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Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is charged with establishing policy for the financing, governance, operation, and administration of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. Seven voting members are elected from the District at large, each serving a six-year term. A non-voting student trustee, elected by student referendum on a rotating basis from each campus, serves a one-year term from April to March. Ryan Hawkins currently serves as the Board Treasurer and Sonja Wease as the Board Secretary and Ethics Officer.

 

Meet the IECC Board of Trustees

(Click on the photos below for more information.)

Gary Carter, Chairman
Gary Carter, Fairfield
Mr. Carter was born and raised in Fairfield, IL and has lived there his entire life. He and his wife, Terri, have two married sons who reside there as well with their families.  Mr. Carter is the owner/operator of the local Kubota dealership.  

Over the years he has served on several boards of education and is active in community affairs. Mr. Carter began his service on the IECC Board of Trustees in May, 2011. He serves as an elder at his church and enjoys spending time with grandchildren.
Brenda Culver, Vice-Chair
Brenda Culver, Noble
Mrs. Culver was elected to the IECC Board of Trustees in 1999 and has been serving consecutive terms since that time. She is a retired school psychologist and currently the pastor at Barney's Prairie Christian Church.
Barbara Shimer, Secretary Pro Tempore
Barbara Shimer, Robinson
Ms. Shimer has served on the IECC Board of Trustees since February, 2020.  A retired IECC Theater and Communication Instructor, she currently works for Crawford County United Way.
Dr. Susan Batchelor, Trustee
Dr. Susan Batchelor, Clay City
Dr. Batchelor began her service with the IECC Board in January 2023. She recently retired from community college administration where her final role was
Vice President of Student Services.  

Along with her experiences in educational settings throughout her career, Dr. Batchelor has held a variety of healthcare leadership positions.
John Brooks, Trustee
John Brooks, Hutsonville
Mr. Brooks has served on the IECC Board since 2008 and has been a serial entrepreneur, having owned fifteen businesses. Currently, he owns a steakhouse and a commercial real-estate firm.  
Mr. Brooks is married with five children and thirteen grandchildren.
Roger Browning, Trustee
Roger Browning, Mt. Carmel
Mr. Browning has served as a trustee since 2021. He is a retired administrator for Illinois Eastern Community College District #529.  Mr. Browning served as the Chief Financial Officer for the district for 17 years and during that time served the district as a leader in many different areas while on the CEO's Cabinet.
Jan Ridgely, Trustee
Jan Ridgely, Olney
Mr. Ridgely has served on the IECC Board of Trustees since 2016. He is the President & CEO and Chairman of the Board of Citizens National Bank of Albion where he has been employed since 1986.  Mr. Ridgely also serves as the Swine Superintendent at the Duquoin State Fair. He donates his time to various other community activities as well.  

Jan and his wife, Lisa, reside in Parkersburg, IL and have three children and seven grandchildren that live nearby. They have a family farming operation
that consists of corn, soybeans, and cattle.  When he's not spending time with family, Mr. Ridgely enjoys riding horses and ATVs.
Jorri VanDyke, Student Trustee (2024-2025)
Jorri VanDyke, Olney Central College
Jorri VanDyke is a freshman at OCC where she is pursuing a transfer degree in science with plans to become a large animal veterinarian. A graduate of Richland County High School, Ms. VanDyke has been active in Future Farmers of America serving as chapter vice president and holding the regional office of Section 23 Treasurer. In addition to her FFA involvement, Jorri played softball, volleyball, and basketball and was active in Student Council, Pep Club, and Travel Abroad Club. 
Ms. VanDyke looks forward to this opportunity to serve on the Board of Trustees and intends to help bridge the gap between students, administration, and the board.  
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Training

State-Mandated Leadership Training 110 ILCS 805/3-8.5
State law requires elected and appointed community college trustees to receive four hours of leadership training during the 1st, 3rd and 5th years of their terms. It is also required by law that each community college district maintains a listing of all board members who have successfully completed the training, as well as those who have not.

 


                                                                                                                                        Training information updated: 6/14/2023

Board Member

End of Term

Leadership Training

1st Year

3rd Year

5th Year

Susan Batchelor

2025

COMPLETED

NOT APPLICABLE

NOT APPLICABLE

John D. Brooks

2025

COMPLETED

COMPLETED

NOT YET DUE

Roger Browning

2025

COMPLETED

NOT APPLICABLE

NOT APPLICABLE

Gary Carter

2029

NOT YET DUE

NOT YET DUE

NOT YET DUE

Brenda Culver

2029

NOT YET DUE

NOT YET DUE

NOT YET DUE

Jan Ridgely

2027

COMPLETED

NOT YET DUE

NOT YET DUE

Barbara Shimer

2027

COMPLETED

NOT YET DUE

NOT YET DUE