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JWCC breaks ground for Workforce Development Center expansion

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More than 75 people attended the official groundbreaking ceremony for John Wood Community College’s Workforce Development Center expansion project Wednesday morning. “This expansion project, along with the new JWCC Agricultural Sciences Complex near Baylis, demonstrates the College’s continued commitment to the district and our industry partners in the Tri-State region,” said JWCC President Michael Elbe. […]

JWCC opens new Ag Science Complex

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BAYLIS, Ill. — John Wood Community College officially dedicated its new College Agricultural Sciences Complex and Fred L. Bradshaw Learning Center Tuesday morning at the JWCC Agricultural Education Center near Baylis.  More than 300 people attended the ceremony which celebrated the 45-year educational partnership with the University of Illinois, John Wood Community College and the […]

JWCC taps Maas Construction for Workforce Development building project

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QUINCY — John Wood Community College Board of Trustees accepted a $6.65 million bid from Maas Construction for the Workforce Development Expansion (WDC) project and approved a $16.4 million balanced budget for the next fiscal year during its meeting Wednesday night.

Fifteen people selected to advisory committee for JWCC presidential selection search

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QUINCY — Fifteen people have been identified to serve on the presidential selection advisory committee at John Wood Community College.   President Michael Elbe announced March 2 he will be retiring Dec. 31, 2022. To assist the Board of Trustees with the search for Elbe’s replacement, JWCC has engaged the Pauly Group, Inc., a national search […]

JWCC offering cybersecurity workshop on July 12

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QUINCY — John Wood Community College Business and Industry Training, in conjunction with Western Illinois University and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities Broadband Ready Grant, is offering a cybersecurity workshop from 11 a.m.-noon on July 12 at JWCC’s Workforce Development Center, 4220 Koch’s Lane.  Cybersecurity is a critical issue in today’s world. […]

Dean of career technicals education at JWCC receives Future of Illinois grant for course on cybersecurity

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QUINCY — The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center has awarded a “Future of Illinois” grant to David Hetzler, dean of career technical education at John Wood Community College. The grant is one of eight awarded to faculty from Illinois universities and community colleges, with a total investment of more than $650,000. The purpose of the grants is to […]

JWCC truck driver training program offering HAZMAT endorsement training starting Monday

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John Wood Community College Truck Driver Training Program will offer a Hazmat Endorsement Training course beginning Monday, June 6. This will be a two-week online class with one in-person class day. The class is scheduled to begin Monday, June 6, with the in-person day on Saturday, June 18, from 8 am – 5 pm.

JWCC Truck Driver Training program showing results

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Before earning his CDL through John Wood Community College’s Truck Driver Training (TDT) program, Luke Lish worked long hours in a warehouse. After working 13 days in a row, he and his wife were in the car driving behind a semi when Luke said, “I bet I could get in that truck, be home more, and make twice as much money.”

‘We have to change the culture’: Davis remembers own experience when discussing Texas school shooting

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QUINCY — Five-term U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis said he was “heartbroken” for the families involved after learning of the deaths of 19 students and two teachers in a Tuesday shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Incidents like that, however, bring back grievous memories of his own. Preparing for a Congressional baseball game to […]

Open forum for discussion on search for JWCC president set for May 26

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QUINCY — The John Wood Community College Board of Trustees will be the host of an open forum for community members to provide input on characteristics needed in the search of the college’s next president. Pauly Group, Inc., of Springfield has been contracted by the board of trustees to facilitate the search for the person […]

JWCC to work with Springfield company during search for next president

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QUINCY — John Wood Community College is using a Springfield company to assist in its search for its next president. Chair Diane Ary gave an update Wednesday night during the board of trustees’ monthly meeting about the search to replace Michael Elbe, who is retiring Dec. 31. JWCC is working with the Pauly Group, Inc., […]

John Wood honors 359 students earning associate degree, 132 earning certificates at May 13 commencement

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QUINCY — John Wood Community College’s 47th annual commencement exercises were held Friday, May 13, in the Student Activity Center on the campus in Quincy.  The ceremony honored 359 students earning associate degrees and 132 students earning career/technical certificates. Graduates, listed by degree or certificate received and current city, were:

