2019 Annual Report
President’s Message
T
rust, Grow, Thrive! It has been a short two years since we introduced this three-word concept to colleagues at Richland Community College.
These Key Results set the stage for the future of our great institution. Centered in student success and improved student outcomes, we embarked on a rigorous three-year challenge of accountability and development to improve institutional culture, attract and retain more students, and ensure financial sustainability. In these two years, I am proud to say Richland has exceeded these goals; likewise, we have experienced heightened, demonstrable student success. That success manifests in a multitude of accomplishments. This past spring, 650 plus graduates received their academic credentials, one of our largest commencements in years. Because of a new focus on workforce development, hundreds of district citizens moved into entrylevel employment in manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare, contributing to the area’s economic vitality. Work at the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center is meeting the training needs of law enforcement entities throughout the entire state. The campus life is robust, in part due to a strong student Coaching model, intentional engagement activities including student clubs and intramurals, and overall enrollment growth - nearly fifteen percent more students are on their personal journey to success this year! As evidenced by multiple awards including the Essential Skills Business Expansion Award and national recognition for campus culture improvement, the future is bright for our College and our students. Parents trust us to educate their children, employers trust us to train their workforce, and the community trusts us to provide innovative programs and service. Read on to see how Richland has leveraged these Key Results to become your community college and assist students to realize their dreams! Sincerely,
Cristobal O. Valdez President
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Vision, Mission
and
Core Values
Vision To be the best and first choice for education.
Mission To empower individuals through learning and to forge partnerships that grow communities.
Core Values Commitment We are dedicated to meeting the needs of the communities we serve. Respect We recognize the expertise of all members of the College community and encourage individual contribution. Excellence We strive to develop and pursue higher standards. Accountability We assume and demonstrate responsibility for our actions. Diversity We believe that our similarities and differences are opportunities for establishing a common bond and strengthening the College.
Board
of
Trustees
Dr. David Cooprider Chairman
Bishop Wayne Dunning Vice Chairman
Bruce Campbell Trustee
Dale Colee Trustee
Vicki Carr Trustee
Randy Prince Secretary
Tom Ritter Trustee
Michaila Long Student Trustee
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CALEB LOGAN Occupational
JOHNATHAN RANDELL Drafting & Design
BRENDEN WILSON Communication BRANDON MEIS Pre-Medicine GENNA WARNICK General Studies
Richland’s Student Leadership Council focuses on • Representing student rights • Voicing interests and opinions to faculty, staff, and administration • Promoting the development of students’ skills in leadership, program organization, promotion, communication, initiative, and self-reliance • Fostering Richland’s Core Values • Supporting student clubs’ and organizations’ activities and programs • Upholding the development of community spirit and student involvement on campus and within the greater community Students are elected each spring semester to the 12-member board. In addition, a Student Trustee is elected each spring semester by the student body to serve as an advisory voting member of the Board of Trustees.
HUNTER CHUMBLEY History
DALTON MEIS Pre-Medicine
ABIGAIL KOPP English
MICHAILA LONG Secondary Education VIRGINIA BOOK Sociology
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Student Awards (Spring 2019)
Outstanding Student Academic Awards Culinary Arts - Mary Hittmeier Elementary Education - James P. Jones English - Claire Reynolds Graphic Arts - Albion Brown History - Hallel Calandrillo Hospitality - William L. Akers Journalism - Heather McErlean Sarah Moore Scott Writing Award Raeanne Funkhouser (English 101); Sarah Beth MacIntosh (English 101); and April Cramer (English 102) Sociology - Eliana Kopetz Health Information Technology Samantha Benge and Kelly Acosta Radiography - Jonnie Miller R. H. Cleland, RN, Award Sarya (Ria) Kiran (Fall 2018) and Alyvia Parks (Spring 2019)
Schrodt Family Clinical Award Jordan Stewart (Fall 2018) and Teona Dandridge (Spring 2019) Accounting - Bridget Henderson Agriculture - Tae Kim Automotive Technology - Charles Schlickman Biology - Jillian Blankenship and Teresa Gaskins Computer Science - Austin Roddy Engineering - Daniel McCauley Engineering Technology, Instrumentation Raymond Pumphrey Horticulture - Marsha Boyd Network Technology - Scott Miller Welding - Jacob Mudd
Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society
Scherer Honors Program Lucas Adcock Makayla Black Ryan Boeckenstedt Nathan Buggar McKaela Brooks Jacqueline Brownlee Keldan Chick Shannon Cook Nelideisy Fernandez Parker Haltom Braden Heckwine Justin Heise Samantha Holliday Taylor Ingham Deborah Lindquist
Tyler McCleery Austin Medina Emily Munsterman Braden Newman Anne Preston Chase Pridemore Austin Roddy Nicholas Roddy Delaney Sarff Lydia Schroat Abigail Summers Sydney Tippitt-Lock Nicholas Vogel Kailey Vahlkamp Jerome Wheeler Brian Wise
Student Engagement Awards Emerging Leadership Award - Caleb Logan Innovative Program of the Year Award - Media Club & Black Student Association The Iron Sharpens Leadership & Empowerment Conference Multicultural and Social Justice Program of the Year Award - Media Club & Black Student Association for Black Extravaganza Most Involved Club Award - Media Club & Black Student Association Outstanding Volunteer Award - Shawn Garner
Club Excellence Awards Black Student Association Shawn Garner, Karl Coleman, and Keyari Page H.O.P.E. Club - Nathan Buggar Media Club - Kaitlin Dickey Nursing Club - Melissa Coppenbarger, Sherry Tucker, and Danielle Collins X-Ray Vision Club - Madison Yates 
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Student Spotlights Alex Romer 2019 Graduate and Veteran Transfer Student – Technical Management University of Illinois “As a veteran I have access to a wonderful educational benefit called the G.I. Bill. By attending Richland Community College I was able to use the Illinois Veterans Grant to pay for my school and get a couple of years of school out of the way before I start using my G.I. Bill for my master’s degree. If you are a veteran and interested in Richland, really give it a shot especially if you want to go for a master’s degree. Take advantage of things like the Illinois Veterans Grant and scholarships that Richland has for veterans. They can really get you a good head start on your education and help you figure out what you actually want to study.”
Bobbi Cremer 2017 Graduate – Student Government, Commencement Speaker Transfer Student – Health Science – Bradley University Bobbi was one of only 29 students chosen for a prestigious program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where she will be pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. “I have so many memories of Richland and more so, honestly, than I think at my four-year school because at Richland you have a whole cohort that comes in at one time and you’re all there for those first few years trying to figure out college. I was the commencement speaker when I graduated, and that is still one of the top 10 list of things that I’ve accomplished, probably up there in the top three. Academically, Richland gave me the opportunity to take and transfer all of my chemistry, physics, and biology courses. I got all of those out of the way and, once I got to Bradley I could really just focus on my classes for my major and minor.”
Bayleigh Harshbarger Surgical Technology Major Projected Graduation Date: May 2020 “The Richland Surgical Technology Program has really prepared me to go into my job. We go to clinicals twice a week starting from the middle of this program, all the way to the end. It’s really rigorous, but the faculty and staff here are our cheerleaders and do everything they can to help us succeed and provide us with the confidence we need on the job. They’re really here to cheer us on and root for us, and it shows. I am not even graduating for another six months and I’ve already had a few job offers, with substantial sign-on bonuses, and have accepted a job.”
Carolyn Young Industrial Job Skills Training/ Enrich Program Graduate Currently employed at Mueller Company “The Enrich program has been great. I worked at my previous job for the past 16 years, and the company I worked for closed. I took the opportunity to enroll in the Industrial Skills Job Training Program so I could get a refresher and learn more skills needed in the workforce. The program has definitely given me those skills and the confidence that I will need to perform a great job.”
Leo Bilyeu 2019 Graduate Transfer Student – Architecture – University of Illinois “I had a traumatic brain injury five years ago and my neurologist said that they couldn’t fix anything. After learning how to walk and talk again I enrolled at Richland. The staff at the College, especially the Math Enrichment Center, were very gracious, patient, and extremely helpful; they raised me up. Now I get to see my lifelong dream of attending the University of Illinois for architecture come to fruition. And that never ever would have been possible if it wasn’t for Richland. There’s so much help at Richland. There’s so many fantastic, loving, caring people who will get you through. They are absolutely determined to help you succeed.”
