A team of Student Services leaders from John Wood Community College (JWCC) presented at the Illinois Council of Community College Administrators (ICCCA) Conference in East Peoria recently. The presentation, “Radical Reorg of Student Services,” highlighted JWCC’s journey to reorganize student services, beginning with identifying organizational challenges and ultimately implementing structural improvements designed to enhance the student experience.
The reorganization was part of the College’s Rural Guided Pathways initiative, a national community college effort to help students more efficiently identify, enter, and complete post-secondary credentials that lead to high-wage and/or high-demand career pathways.
The presentation provided an overview of JWCC’s approach, outlining the strategies used to increase collaboration, streamline services, and improve student outcomes. More than 350 community college professionals from across Illinois attended the conference. Approximately 50 participants attended JWCC’s session and expressed strong interest and positive feedback following the presentation.
JWCC’s presenting team included:
Dr. Shelley Barkley, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
Rachel Hansen, Dean of Student Affairs
Kristen Ritterbusch, Director of Pathways
Teresa Bertelli, Director of Campus Care
Kayla Wentz, Director of Engagement and High School Relations
Brittany McKeown, Head of Enrollment, Registrar and Financial Aid Services
Christine Genenbacher, Director of Financial Aid
In addition to presenting, Barkley served in a leadership role as ICCCA Past President Returning, contributing to the planning and organization of the statewide conference.
