JWCC trustees hear reports on graduation, Career Launch Signing Day

QUINCY — John Wood Community College President Bryan Renfro gave an update on this week’s graduation during its Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday evening.

“During the 2022-2023 academic year, JWCC proudly granted 349 associate degrees, 174 certificates, and 1 College for Life certificate to students pursuing their hopes and dreams,” Renfro said. “It’s inspiring to see so many hardworking students balancing their studies with full-time or part-time jobs to support themselves and their families. We are proud of them.”

The college’s 48th commencement ceremony is set for Friday at 6 p.m., with 235 students participating. Renfro said this is the largest number of graduates to walk during graduation.

JWCC also celebrated Career & Technical Launch Signing Day earlier on Wednesday.

“We are equally excited about our partnership with the Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) and the Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center (QAVTC),” Renfro said. “The event featured 13 students and eight business partners. Our ultimate goal is to grow the region’s workforce and be a national leader in helping our students achieve a sustainable family income.”

JWCC Board Chair, Bob Rhea appointed Trustees to the following committees:  Finance and Audit:  Don Hess and Dr. Randy Greenwell; Curriculum: Larry Fischer and Angela Greger; Andy Sprague was appointed as the Board’s representative to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) and Paula Hawley will serve as the first alternative ICCTA representative.

In other business, Trustees:

• Authorization submission of a $616,693.68 (over a 3-year period) grant application to the Illinois Community College Board/IL Department of Human Services for Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE).
• Authorized submission of a $312,095 grant application to the Illinois Community College Board for the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) Grant. 
• Authorized submission of a $50,364 grant application to the Illinois Department on Aging for the Illinois Department on Aging Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Grant.
• Authorized submission of a $171,087 grant application to the Illinois Community College Board
• for the FY24 Perkins Grant providing funds for Career and Technical Education programs.
• Authorized submission of a $12,000-$15,000 grant application to the Illinois Board of Higher Education for the Illinois Cooperative Work Study Grant.