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Office of the President

Office of the President

Feb 17
Presidents Day Holiday-No Classes
Apr 18
Good Friday Holiday-No Classes
May 26
Memorial Day Holiday-No Classes
Jun 19
Juneteenth Holiday-No Classes
Jul 3
4th of July-No Classes

In The Know

In The Know is published each month on the Wednesday following the Board of Trustees Meeting. In each issue, we will update you on the Board of Trustees meeting, happenings in HR, Institutional Research updates including survey results, Construction updates, Athletics, Academic Affairs, Student Services, Business Services, upcoming events and announcements, and recap of news around campus.

After a cold and icy start to the semester, we are well underway, and hopefully, spring weather is just around the corner. I want to take a moment to thank our incredible grounds crew for their hard work preparing the campus for the start of the semester. Their efforts in clearing the parking lots ensured a smooth beginning, allowing us to welcome over 750 students during walk-in registration and host more than 40 students at our special Saturday sign-up following the winter snowstorm.

Speaking of events, we kicked off the year with the inaugural First Pitch Banquet, hosted by our baseball and softball teams and featuring MLB pitcher Lance Lynn. The event was tremendously successful, drawing over 350 attendees and raising vital funds for the new Harrison Bruce Player Development Center. On January 21, we hosted our second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast. Over 250 people attended, and Board of Trustees member Dr. Glenn Poshard gave an excellent keynote address about his experience in the United States Congress working alongside civil rights icon and close MLK associate John Lewis. I want to thank April Martinez, the Black Student Association, and everyone who worked to make the event successful.

The new year has also brought exciting opportunities for the College. The Illinois Department of Corrections has selected John A. Logan College as the official training site for new correctional officers in southern Illinois. This decision highlights the College’s growing influence and benefits our region, allowing trainees to complete their training locally rather than traveling to Springfield.

In addition, I’m proud to share that we’ve received official recognition from the Illinois Community Board (ICCB). This designation ensures John A. Logan College is recognized through December 31, 2025, as a testament to our continued excellence and commitment to education. Congratulations to Provost Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford and her team on this significant achievement.

February is shaping up to be an exciting and busy month on campus. As we celebrate Black History Month and Career and Technical Education Month, there will be opportunities to engage and connect. Highlights include the Fine Arts Gala on February 15, featuring the Jazz Alliance, and the JALC Foundation’s annual Italian Dinner on February 26, coinciding with our basketball teams’ game against Rend Lake College.

Finally, I am happy to report that we have increased headcount and credit hours for the spring 2025 semester. We are moving positively because of the hard work and dedication to our students from everyone on campus. The effort being made by all of our faculty and staff is evident, and I want to thank each of you for your continued dedication to making John A. Logan College a thriving institution. Let’s move forward together into a successful and productive semester.

Regards, 
Kirk Overstreet, PhD. 
Kirk E. Overstreet PhD. signature
President, John A. Logan College

John A. Logan College to Host Deployment Ceremony for Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment

John A. Logan College is honored to announce that it will be the host site for the Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment’s deployment ceremony on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Noon. The ceremony will take place in the College’s Brewer Gymnasium.

The event will recognize the soldiers’ dedication and accomplishments as they prepare for deployment. College President Dr. Kirk Overstreet and Trustee Dr. Glenn Poshard will offer remarks, celebrating the courage and commitment of these men and women who serve our nation.

“We are privileged to support our military and show appreciation for their sacrifices,” said Dr. Overstreet. “This ceremony is an opportunity for our community to come together and honor those answering the call to serve.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
  • Time: 12:00 p.m.
  • Location: Brewer Gymnasium, John A. Logan College

John A. Logan College is committed to supporting the local community and honoring those who serve in the military. The College extends its best wishes and deep appreciation to Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment as they embark on their important mission.

For additional information, please contact:
John A. Logan College Public Relations
618-985-2828, ext. 8569 Email: steve.okeefe@jalc.edu

Over 250 Attended the Second Annual MLK Breakfast at John A. Logan College

People in line getting food at the Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast event at John A. Logan College.

John A. Logan College hosted its second annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the college’s Conference Center. The event, which took place the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is designed to allow students to participate in community events on the holiday while still engaging in this important celebration of Dr. King’s legacy when classes are in session.

“As a commuter campus, we want to ensure that our students have the opportunity to engage in events within their communities on MLK Day while still being able to attend this important event on a day when classes are in session,” said Dr. Kirk Overstreet, President of John A. Logan College.

The breakfast featured a powerful keynote address by Dr. Glenn Poshard, former U.S. Congressman and current John A. Logan College Board of Trustees member. Poshard reflected on his personal connection with the late Congressman John Lewis, a close associate of Dr. King and a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement. His speech emphasized the enduring impact of Dr. King’s work and the ongoing fight for justice.