JWCC College for Life graduation celebration held May 6

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QUINCY — A graduation celebration was held May 6 for John Wood Community College’s College for Life, a certificate program for adult students with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The first group of students graduated in May 2020, joining other JWCC graduates in the modified COVID commencement ceremony. However, they did not get to gather as […]

Registration open for JWCC’s JDub Academy classes for children in June, July

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QUINCY — Registration is now open for John Wood Community College’s JDub Academy, which offers classes for students during June and July. JDub Academy provides hands-on learning for students in grades K-12 in agriculture, archery, baking, computers, dance, fishing, German, healthcare, moviemaking, science, sewing and more.  Area youths may choose from more than a dozen […]

JWCC’s 47th commencement ceremony set for Friday

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QUINCY — John Wood Community College will hold its 47th annual commencement ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday, May 13, in the Student Activity Center, 48th and Harrison. JWCC will confer 359 associate degrees and 132 certificates. Michael Elbe, JWCC president, will confer degrees and certificate. Diane Ary, chair of the JWCC board of trustees, will accept […]

JWCC awards Presidential Scholarships to two students from Pittsfield, one from Brown County

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QUINCY — Three high school seniors recently earned two-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarships to John Wood Community College. Winners of the ninth annual JWCC Presidential Scholarship Competition are: Kaitlyn Cox, a student at Pittsfield High School and a daughter of Jeff and Amy Cox; Mason Henry, a student at Brown County High School and a son […]

Thursday fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse to support JWCC’s College for Life

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QUINCY — A dining event to benefit JWCC’s College for Life program will be held from 4-9 p.m. Thursday at Texas Roadhouse, 5120 Broadway.  JWCC’s College for Life is a certificate program for adult students with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Diners also may verbally tell the staff they are supporting CFL when placing a to go or dine in […]

Beck wins best in show award at JWCC ‘Show and Sell’ art show; exhibit open through May 13 in Heath Center Art Gallery

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QUINCY — John Wood Community College’s 10th annual student “Show and Sell” spring exhibit is being held now through May 13 in the the Heath Center Art Gallery. The artist reception and awards ceremony was held on April 6. Steven Soebbing, chair of the fine arts department, judged this year’s art show that features numerous […]

Promotional tour held Wednesday at JWCC’s Orr Multipurpose Agriculture Facility

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BAYLIS, Ill. — John Wood Community College officials were the hosts of a promotional tour at the college’s Orr Multipurpose Agriculture Facility on Wednesday. The facility is in the final stages of fundraising and construction. It will open for classes during the fall 2022 semester. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 9. The […]

JWCC Business & Industry Training offering leadership courses

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QUINCY — John Wood Community College Business and Industry Training is offering a series of three classes that focus on characteristics of effective leaders, ethics, service, and both leadership and communication skills — with a special emphasis on listening and engaging with others effectively. Become the Leader Others Want to Follow focuses on the practical aspects […]

Orr Multipurpose Agriculture Facility in final stages of fundraising, construction

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PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The John Wood Community College Board of Trustees heard a report on the Orr Multipurpose Agriculture Facility and the Workforce Development Center Expansion Project during a meeting Wednesday at the Southeast Education Center. The Orr Multipurpose Agriculture Facility is in the final stages of fundraising and construction and will open for classes […]

‘Now I can be a leader in different ways’: Elbe announces plan to step down as JWCC president on Dec. 31

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QUINCY — Michael Elbe couldn’t help himself, turning to his athletic roots to explain what it’s going to be like to step down the president of John Wood Community College on Dec. 31. “I’m going to miss the people, and I’m going to miss the relationships,” he said after a press conference Thursday afternoon. “I’m […]

Show by Quincy artist featured in JWCC Heath Center art gallery

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QUINCY — The John Wood Community College Heath Center art gallery is the site of an art show by John Steinkamp through Friday. A self-taught oil painter, Steinkamp is a Quincy professional who has served the community in several different roles. With a degree in graphic art, he has worked with advertising agencies, television stations, […]

Tracy Family Foundation, John Wood Community College, Community Foundation partner to help strengthen nonprofits

