Community college presidents hold event at KC celebrating 60 years of Illinois impact

Presidents discuss record enrollment growth, future of community colleges.

Community college presidents from across the region met in Southern Illinois this week to commemorate 60 years since the community college system was founded in Illinois. The anniversary came alongside another significant milestone for the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), with enrollment in community colleges growing at the fastest rate in the system's history.

As the third largest community college system in the nation, Illinois community colleges serve over 600,000 students annually. Presidents and leaders from eight community colleges across Southern and Central Illinois met at Kaskaskia College (KC) on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, to celebrate the milestones and discuss how community colleges can continue to play a critical role in providing affordable and innovative educational opportunities to people of all ages.

"Here at KC, we're experiencing record-breaking enrollment, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing," said George Evans, president of Kaskaskia College. "That growth reflects not only the exceptional value community colleges provide, but also our commitment to offering innovative programs that directly align with the career opportunities in our students' own communities."

According to data from the Illinois Community College Board, there was significant growth in several enrollment categories this year, including a nearly 20 percent increase in students enrolled in dual credit programs, which allow high school students to earn college credits. There was also a 23 percent increase in students seeking general associate degree programs.

"This anniversary is a powerful reminder of the vital role community colleges play across Illinois. They provide the most affordable and accessible pathway to higher education and workforce training, opening doors to opportunity and supporting the economic strength of every region in our state," said Illinois Community College Board Executive Director Brian Durham.

College leadership representation in attendance:

• George Evans, President, Kaskaskia College
• Dr. Kirk Overstreet, President, John A. Logan College
• Dr. Karen Weiss, President, Southeastern Illinois College
• Dr. Ryan Gower, President, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges
• Nick Mance, President, Southwestern Illinois College
• Jean Anne Highland, Chief of Staff, Lake Land College
• Dr. Sue Czerwinski, VP for Academic Affairs, Lewis and Clark Community College
• John Gulley, CFO, Rend Lake College
• Chad Copple, VP of Institutional Effectiveness, Rend Lake College
• Chris Clark, CFO, Shawnee Community College

Speakers:

• Dr. Brian Durham, ICCB Executive Director
• George Evand, President, Kaskaskia College
• Dr. Kirk Overstreet, John A. Logan College President
• Amanda Hoeksema, Mechanical Engineer at Intermountain Electronics
• MaddisonHaslett-Warren, Nurse Practitioner at Signature Orthopedics, and KC Alumna
• Damon Harbison, President of SSM Health, Industry Partner, and KC Alumni

To view video clips from the event, follow this link.