JWCC Trustees hear reports on maintaining tuition rates, elect new board officers

The JWCC band, chorus and cheerleaders also performed the school fight song for the board Wednesday night.

QUINCY — John Wood Community College Board of Trustees heard a report on maintaining tuition rates for the upcoming year as well as trustee election results, recognitions, oath of offices for new board members and the election of new officers, during its regular meeting Wednesday evening.

The current tuition rates per credit hour for in-district, out-of-district and online instruction for FY24 will remain the same as the 2022-23 prior academic year. The College is focused on continued enrollment growth and this, in conjunction with the Governor’s proposed budget increase, will allow the College to hold the cost of tuition. 

Offering an accessible education at an exceptional value is a crucial part of our mission,” said JWCC President Bryan Renfro. “By keeping tuition costs steady, we assist students in reducing their overall education expenses, whether they decide to transfer to a four-year university or receive skills training to begin or advance their career.  We must remain affordable for everyone in our service district.”

The Board seated three newly elected trustees who were elected at large from JWCC District 539. Incumbent and past chair Larry Fischer of Quincy, Angela Greger of Pittsfield and incumbent Robert Rhea of Camp Point took the Oath of Office to serve six-year terms.

Prior to taking the Oaths of Office, the Trustees recognized outgoing Board of Trustee Chair Diane Ary of Quincy, who served on the JWCC Board from 2015-2023 and as Board Chair from April 2020 to April 2023.

“Diane has been a champion to John Wood Community College through her years of service to the Board. We are grateful for all she has done and look forward to her continued support,” Renfro said.

Trustees elected Bob Rhea of Camp Point as chair, Andy Sprague of Kinderhook as vice-chair and Paula Hawley of Griggsville as secretary.  The Board’s Executive Committee is Bob Rhea, Andy Sprague and Paula Hawley.

Kaydence Gregory of Bluffs was selected by JWCC’s student body and took the Oath of Office as the College’s Student Trustee for 2023-24.  Trustees recognized outgoing Student Trustee Lauren Archer of Pittsfield who served from 2022-23.

Eric Foster, JWCC coordinator of student life introduced the newly selected Student Government Association Officers for the 2023-2024 academic year:  Keyouna West, president, Nicole Cooley, vice president, Michaelia Goodwin, secretary, Karley Bogatzke, PR secretary and Avery Grawe, fellowship.

Barbara Holthaus, JWCC Foundation executive director, presented a special report on the John Wood Community College Foundation. The Board heard updates on contributions and grants received by the JWCC Foundation, and Fiscal Year 2024 goals. Established in 1984, the JWCC Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to securing and stewarding charitable gifts that benefit John Wood Community College students, programs and services.

“The JWCC Foundation plays a critical role in supporting the mission of John Wood Community College by providing financial resources that help the College provide high-quality educational opportunities to our students,” Holthaus said.

In other business, the board:

• Recognized Steven Soebbing, Assistant Professor of Fine Arts and Department Chair, and Brenda Graff, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Department Co-Chair for their achievement of earning the rank of Associate Faculty.
• Authorized submission of a $230,000 grant application to Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) for Adult Education. 
• Approved the 2023-2024 JWCC College Catalog and Student Handbook.
• Accepted a $109,839.00 bid from Million Construction for the parking lot concrete improvements.

The JWCC band, chorus and cheerleaders also performed the school fight song for the board Wednesday night.