JALC Launches New Webpage with Construction Updates
Published on March 4, 2026
With two major campus construction projects underway and a third scheduled to begin later this year, faculty and staff are sometimes adjusting plans by the hour to ensure students continue receiving the level of service they expect at the Carterville campus. Despite temporary inconveniences, College officials recently announced a 4.2 percent increase in enrollment compared with spring 2025.
The growth has College President Dr. Kirk Overstreet optimistic about the future and the long-term benefits the projects will bring to students and employees alike.
“We broke ground on our new Career and Technical Education facility in August, which meant that our HVAC program had to move to our Annex facility, the former Shawnee Library Building, at the start of the fall semester, and they never missed a beat,” Overstreet said. “We then got word in October that construction could begin on Logan Hall, which is a complete remodel of our front entrance and student services. This affected admissions, advisement, and all our student services during a hectic period, but everyone has taken it in stride and found ways to continue serving students.”
Construction activity prompted additional, unplanned relocations earlier this year following the removal of a support beam near the former Information Booth. On Jan. 21, the College suspended operations to allow engineers to evaluate the structure.
“We had to remove a support beam at the entrance, and upon removal, we discovered that the beam was connected to other support beams throughout the building,” said Jeremy Sargent, assistant vice president for construction and facilities management. “Out of caution, we suspended operations, and a structural engineer evaluated the beams and found that there was no issue and the buildings were secure, but it did result in temporarily relocating some offices and suspending use of the Brewer Gymnasium for a period of time.”
The temporary closure of the Brewer Gymnasium has led to the relocation of the final six home men’s and women’s basketball games of the season.
According to Athletic Director Greg Starrick, the teams have been practicing at local high schools and have played their remaining home contests at neutral sites hosted by area community colleges.
“I am grateful for the support we have received from our colleagues at other community colleges and for how our players have responded as they prepare for the postseason,” said Starrick.
Several campus offices have also been temporarily relocated because of construction. Admissions is now located in E122; Athletics is in Logan Fitness; the JALC Foundation is in F112; the Poshard Foundation is in E121; Conferences and Events is in F110; Social Media and Digital Marketing is in C204; Marketing, Public Relations, and Communications is in E146; and Testing Services is in C259. Additionally, the College Information Booth and Switch Board have moved to the East Entrance near the Coffee Shop.
To help students, employees, and visitors navigate the changes, the College has launched a Campus Improvements and Construction Updates page at https://www.jalc.edu/campus-improvements-and-construction-updates/
The page provides updated campus maps, office relocations, and ongoing construction updates.
“It would be easy to say, ‘pardon our dust’ as we relocate offices, classrooms, and travel routes, but we want to minimize these inconveniences as much as possible,” Overstreet said. “We want to be transparent and keep everyone informed during this phase. While this is a temporary inconvenience, the state-of-the-art facilities will benefit future students in ways we can’t even begin to explain. I apologize for the adjustments we’re making now, but I am beyond excited for what the final outcome will be.”