Anne Preston 2019 Graduate and Commencement Student Speaker Transfer Student – Business Management – Southern Illinois University “My experience at Richland has been incredible. Coming from Warrensburg-Latham High School I felt I needed to get out and go to a big school. I ended up changing my plans, coming to Richland, and it was one of the best decisions I could have possibly made. I had some incredible professors and opportunities I wouldn’t have had at a larger school. I was able to be part of a team that started the Intramural Program at Richland, which has allowed students, faculty, and staff to take advantage of healthy activities such as badminton, basketball, volleyball, kickball, power lifting, and flag football.”
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Our Commitment
to
Students
Richland Thrive – Retention Software In spring 2019, the College rolled out Starfish by Hobson’s retention management system to support campus retention. Staff labeled the software Richland Thrive. Richland Thrive is designed to provide students with feedback about their academic performance and progression. The software helps faculty identify at-risk students and initiates a process to track and manage interventions for struggling students. All students who are identified via manual notification or progress survey reports receive appropriate support before they fail courses. It empowers faculty to raise various student flags so that campus Success Coaches are able to connect students to campus student support services and referrals.
Coaching
vs.
Advising Model
Richland Community College believes the role of an academic coach is critically important for student success. In spring 2018, Student Success Coaching was implemented to replace academic advising. The interaction takes a more holistic, proactive approach to working with students. Currently, six full-time Student Success Coaches work with an assigned group of students based on area of study. Coaching balances meeting the immediate need of students, helping them solve problems as they arise, with longterm development that builds personal agency and self-efficacy. Student Success Coaches utilize Richland Thrive as the campus retention management tool to manage early alerts and kudos from faculty members to individual students throughout the semester. The Coaches specialize in assigned programs/areas so that they are well-versed in the curriculum and admission requirements when applicable and understand the demands and rigors of the program. They actively stay in communication with the academic deans, campus program coordinators, and faculty associated with their assigned programs for updates to better direct students effectively.
Veterans Resource Center Richland Community College is honored to serve and provide educational opportunities for students and their dependents who have served and/or are serving in the military. New and returning military students have an opportunity to meet with the Coordinator of Veterans Affairs to learn about and to apply for military benefits they have earned through their military service. In the summer of 2019, Richland opened a dedicated Veterans Resource Center, housed in the Student Success Center, with computers, a snack pantry, and resource table for all eligible veteran students and their dependents.
“We don’t walk around with name tags that say ‘I’m a veteran.’ This is a good way to bring everybody together and create camaraderie with the Richland community and the veteran population.” -Dan McAlpine, Veterans Affairs Coordinator
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Program Highlights Agriculture
Richland Community College’s campus includes 40+ acres of farmland, is the proud host of the Farm Progress Show every other year, and is located in the agribusiness capital of the world. Thus, our agriculture students have outstanding access to paid internships, part-time employment, quality hands-on instruction, and real-world experiential learning. With those factors in mind, the College took on the task to revamp and enhance the agricultural degree programs, with the expectation to grow at a quick pace, ensuring that the talent needs of Central Illinois’ largest and most important industry – agriculture – are sufficiently met. As part of revamping the program, the agriculture staff has been focused on engaging with the agribusiness community to determine how we can most effectively train and place students in internships and ultimately full-time employment. We have had considerable success in a short period of time with students acquiring internships with Crop Risk Services, Evergreen FS, Grain Elevators, NewsWorks Media, and others. The Richland Community College Agriculture program was relaunched in fall 2019 to include the following degree options: • • • • • • •
Transfer degrees for students planning to complete a bachelor’s degree Associate of Arts or Associate of Science with a concentration in Agriculture Agronomy (newly approved in 2019) Agribusiness Agribusiness with a concentration in Sustainable Agriculture Crop Science Horticulture The Agriculture program staff consists of Jess Smithers (Director of Agricultural Programs) and Deanna Koenigs (Greenhouse and Small Farm Coordinator). As a result of increasing enrollment and private investments, two additional positions are forthcoming – one is an agriculture faculty position, and the other is an outreach coordinator.
