Olney Central College Dean of Instruction Michael Conn has been appointed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to serve a four-year term on the Illinois Arts Council. “I am happy to be involved in the administration of the arts community on a larger, statewide scale,” Conn said. “It is an interesting opportunity and it is good to have representation from our area. I hope to provide a voice for Southern Illinois to the current state of arts in Illinois and add value to this long-standing council.”

Olney Central College’s Medical Office Assistant Program has been recognized as one of the country’s top online degrees. The health-career website BestHealthDegrees.com ranked OCC No. 9 in its List of the Best Online Medical Assistant Associate’s Programs for 2020. “We are excited to hear that our program has been chosen for this award,” said Instructor Shasta Bennett. “It is always an honor when the hard work of our faculty and students is recognized.”

Olney Central College’s Unmanned Aerial Technology Program is ready to welcome students with the completion of its classroom at the West Richland Center in Noble. Renovations to the former high school science room began last fall and include the installation of new flooring, ceiling tiles, LED lighting and countertops. Modern instructional equipment along with tables and chairs specifically designed to meet program needs complete the facility.

Olney Central College is ready for the startup of its new Welding and Fabrication Associate’s Degree next fall with the completion of a new state-of-the-art lab and classroom at the West Richland Center in Noble. The renovations are part of a Title III Grant initiative, which includes revamping OCC’s welding program to establish an Associate in Applied Science Degree. Work on the former high school welding shop began in June and wrapped up in August.

Olney Central College alumnus Mary Correll, of Wakefield, was recently named a Nurse of the Year by Deaconess Health System, receiving the Florence Nightingale Award for Deaconess Midtown Hospital. As stated in the award, “Florence Nightingale set the example of compassion, commitment to patient care and diligent hospital administration. This award is given in recognition of meritorious service of the nursing profession and is characterized by devotion, sincerity, dedication and compassion.“

Olney Central College is excited to announce it will offer an evening Welding and Cutting Certificate starting in Spring 2021. “This is such a great opportunity,” said Welding Specialist Maverick Fisher. “It’s a chance for high school seniors to get a jump on college. And, it’s especially helpful for someone who is working full-time and would like to pursue a career in welding, but can’t afford to give up their day job to come to college.”

Olney Central College is offering several fall mid-semester classes starting Oct. 16. Mid-semester courses are ideal for students who may have dropped a class this fall or for those who want to complete a course in just 8 weeks. Students looking to earn a humanities credit will have the opportunity to enroll in ART 1141 Cinema Appreciation with Instructor Heather Sandy. This is the first time the course has been offered in an 8-week format.

Olney Central College will host in-person FAFSA Completion Nights from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 13 and Oct. 20.

Olney Central College Nursing Instructor Anne Hustad has completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. The DNP is one of two doctorate degrees available in the nursing field. SIU-E’s program combines classwork along with a comprehensive research project. “I am so excited to have it finished,” Hustad said. “I have been working on it for two years and COVID-19 changed how we did things. There was no graduation and I had to do my project and discussions through Zoom, instead of in person.”

New classroom simulators are ensuring students in the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges/Olney Central College Associate Degree Nursing Program have the skills needed to succeed in their clinical and healthcare settings.