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QUINCY — A strong, diverse and well-trained nonprofit board is crucial to the success of a nonprofit’s mission. The Tracy Family Foundation, John Wood Foundation and Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois have partnered to prepare high-quality board member candidates and provide a system through which nonprofits can identify and contact them. Available through the […]

JWCC looking for instructors for JDub Academy this summer

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QUINCY — John Wood Community College is hiring instructors for its JDub Academy from June 6-24.  JDub Academy helps students in grades K-12 understand how their hobbies, interests and strengths might connect with a future career through hands-on academic and enrichment workshops at JWCC.  Contact Community-Based Outreach at cbo@jwcc.edu or 217-641-4941 to request a course proposal.   Interested […]

JWCC Heath Center Art Gallery to be host of art show, reception by Steinkamp

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QUINCY — The John Wood Community College Heath Center Art Gallery is the host of a show of artwork by John Steinkamp through Feb. 18. Steinkamp is a self-taught oil painter who has worked with advertising agencies, television stations, non-profit organizations and entrepreneurs. In recent years, he has steadily increased his scope to include fine […]

Registration Open for OSHA Construction Industry Course at JWCC

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This course is designed for construction workers, foremen, job supervisors and anyone involved in the construction industry. OSHA recommends the 10-Hour Construction Industry training program as an orientation to occupational safety and health for workers covered by OSHA 29 CFR 1926. Workers must receive additional training, when required by OSHA standards, on the specific hazards of the job. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry completion card. The course will be taught by an OSHA Outreach Authorized Trainer.

JWCC students receive honor from Manufacturing Skill Standards Council

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QUINCY — Twelve students at John Wood Community College recently earned Manufacturing Skill Standards Council nationally recognized certificates during the fall 2021 semester.  MSSC is an industry-led training, assessment and certification system that focuses on the core skills and knowledge needed by the nation’s front-line production and material handling technicians. MSSC Safety CredentialRusty ThurmanAndrew FodorJoshua […]

Dean’s list for fall semester at John Wood Community College recognizes 375 students

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QUINCY — Three-hundred seventy-five students at John Wood Community College have been named to the dean’s list for the 2021 fall term.  To be named to the dean’s list, a full-time student must be enrolled for nine or more credit hours and must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.  A part-time student […]

JWCC offering winter break online classes in December

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QUINCY — John Wood Community College is providing classes for students during winter break. The four-week session is offered entirely online from Dec. 13 to Jan. 7. Courses range from one to three credit hours. Students from any college or university may enroll. High school students also may take courses if approved by their school’s […]

Open house for JWCC truck driver training program set for Monday

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QUINCY — New federal regulations regarding obtaining a CDL will take effect in early February 2022. The truck driver training program at John Wood Community College will host an open house at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Workforce Development Center, 4220 Koch’s Lane.  During the open house, representatives will share how the program will respond […]

JWCC holiday music concert set for Friday night at Mary Ellen Orr Auditorium

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QUINCY— Audiences will be treated to a variety of vocal and instrumental selections performed by area students during a holiday music concert presented by John Wood Community College’s fine arts department at 7 p.m. Friday in the Mary Ellen Orr Auditorium at the JWCC Paul Heath Center, 48th and Harrison. JWCC’s concert choir, band and […]

Plein air paintings by Quincyan on display at JWCC art gallery

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QUINCY — The Heath Center Art Gallery, on the lower level of the Paul Heath Fine Arts Center at John Wood Community College, 48th and Harrison, is the site of a display of plein air paintings by Jamie Green of Quincy through Dec. 17. Green works in watercolor, pen and ink, pencil and marker. He creates […]

JWCC offering forklift training class Dec. 1 at Workforce Development Center

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QUINCY — John Wood Community College’s Workforce Development Center, 4220 Koch’s Lane, will be the site of a forklift class from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 1. The class is open to the public. No application is necessary. People are required to make a reservation to attend. This course consists of classroom and hands-on […]

OSHA general industry course set for Wednesday, Thursday at JWCC Workforce Development Center

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QUINCY — John Wood Community College Workforce Development Center, 4420 Koch’s Lane, will be the site of an OSHA 10 General Industry training class from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. The class will provide information to entry level general industry workers about their rights, employer responsibilities, and how to identify, abate, […]

