Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Wabash Valley College’s summer enrollment numbers are up nearly 20 percent! As the summer semester reaches the halfway mark, WVC anticipates this upward trend in enrollment to continue into the fall semester. Assistant Dean of Student Services Steve Patberg reported the increased enrollment was most notable in the math, science and communications classes.

Olney Central College has been named the No. 1 Online Community College in Illinois by Optimal’s Guide to Online Schools. The state’s community colleges were ranked using several criteria, including retention rate, graduation rates, percentage of online enrollment data, and the number of online associate degrees offered. Data was based on information collected by the National Center of Education Statistics. In order to be considered for ranking, community colleges must be regionally accredited and offer at least one fully online associate degree.

Lincoln Trail College student-athletes have combined for a GPA above 3.0 for the 13th consecutive semester. In the Spring 2020 Semester, the department had a combined GPA of 3.08.  “I’m very proud of the work of the administration at LTC, the coaches, and our student-athletes,” says Baseball Coach and Athletic Director Kevin Bowers. “In light of this spring’s events, to stay consistent with effort and outcome is very commendable.”

Lincoln Trail College honored two members of the Class of 2020 along with three staff members with awards.

Wabash Valley College’s Ag program, in conjunction with Wabash Valley Service Company, IB Executive Turf and Landscape, Wabash Valley Stewardship Alliance and southeastern Illinois Farm Bureaus, saw the planting of a new pollinator plot on WVC’s campus. Mike Wilson, CCA, from Wabash Valley Service Company, planted a pollinator plot on campus on May 12. Look for it next time you drive past the college on Oak Street!

Each year, three instructors from Wabash Valley College are selected as instructors of the year: a transfer instructor, a career and technical education instructor and an adjunct instructor. WVC is proud to announce this year’s instructors of the year. The members of the WVC student body have selected Ms. Jill Winter as the Outstanding Transfer Instructor of the Year, Ms. Ronda Hockgeiger as the Outstanding Career and Technical Education Instructor of the Year and Mr. D-Ray Etzkorn as the Outstanding Adjunct Instructor of the Year.

The Lincoln Trail College Foundation will conduct a giving week the week of May 11 to help raise money for a special scholarship fund. The new fund is designed to help people affected by the Coronavirus pandemic get an education at Lincoln Trail College. 

Lincoln Trail College will begin its Summer Semester classes as scheduled on June 2. “The majority of our summer courses will be held in a fully online format,” says LTC President Dr. Ryan Gower. “As summer progresses and the shelter-in-place order expires, it is our expectation that some of our courses will have the ability to meet face-to-face as the summer progresses.”  

Olney Central College Welding Specialist Maverick Fisher has earned his Certified Welding Inspector credentials through the American Welding Society. The CWI designation is recognized both nationally and internationally and is one of the highest certifications available through the AWS. The certification qualifies Fisher to conduct visual inspections and make sure students perform acceptable welds according to the set codes. “Students will be able to have proof of welding certifications when they apply for positions,” Fisher added.

Lincoln Trail College’s Alpha Iota Epsilon chapter of Phi Theta Kappa has been named as one of the Top 100 chapters in the international Phi Theta Kappa organization. The announcement was made during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, which was held virtually.