The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees met Monday, January 22, 2018 for its regular monthly meeting. Board members include Bill Hawley (Odin), Linda Stover (Centralia), Jim Beasley (Centralia), Jack Mays (Centralia), Bryan Holthaus (St. Rose), Laura Wedekemper (Shattuc) and student trustee Kylie Bilek (Perryville, MO)
In keeping with its mission to provide higher educational opportunities for its students. Kaskaskia College has entered into a partnership with St. John’s School of Nursing in Springfield that will enable KC Nursing graduates to pursue their Bachelors of Nursing. The KC Board of Trustees ratified the agreement during its February 26 meeting. Associate Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, Julie Obermark said the Nursing Department is pleased to announce the new agreement. “This agreement will enable Kaskaskia College Associate Degree Nursing graduates to transfer coursework to St John’s College of Nursing while being awarded credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing,” said Obermark. “The agreement ensures a seamless transition for Kaskaskia students to continue their education with St John’s.” St. John’s Chancellor Dr. Charlene Aaron said the college is proud to partner with Kaskaskia College. “This is really going to allow us to offer more opportunities for each of our students as they progress through their nursing careers.”
The board also announced they will begin negotiating with Interim President George Evans to serve as the 11th president of Kaskaskia College. In announcing the board’s decision Chair Bill Hawley said the board has been happy with the direction the college has been going under Evans stewardship, and feel Evans is the right person for the job. Hawley also noted Evans has two important positions to fill in the next few months as well, the Dean of Career and Technical Education, and Vice President of Instructional Services. Evans has been serving as Dean and Interim President since the resignation of Dr. Penny Quinn in November. During the meeting it was announced that Dr. Greg Labyak will be retiring as Vice President of Instructional Services effective June 30th. Evans thanked the board for their support but was quick to credit the administration, faculty and staff of Kaskaskia College for their support of the institution. “I have seen everyone bond together in a short amount of time and embrace a lot of changes with an incredible amount of energy,” said Evans. “It’s a great group and I can’t imagine working with anyone else.”
Trustees also approved a number of personnel moves during the meeting. Thomas Henegar of Centralia was hired as the new Director of Adult Education. Corey Wellen of Albers was hired as the full-time Temporary Assistant Professor of Welding, replacing Shawn Morris who left last month. Wellen, who brings more than 15 years’ experience to the position, is skilled in the welding and cutting processes local employers are looking for. He has taught for the college in an adjunct capacity, having been named the college’s Adjunct Faculty of the Year in 2015. The board also approved the employment of Laura Sheathelm as the college’s Institutional Research Coordinator.
In other action Monday night, the board approved a retrofit of the College’s Radiologic Technology Program’s digital imaging equipment to improve the high quality images students develop using the equipment. Interim President George Evans was authorized to enter into a lease agreement with Southern Illinois Case Coordination Services, Inc. to utilize the college’s shuttered Workforce Development Center on South Poplar.
Trustees also took action on a number of Protection, Health & Safety projects to take place this summer. The board authorized the preparation of construction documents and bidding for restroom renovations in the Library and Science and Technology Buildings; and the replacement of lights along in the college parking lot, roadway and sidewalks on the main campus Work will also include replacing interior emergency lighting and exit lights throughout the campus, and upgrades to the automatic door openers.
