JWCC Spring Enrollment Rises, 50th Anniversary Celebration and Equity Plan Discussed in Recent Trustees Meeting

The John Wood Community College (JWCC) Board of Trustees recently met at the Southeast Education Center in Pittsfield. They discussed the spring enrollment increase and the upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebration Event. The Illinois Community College Board Spring Opening Enrollment Report shows a 3.8 percent increase in JWCC's spring enrollment from 2023 to 2024. JWCC President Dr. Bryan Renfro is pleased with the increase and stressed the importance of attracting and retaining more students.

Dr. Renfro also discussed the 50th Anniversary Celebration event, set for April 19 at Pointe D’Vine Vineyard and Venue. The event will include remarks from Jim Reed, a charter member of the College’s Board of Trustees, and a video of alumni reflections. The celebration will also raise funds for the JWCC Foundation’s $500,000 Pathways to Promise Scholarship Drive.

JWCC is developing an equity plan, as required for all Illinois community colleges. The University of Illinois Office of Community College Research and Leadership is providing guidance. The plan aims to promote equity and improve educational and employment outcomes in the college's service area.

The Board of Trustees approved several grant applications and changes to their meeting schedule. These include a $5,000 grant for a Body-Worn Camera package for campus police, a grant for the Trades School Grant Program Round #2, and an additional $72,000 in grant funds for the Early Childhood Consortium for Equity (ECACE) program.

Finally, the Board approved the purchase of a mobile education trailer for $89,995. The trailer will be used for on-site training and will be funded by the Department of Labor Strengthening Community College Training/Access to Training Opportunity. The Board also rescheduled their May and June 2024 meetings due to a leadership conference and the Juneteenth state holiday.

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