Erzsebet Getz Business Agriculture
Emergency Medical Services Richland has offered EMS education programs since 2000; however, the past year has led to some major leaps forward in local EMS education. Due to changes by the state of Illinois, paramedic programs must now be accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the same accreditor that regulates programs from Sonography to Surgical Technology. In 2018 the Board of Trustees chose to pursue this accreditation by hiring the program’s first full-time program director and by investing in equipment and instructional supplies. Trevor Smith, MAT NRP FP-C, became the new EMS Program Director in August 2018. Trevor came to the position with 15 years of EMS experience in the prehospital setting, working as an ambulance paramedic, a firefighter/paramedic, a flight paramedic, and a paramedic on a federal medical team. Following a curriculum redesign, the program has successfully obtained a Letter of Review from the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP), which is under CAAHEP. This is the first step toward full accreditation. The EMS program now offers three certificate and an AAS degree options. The newest certificate, approved by ICCB in 2019, is the Critical Care Transport Certificate and is the first of its kind in the state, not requiring the expense of outside vendors. All students now have exposure to updated equipment and supplies. Through a combination of funding sources including the Illinois DCEO Workforce Development Grant, the EMS program has recently acquired a current generation cardiac monitor, mechanical ventilator, ambulance cot, and high-fidelity manikin simulator. Currently, EMS does not have its own lab space, but with the implementation of the latest College Master Plan, lab space should be coming in 2021.
Trevor Smith
EMS Program Director
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The Black Student Association and the Media Club hosted Black Extravaganza to celebrate Black History Month.
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Richland enjoyed meeting local residents during the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Expo to talk about Bistro Five Thirty Seven, the student operated restaurant, the College’s annual plant sale, and the Saturday Market.
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Illinois Governor Pritzker and Lt. Governor Stratton stopped by Richland to talk with students, faculty, and staff about workforce and education opportunities.
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I Choose Ric
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Richland’s Surgical Technology students celebrated Surgical Technology Week with an amazing display that highlights the aspects of a career in their field.
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Finals week can be stressful, but with Pawprint Ministries’ comfort dogs, students were able to relax a bit and enjoy some puppy love.
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Students took some time to find out more about other cultures during Richland’s first annual Cultural Diversity Day.
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ichland
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President Cris Valdez and Teena Zindel-McWilliams, Director of Institutional and Academic Planning, welcome students to class at our help desk, which aids students in any questions they might have.
Each semester our students enjoy a variety of events like balloon animals, trivia, tie-dye shirt making, campus picnics, game days, and pancake breakfast day, just to name a few.
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One of our favorite fundraisers is the WSOY Community Food Drive where students, faculty, and staff donate food that will benefit a number of local agencies in the community to help combat food insecurity.
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I Choose Ric
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Larry Yazzie of Native Pride Dancers honored us with a presentation celebrating Native American Heritage Month. Mr. Yazzie is seen here wearing wings bound to his arms before he demonstrates his dance using movements imitative of eagles.
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The Mueller Student Center is host to many cultural and entertainment events including Yerba Mate Project, who performed tango/ folklore songs and dances in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Richland has also welcomed comedians, songwriters, and other speakers.
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Our students and staff understand the importance of giving back and braved the rainy weather to pitch in during Campus Cleanup Day.
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ichland
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Faculty Recognitions
Faculty
of the
Year
Jill Feinstein has served as a full-time instructor of biology at Richland since 2003. Her primary area of emphasis is Anatomy and Physiology. Jill is well known for her dedication to her students. The majority of students in A&P coursework are applying for admission to a competitive Health Professions program, and students know that they can turn to Jill to help them out. She works many hours to ensure that students have the information they need. Jill uses Canvas to its fullest potential to provide online office hours, student conferences, and the sharing of information to help students succeed. Outside the classroom Jill has hosted workshops for A&P students at the start of the spring semester, providing tips on how to be successful; she served as a part of the team to create Richland Thrive; and was part of the Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Knox College and a Master of Science degree from Northern Illinois University.
