During its regular meeting on Wednesday, November 17, the John Wood Community College Board of Trustees received a report on JWCC’s national Aspen Institute Recognition and accepted $110,000 in grant funds to provide and promote workforce and customized industry training.
Interim President Josh Welker shared that for the second consecutive two-year cycle, JWCC was recognized by the prestigious Aspen Institute as a top community college in the country. Aspen recognizes community colleges based on student retention and completion data.
“To be recognized one of the nation’s top community colleges by the Aspen Institute in two consecutive cycles is a testament to the dedication our faculty and staff have to the success of our students,” Welker said. “We are deeply invested in connecting students with the services, experiences, and classes that lead them to living wage careers and success at four-year institutions. JWCC has a great team focused on continuous improvement and national initiatives that are helping our students feel valued, supported, and ready to impact our communities and workforce. Students choosing to gain workforce training or begin their bachelor’s degree at JWCC can be assured they are at one of the country’s best community colleges.”
Recognition kicks of a two-year process during which JWCC submits data and a narrative to be considered for the $1 million Aspen Prize that will be awarded to the top community college in the country in 2027. Welker also shared that JWCC is the only Illinois community college selected to participate in the Rural Guided Pathways initiative. The initiative is focused on helping students more efficiently identify, enter, complete credentials and enter living wage careers or complete bachelor’s degrees.
In addition to national honors, JWCC was regionally recognized as the Best College/Trade School by readers’ vote via the Quincy Herald-Whig, and most recently recognized by the City of Quincy as part of its Extra Mile month for JWCC’s Aspen recognition and service to the community.
During the meeting, Trustees accepted a $110,000 grant to support delivery of customized training for regional employees and industry. This is the third year JWCC has received the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) Noncredit Strategies at Work (NSAW) grant to provide multiple forms of training to business and individuals. JWCC’s Workforce Development Center offers individual classes in safety, leadership and Artificial Intelligence and contracts with businesses to develop training specific to company needs. Some courses are designed to connect with JWCC’s credit-bearing workforce certificates and degrees, allowing employees to gain credentials as they train.
“Thanks to this grant, our Workforce Development Center has more resources and expertise to create customized training programs for any industry,” said Dave Hetzler, JWCC’s Dean of Career and Technical Education. “Our goal is to provide affordable training that helps employees and companies grow while increasing skill sets and helping workers bridge training into credentials that advance their careers.”
In other business, the Board:
Recognized the College’s Presidential Scholars. The Presidential Scholarship is the most prestigious award JWCC offers to students and covers in-district tuition for up to two years. The scholarships are privately funded by the JWCC Foundation. In return for the scholarships, students serve as ambassadors for JWCC and its foundation. Current JWCC Presidential Scholars are as follows: Abby Chamberlain of Nebo; Josh Herring of Quincy; Lauren McDowell of Quincy; Karlie Barry of Camp Point; Libby Goodwin of Quincy; and Emma Gay of New Canton.
Accepted and filed the audit report as presented by WIPFLi, LLC. The financial audit report had no findings and was an unmodified opinion.
Approved the 2025 aggregate tax rate excluding debt service of $0.33298 per $100 of Equalized Assessed Valuation, which is more than one cent lower than 2024. The full levy and total rate for 2025 will be considered by Trustees at the December meeting.
Approved regular meeting dates for the JWCC Board of Trustees for the 2026 calendar year.
Authorized entry into a one-year lease agreement with Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials for space at the JWCC Mt. Sterling Education Center.
Approved a resolution and levy for Protection, Health, and Safety projects in the amount of $54,000 to fund the Student Activity Center audio visual platform catwalk.
Rejected a bid from Alta Equipment Company for a tractor based on prohibitive cost.
Authorized renewal of a cash rent farm lease with Michael and William Deters, including new acreage acquired in 2025.
The next regular meeting of the JWCC Board will be December 17 at 6 p.m. on the Quincy campus.
