MEMBER NEWS

U.S. NEWS LISTS MCKENDREE ONLINE PROGRAMS AMONG THE BEST IN 2023

(U.S. News and World Report has recognized five McKendree University online degree programs, ranking them among the nation’s best in U.S. News’ annual list of “Best Online Programs” for 2023.

McKendree’s online graduate education program rose from no. 102 to no. 89. Other McKendree University rankings included online graduate nursing programs, online MBA programs, online bachelor’s programs, and online bachelor’s in business programs.

“McKendree University provides quality educational experiences for students in multiple delivery formats,” said Dr. Melissa Meeker, dean of Worldwide Programs. “It is an honor to be recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the ‘Best Online Programs’ in several academic areas.”

The University’s online program offers bachelor’s degrees in psychology, sociology-criminal justice, business administration, healthcare management, computer information systems and nursing. The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree is available with the option of majors in accounting, business administration, cyber defense, entrepreneurship, human resource management, management, marketing, sport management, and supply chain management and logistics. Graduate students can earn master’s degrees online in education (MAED), health administration (MHA), business administration (MBA) and nursing (MSN). A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is also available online. The MBA is available with concentrations in corporate finance, cyber defense, digital marketing and human resource management. The MSN is available with concentrations in education, management/administration and population health.

Impact Strategies Completes Renovation Of Two Retail Suites For Uspg

IMPACT Strategies has completed renovations to two retail suites for U.S. Properties Group (USPG). The space, totaling 5,721 SF, is located between the Dollar Tree and Kohl’s stores on Beltline Road in Collinsville, IL. Construction was completed on schedule in just three months.

The firm’s work will allow for the expansion of Dollar Tree and the creation of a new space for a future tenant (Suite A). TR,i Architects was the architect-of-record for the project.

IMPACT Strategies was the original general contractor for the 19,590 SF retail building, which was designed by TR,i Architects and constructed in 2015. In 2011, USPG worked with IMPACT Strategies to develop the Collinsville Retail “A” building, located adjacent to Kohl’s.

Mark Hinrichs, President of IMPACT Strategies said, “We value our long-standing relationship with USPG and are thrilled to see another project come to fruition in Collinsville.”

Impact Strategies Completes Work At Building 111 With Tenant Finish For American Water

IMPACT Strategies has completed its work at Building 111 in Alton, Illinois formerly known as the Millers Mutual Building with an 8,900 square foot tenant finish project for American Water. The firm began renovation work on the building in 2017; this assignment marks IMPACT’s eighth interior remodel project in the building.

The approximately $1 million project for American Water included renovation of 3 existing tenant/shell spaces by providing modern office finishes. The project features an exposed concrete structure with acoustical ceiling baffles, huddle rooms, updated break room, conference room, and preservation of the decorative wood paneled walls within the old Miller’s Mutual Director’s Meeting Room that dates back to the early 1920’s.

American Water expects to bring several new jobs to Alton with the completion of the new space, which will be used for the company’s call center operations

The five-story Building 111 is located at 111 E. Fourth St. in Alton. Giant City Properties, LLC acquired the 110,000 SF building in 2017 as part of their commitment to revitalize downtown Alton and bring new jobs to the area. Since the building’s acquisition in 2017, IMPACT Strategies has been working with Giant City Properties on improvements to the landmark building.

IMPACT Strategies’ President, Mark Hinrichs said, “We are excited to complete our work renovating Building 111. It’s rewarding to see the spaces come to life, providing new opportunities for growth and commerce in downtown Alton.”

Impact Strategies Promotes Derek Hinrichs To Controller

IMPACT Strategies announces the promotion of Derek Hinrichs from Senior Accountant to Controller.

Hinrichs holds a master in accountancy degree from the University of Missouri and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Prior to joining IMPACT Strategies in 2021, Hinrichs spent more than ten years at a public accounting firm where he was a tax manager and consultant.

His role as Controller involves a wide range of critical responsibilities in support of the company’s growth strategies. Hinrichs will oversee all financial functions of the business involved in the accounting process, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance.

IMPACT Strategies President Mark Hinrichs said, “We are excited to see Derek move into a key leadership position for the company as the head of our accounting team. He has demonstrated outstanding collaboration with our entire team, and we look forward to his contributions in the future.

MLK HUMANITARIAN AWARDS HONOR MCKENDREE JUNIOR, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF RESIDENTIAL LIFE

A business administration major and the assistant director of the Office of Residential Life were this year’s recipients of McKendree University’s 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Awards at a celebration held on Thursday, January 19 at the Hettenhausen Center of the Arts. The annual awards celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Reverend Dr. King. This year’s recipients have demonstrated care and compassion, understanding and tolerance for all people, and humanitarian principles and ideals. They have also led or participated in service programs that reflect these ideals.

Jamari Jackson, a junior from Belleville, Ill., is the president of McKendree’s Black Student Organization (BSO), a senator in Student Government Association (SGA), and a member of Pi Kappa Delta Forensics Honor Society. Jackson has also been involved with the McKendree debate team, finishing his best season ranked 17th in the nation. He plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree at McKendree after graduation.

“This award means a lot to me, my family, and especially my mom,” Jackson said upon receiving the award. “It’s an honor to be able to inspire and encourage the students at McKendree to do more.”

Millard Curtis of O’Fallon, Ill., is the assistant director of the Office of Residential Life at McKendree and has been at the University for three years. A highly-involved member of Faith Family Church of Shiloh, Curtis is also involved with Black Men of McKendree and Come to the Table, a young adult ministry at the University.

“I strive to do the best I can,” Curtis said. “My passion is to promote change and inspire others. The work is never done.”

Guest speaker Leon Richardson, a local gospel artist and 2011 graduate from McKendree University, presented his keynote speech, which highlighted Dr. King’s impact and the common language we all share: music. He noted how Dr. King would begin and end meetings with song and how it would unify, inspire and give hope to listeners and activists alike.

“Unity is a powerful weapon, and when we use it, we will see a change,” Richardson said. “Keep your sound alive!”