Jill Feinstein Biology
Dr. Denise Crews Vice President
of
Academic Services
Adjunct Faculty
of the
Year
Kona Jones has been an adjunct instructor of statistics courses at Richland since 2015 and has served as Richland’s Director of Online Learning since 2008. As the Director of Online Learning, she has fully integrated Canvas, Richland’s learning management system, into her courses. Kona is one of the leading contributors worldwide in the Canvas community, and she leverages her experience with Canvas to provide the best resources for her students. In the classroom, Kona uses a variety of techniques to help her students. She uses hands-on learning activities and uses many features of Canvas to connect students to the right learning resources, helping them to be successful. Kona has played an active part in the creation of Richland Thrive, and serves on the Retention Committee and Faculty Academy. She is also one of the leaders of Richland’s involvement in Partners in Leadership (PIL) training. Kona holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Eureka College, as well as Bachelor of Science degrees in both History and Psychology from Illinois State University and a Master of Science in Quantitative Psychology and Cognitive Psychology from Illinois State University.
Kona Jones Statistics
Dr. Denise Crews Vice President
of
Academic Services
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Faculty Recognitions
Professor Emeritus Professor Sean Gallagher earned a Master of Arts in Spanish and Doctor of Philosophy in English Literature from the University of Minnesota. He was employed as a professor of English and Spanish at Richland Community College for 25 years. During his tenure, he tirelessly taught for and served the College in a variety of capacities and promoted and supported language arts and education in our community. Professor Gallagher researched, developed, and taught a remarkably wide variety of courses – composition, literature, Spanish language, and humanities. He arranged and guided trips overseas to broaden and deepen the education of students and the greater Richland community with life-changing experiences. Professor Gallagher did much more than teach at Richland and actively served and led numerous College committees, taskforces, and programs including Academic Standards, Budget, and the Honors Program. As the president of the Richland Federation of Teachers, Professor Gallagher worked with the administration as the chief contract negotiator.
Dr. Sean Gallagher English & Spanish
Dr. Denise Crews Vice President
of
Academic Services
AACC Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) recognized Richland Community College Professor Evyonne Hawkins as a recipient of the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty designation. Named in honor of former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell, this designation has been established to recognize individuals making a difference in the classroom. Professor Hawkins was recognized for her passion for her students; her support for students inside and outside the classroom; her participation in various College committees; and her willingness to go above and beyond what is required to ensure that students are successful in their academic endeavors. Cristobal Valdez, Richland President, accompanied Professor Hawkins to receive her recognition. Valdez noted, “Professor Hawkins has demonstrated superlative leadership throughout her tenure at Richland. Her positive example extends beyond the classroom and is a positive impact on our entire community.” Professor Hawkins began her career at the College over 25 years ago as an administrative assistant where she was a member of a three-person team responsible for the initial development and implementation of the Associate Degree Nursing Program. This became one of the many successes that supported her desire to realize her fullest potential through higher education. At Richland she received two degrees: Associate of Applied Science in Office Technology and an Associate in Science in General Education. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Illinois-Springfield and has been named Faculty of the Year and Distinguished Alumna at Richland. She created the African American studies degree program at Richland and dual credit programs at Eisenhower and MacArthur High Schools. She states her biggest successes have come first in the classroom where she has been responsible for the development of the Education curriculum and programming as well as the redesign of African American Studies into a degree concentration. Over time, she has built relationships with university faculty to articulate these programs at the four-year level, assuring that Richland students can easily transfer.
Dr. Cristobal Valdez President
Evyonne Hawkins
African American Studies & Education
Professor Hawkins believes that to effect positive change in the world is everyone’s responsibility, and she has taken this to the next level at Richland.