Fall music concert set for Friday at JWCC

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QUINCY — A wide variety of vocal and instrumental selections will performed by area students at John Wood Community College’s Fine Arts Department fall music concert. The event is set for 7 p.m. Friday in the Mary Ellen Orr Auditorium at the Paul Heath Center at 48th and Harrison. JWCC’s concert choir, band and vocal show […]

LinkedIn for Business class set for Oct. 26 at JWCC Workforce Development Center

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QUINCY — John Wood Community College Business and Industry Training is offering a social media class, LinkedIn for Business, from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 26. The class is open to the public. No application is necessary. People are required to make a reservation to attend. The class will take place at JWCC’s Workforce Development Center, […]

Registration open for free cybersecurity seminar on Wednesday

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QUINCY — The John Wood Community College Workforce Development Center Business & Industry Training will be hosting a free seminar from Winsor Consulting about cybersecurity from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Paul Heath Community Education and Fine Arts Center, 1301 S. 48th.  Common security areas that most manufacturing facilities are lacking, discovered through […]

JWCC offering Mastering Microsoft Teams class on Tuesday

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QUINCY — A Mastering Microsoft Teams class is being offered from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday by John Wood Community College Business and Industry Training. The class is open to the public. No application is necessary.  Reservations are required. The class will take place at JWCC’s Workforce Development Center, 4220 Koch’s Lane. This hands-on workshop […]

JWCC announces winners of 18th annual livestock judging contest

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BAYLIS, Ill. — John Wood Community College held its 18th annual Ag Alumni Association Livestock Judging Invitational on Sept. 17 at the JWCC Agricultural Education Center. The event was sponsored by ADM Animal Nutrition and Moorman’s ShowTec and hosted by JWCC Agriculture Alumni Association and Livestock Evaluation Club. Two-hundred and sixty students from 20 Illinois and Missouri high schools, FFA and […]

Open house for JWCC truck driver training program set for Monday night

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QUINCY — The truck driver training program at John Wood Community College is having an open house at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Workforce Development Center, 4220 Koch’s Lane. Representatives from the program will give a brief presentation reviewing admission requirements, scholarships/funding options and career opportunities in the trucking industry. Attendees will learn about a […]

Quincy Artists Guild art show to open Tuesday at JWCC Heath Center art gallery

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QUINCY — The John Wood Community College Heath Center art gallery will be the site of the Quincy Artists Guild’s art show, beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday with an opening reception to view artwork and meet the artists. Handmade greeting cards will be available for purchase during the reception. Visitors also will learn about the […]

JWCC receives 2,500 clear masks from Down Country

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QUINCY — John Wood Community College recently received 2,500 clear masks from Down Country to ensure no child is left behind due to not being able to see lips.  The mask donations are part of Down Country’s #Smile4EveryChild Campaign. “This story is what community is all about,” JWCC President Michael Elbe said. “We are strongest […]

JWCC Trustees hear report on COVID vaccinations and SHIELD testing

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John Wood Community College Board of Trustees heard an update on Governor JB Pritzker’s COVID executive order requiring employees and students in higher education to get vaccinated or test weekly at Wednesday’s board meeting. JWCC is working with SHIELD Illinois from the University of Illinois to implement a testing program for all JWCC sites, plus […]

Registration open for variety of professional, personal development courses at JWCC

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QUINCY — John Wood Community College is offering a variety of educational classes this fall at its 48th and Harrison campus (unless otherwise noted). Community-Based Outreach offers noncredit personal enrichment and professional development classes.  The goal is to provide a wide range of programs to meet community needs and interests. Lifelong learning is promoted through courses […]

QU puts together plan for non-vaccinated students and staff; other schools call timeframe for implementation ‘daunting’

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QUINCY — Educators throughout Quincy are scrambling to put together plans to implement a vaccine mandate issued Thursday by Gov. JB Pritzker that must be in place by Sept. 5. All P-12 teachers and staff, all higher education personnel and all higher education students must be vaccinated. People who can’t or won’t receive the vaccine […]

‘A defining moment for our region’: JWCC breaks ground on Orr Multipurpose Agriculture Facility