In addition to Poshard’s address, the event featured musical performances and readings by John A. Logan College students. The selections were thoughtfully chosen to honor the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., inspiring attendees to reflect on his enduring legacy.

Over 250 community members, students, faculty, and staff gathered for the event, marking a significant moment of unity and reflection as they celebrated the principles of equality, justice, and service Dr. King championed.

The breakfast continues to be a meaningful tradition for John A. Logan College, offering an opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance and celebration of Dr. King’s profound influence on American society.

JALC Sees Increases in Both Enrollment and Credit Hours for the Spring Semester

As the higher education sector faces a nationwide enrollment cliff, John A. Logan College has emerged as an exception to the trend, experiencing increases in enrollment, 1.6 percent, and credit hours, .33 percent for the spring 2025 semester. The College has had a total increase of 11 percent in credit hours since 2021. The college’s strategic, all-hands-on-deck approach to recruitment and retention is credited with this success amid a broader decline in college attendance nationwide.

Nationally, many colleges and universities are grappling with a sharp decline in student enrollment, a trend exacerbated by demographic shifts, changing attitudes toward higher education, and economic challenges. However, John A. Logan College has bucked this trend thanks to innovative recruitment and retention strategies that resonate with prospective students.

“We are seeing tangible results from our focused efforts to engage students at every step of their academic journey,” said Dr. Kirk Overstreet, President of John A. Logan College. “It’s not just about getting students through the door – it’s about ensuring they stay and thrive throughout their time with us.”

Overstreet added that while the increases are modest, they are increases. “Our goal is to continue to move in a positive direction and build on our success each semester.”

Innovative Outreach and Support Programs

Faculty and staff at John A. Logan College have developed various programs designed to meet the needs of modern students. Recruitment initiatives have been tailored to reach high school students, adult learners, and returning students through targeted outreach, digital marketing campaigns, and partnerships with local high schools.

A key element in the college’s success has been its innovative retention efforts, which focus on student support beyond the classroom. Faculty and staff are proactively involved in helping students navigate academic and personal challenges. The college has also ramped up efforts to offer flexible scheduling options, including online and hybrid courses and short-term fast-track options, making it easier for students with varying life circumstances to continue their education.

“The personal connections we’ve built with students are crucial,” said April Marinez, Director of Enrollment Management. “We’ve made a concerted effort to show students that they’re not just a number to us – we truly care about their success.”

Increased Enrollment and Credit Hours

John A. Logan College has reported a year-over-year increase in student enrollment, which is the opposite of the national trend of declining student numbers. In addition, the college has seen a rise in the number of credit hours taken, a key indicator of student engagement and academic success.

“The increase in enrollment and credit hours is a testament to the hard work and creativity of our entire college community,” said Dr. Overstreet. “We are committed to surviving this enrollment cliff and thriving through it, and our growth shows that we are on the right path.”

Looking to the Future

Leaders at John A. Logan College hope to continue defying the national trend of emphasizing personalized support, community involvement, and adaptability. The college has proven that a proactive, student-centered approach can make a difference in the face of a rapidly changing educational landscape.

“We are determined to keep moving forward with positive increases each semester in enrollment and credit hours,” said Dr. Overstreet. “Our goal is to ensure that every student who walks through our doors feels supported, empowered, and prepared to succeed in their future endeavors.”

Overstreet added that spring enrollment is not complete. “We have several fast-track options that are 8,10, and 12 weeks as opposed to the traditional 16-week courses. These classes are currently enrolling students and are not all included in the tenth-day census report.”

With the continued growth of enrollment and the expansion of innovative programs, John A. Logan College is poised to remain a vital educational institution in the region, offering a beacon of hope for students during a time of uncertainty for the nation’s higher education system.

For more information on John A. Logan College’s enrollment and academic offerings, visit their website at www.jalc.edu.

Institutional Effectiveness and Research

IER SharePoint
The office of institutional effectiveness and research has a newly updated SharePoint site. This new site is broken into the following areas: Dashboards, Enrollment Data, Survey Results, and Student Assessment. Additional information will be updated on this new site over the coming months. The easiest way to access the new SharePoint site is clicking on the “IER SharePoint” link on the left-hand side of the JALC website for Institutional Effectiveness and Research. Or click this link to access the page directly: https://jalcollege.sharepoint.com/sites/InstitutionalEffectivenessandResearch

Human Resources

A list of current open positions at JALC is listed at https://www.jalc.edu/employment/.

Business Services

Facilities and Construction

In The Know – Archive