Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees approves New Machining Technology Certificate

CENTRALIA, IL - The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Lifelong Learning Center on the College's main campus. Trustees present included Bill Hawley (Odin), Louis Kalert (Centralia), Linda Stover (Centralia), Bryan Holthaus (Carlyle), and Laura Wedekemper (Shattuc). Trustees Craig Finke (Nashville), Jim Beasley (Centralia), and Student Trustee Meagan Mahlandt were absent.

The Board approved a new 22-credit-hour Machining Technology Certificate as a permanent career and technical education program beginning in the Fall 2026 semester. The certificate is designed to provide students with training in precision machining, CNC operation, and manufacturing processes that prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the region's manufacturing workforce.

The Board authorized President Evans to pursue federal funding through the FY27 Community Project Funding process to support proposed renovations and upgrades to the John D. Cavaletto Agricultural Center. The authorization allows the College to complete the necessary application and establish any partnerships or commitments required as part of the congressional appropriation request.

Several equipment and technology purchases supporting instruction and operations were approved. The Board authorized the purchase of a Torchmate 4510 CNC plasma cutting table from Stumpf Welding Supplies of Mascoutah, Illinois, for $49,610.85. The equipment will support instruction in the welding program and is funded entirely through Perkins grant funding.

The Board also approved the purchase of new desktop computers. The purchase will not exceed $73,849.20 and is funded through a combination of 24.48% Perkins funding and 72.52% institutional funding as part of the College's four-year technology refresh cycle outlined in the College's IT Strategic Plan.

Trustees further approved the purchase of a used cargo van from Ford Square of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, for $38,526 to replace a 2000 Dodge truck that has exceeded its service life.

During the meeting, the Board also heard updates from student organizations. Lesley Brower shared information about the newly formed Kaskaskia College Ecology Club, which focuses on restoration, maintenance, and educational stewardship of the College's campus ecosystems. The Board approved the official charter of the club, formally establishing the organization as a student group dedicated to environmental stewardship and campus beautification.

"Our students are incredibly dedicated to restoring and enhancing the natural ecosystems across campus," said KC Assistant Professor of English Lesley Brower. "Andrew Latham and other members of the Ecology Club are helping lead efforts to develop restoration plans, support campus beautification, and expand educational tours so more students and visitors can learn about the diverse ecosystems we have here at Kaskaskia College."

The Board also received an update from Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) advisor Kerri Richards. Now in its third year since being revitalized at Kaskaskia College, the chapter recently took four students to the state-level competition at Lewis and Clark Community College. All four students qualified for the national competition, which will be held this summer in Las Vegas.

Several personnel items were approved by the Board, including the appointments of Michelle Hill as Assistant Professor of Dental Assisting and Tara Garner as Assistant Professor of Respiratory Therapy. Trustees also approved the resignation of Nick Rahar, Director of TRiO, and the retirement of Tammy Lyons, effective April 3.