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BAYLIS, Ill. — John Wood Community College president Mike Elbe called it a “defining moment for our region.” The official groundbreaking ceremony of the Orr Multipurpose Agriculture Facility was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the JWCC Agricultural Education Center. More than 125 people attended the event. The ceremony showcased a 44-year educational partnership with the […]

JWCC Trustees hear report on Orr Multipurpose Agriculture Facility groundbreaking

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The John Wood Community College Board of Trustees heard a report from JWCC President Michael Elbe regarding the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Orr Multipurpose Agriculture Facility at its meeting Wednesday night. The event will be held on August 24, at 10:00 a.m., at the JWCC Agricultural Education Center in Baylis, IL. “The official groundbreaking […]

JWCC recognizes 118 students to dean’s list for 2021 summer term

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One hundred eighteen students at John Wood Community College have been named to the dean’s list for the 2021 summer term.  To be named to the dean’s list, a full-time student must be enrolled for nine or more credit hours and must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.  A part-time student must […]

Brad Hoyt, JWCC Basketball Coach/AD

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Brad Hoyt thrives on chasing championship moments. The John Wood Community College men’s basketball coach places such a high priority on that concept his players use the “championships are cool” mantra whenever they discuss expectations and goals. The other JWCC coaches are embracing the idea, too. It’s why Hoyt, who also serves as the JWCC […]

Sit down with the AD: Brad Hoyt discusses the future of JWCC athletics

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QUINCY — Brad Hoyt thrives on chasing championship moments. The John Wood Community College men’s basketball coach places such a high priority on that concept his players use the “championships are cool” mantra whenever they discuss expectations and goals. The other JWCC coaches are embracing the idea, too. It’s why Hoyt, who also serves as […]

JWCC hires softball coach with variety of college experience

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QUINCY — The depth of Chuck Gruber’s resume grabbed Brad Hoyt’s attention. The veteran softball coach’s personality kept the John Wood Community College athletic director intrigued. Hoyt announced Thursday he hired Gruber to become the Trail Blazers’ new softball coach. Gruber replaces Andy Gronewold, who resigned following the spring season. “His personality is a great […]

JWCC trustees approve budget, strategic initiative investments for 2022 fiscal year

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QUINCY — The John Wood Community College Board of Trustees approved a $16,199,429 balanced budget and adopted the college’s strategic master plan for the 2022 fiscal year during its regular meeting Wednesday.  The budget includes a tuition and institutional fee freeze for the fifth straight year. “Affordability and accessibility are vital for anyone seeking education, […]

Open house for JWCC truck driver training program set for Aug. 2

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QUINCY — An open house for the truck driver training program at John Wood Community College is set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2 at the Workforce Development Center, 4220 Koch’s Lane. The event is free and open to the public. Representatives will give a brief presentation reviewing admission requirements, scholarships/funding options and career opportunities […]

Former JWCC, QU hoops star to be sentenced July 19

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Joel Box, who played basketball for both John Wood Community College and Quincy University and used that fame to start basketball camps and train players, faces sentencing on theft charges next month. Box was arrested in the summer of 2019 in Rockford and then pleaded guilty in March of this year to one count of […]

JWCC gets $3 million in CARES Act money for Workforce Development Center

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John Wood Community College will receive a $3 million EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to remodel its Workforce Development Center and build a 14,300-square-foot addition, allowing the center to expand its training programs. The project, to be matched with $3 million in local funds, is expected to create more than 900 jobs, retain more […]

JWCC looking for softball coach

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QUINCY – Director of Athletics Brad Hoyt has announced that Andy Gronewold has resigned as the head women’s softball coach at John Wood Community College. Coach Gronewold just finished his first season as the Head Coach of the Lady Blazers. A search for his replacement will begin immediately. “Coach Gronewold was the perfect fit for […]

C-SC president: Mandating vaccine allows college to ‘get back to core mission’

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Doug Palmer wants to life at Culver-Stockton College to return to what it was before the pandemic as soon as possible. “We believe strongly that it is in our best interest to get back to our core mission of teaching and learning,” he said. Palmer believes the best path to do that is by mandating […]