’s funds or of its administration of large federal grant programs. This confirms that the college has effectively accounted for and utilized funds entrusted to it by federal, state, and local governmental bodies.

The audit, which evaluates financial statements and internal controls, determined that 51�Թ� A. Logan College maintains strong financial reporting practices and compliance procedures. The findings verify that the college’s management of public funds is both accurate and responsible.

Finance Committee Chair and Trustee Dr. Glenn Poshard praised the results, calling the report one of the strongest in his tenure.

“In my time on the Board of Trustees, we have had outstanding audit reports, but this is by far the best report we have received,” Poshard said. “This is outstanding news for our community’s residents.”

The report also highlighted the college’s commitment to maintaining robust internal financial controls, including systems designed to ensure accuracy and reduce the risk of error.

JALC Vice President for Business Services and Chief Financial Officer Dr. Susan LaPanne credited multiple campus teams for their role in the successful audit.

“The key to this and other clean audits we’ve received is the comprehensive system of controls we have in place, from daily operations to monthly and yearly reviews,” said LaPanne. “This is not only reflective of our finances, but also of the record-keeping in business services, student affairs, financial aid, and the bursar’s office.

The 51�Թ� A. Logan College Board of Trustees unanimously approved the 2025 audit report during its monthly meeting on March 25.

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