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Partnerships The Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center The concept of building a premier training facility in Central Illinois began in the summer of 2016. Through the initiative and generosity of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, this concept became a reality. The Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center (MCLETC) opened its doors on September 20, 2017, and started its first training course on October 2, 2017. The MCLETC is an Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board facility, operated by Richland Community College. According to Commander Tad Williams, “Our philosophy is geared toward a suitable learning environment while maintaining a disciplinary atmosphere. Recruits/Cadets will be challenged inside and outside the classroom. We demand commitment, self-motivation, and effort. This can be summed up in our core values: Public Service, Respect, Integrity, Discipline and Excellence. We take P.R.I.D.E. in training professionals through education and practical application. The MCLETC’s mission is to prepare you to be the best law enforcement and/or correctional officer possible.” 2019 has been a busy one for the MCLETC with three Basic Law Enforcement Academies, three Basic Corrections Academies, and two Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Conservation Police Academies. A total of 150 Police Recruits, 64 Corrections Cadets, and 31 IDNR Conservation Police Recruits successfully completed the academies. In addition, each graduating class completed a community service project. These included multiple blood and food drives, a coat drive, a monetary donation to Illinois C.O.P.S., and a large, safe trick or treat event with over 1,200 visitors. In addition, the MCLETC has been focusing on programs to benefit veterans including the Veterans In Corrections program, which allows veterans to enroll in the Basic Corrections Academy using veterans benefits and without being sponsored by an agency.
Millikin Nursing Agreement Richland Community College and Millikin University entered into a new agreement that will allow Richland nursing graduates to transfer seamlessly to Millikin University and complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Richland Community College and Millikin University’s new RN-BSN Dual Admission Program is designed to ensure the transfer of credits between the Associate Degree in Nursing at Richland to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion program at Millikin. The RN-BSN program is designed to accommodate the schedules of busy registered nurses who want to advance their education and increase their career options. Students can complete the necessary coursework in a primarily online environment with supervised clinical experiences in the community. “We are committed to expanding educational opportunities for seamless transition in nursing education,” said Shelly Baldwin, nursing program director at Richland Community College. “The recently signed agreement with Millikin provides our ADN students the opportunity to be admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion program while pursuing their ADN requirements at Richland. Dually admitted students receive a tuition discount at Millikin and access to additional university resources.” “Millikin University and Richland Community College have shared a long history of collaboration,” said Dr. Elizabeth Gephart, acting director for the Millikin School of Nursing. “The nursing programs at each of the institutions recognized the need to simplify and support nursing students who are graduating from Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs and licensed by the State of Illinois as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN) to be able to seamlessly move into an upper-division university to pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The ideal pathway is a dedicated RN to BSN program.”
Jacob Rotramel
Elizabeth Potter Surgical Technology
Nursing
Zainab Odeh Radiography
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Events
Farm Progress Show Progress City, Decatur, IL September 2019
Austin Mendenhall Agribusiness
Robert Brice Director
of
Skilled Trades
Every other year Richland Community College hosts the Farm Progress Show at its Progress City USA site, an 90-acre site adjacent to our campus. The Farm Progress Show is the nation’s largest outdoor farm event and annually hosts more than 600 exhibitors. Over 150,000 producers from the U.S. and around the world attend this industry-leading agricultural event. Ag manufacturers and suppliers from across the country and around the world are exhibitors. Field demonstrations, live cattle-handling demonstrations, an antique machinery show, and popular entertainment acts are some of the highlights of the show.
Richland was thrilled to host the 2019 Women Changing the Face of Agriculture conference on March 1, 2019. The conference is designed for young women in high school and college who are interested in a career in agriculture or agribusiness. Over 600 participants attended the event, organized by Illinois Agri-Women (IAW), and connected with over 200 presenters. The conference goal is to help attendees receive accurate information first-hand from agriculture professionals. IAW is a grassroots organization of farm and agri-business women promoting a better understanding of agriculture and the family farm system. The organization consists of members from across the State of Illinois who volunteer to promote agriculture. The 2020 WCFA event will be held at Richland on March 6, 2020.
Women
in
Agriculture Conference
March 2019
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Institutional Awards Richland EnRich
program receives multiple awards
Because of the work and its outcomes, Richland Community College’s Industrial Job Skills Training with Essential Skills, a program within the EnRich project, experienced recognition this past year by receiving the 2019 Illinois Council of Community College Administrators Innovation Award and the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce Award for Business Expansion of the Year. The program’s innovative approach to training delivery combines Technical Industrial Job Skills Training (IJST) with Essential Skills. The IJST program not only provides basic technical skills in Welding, CNC, Occupational Safety, precision measuring tools, hand tools, Technical Math, blueprint reading, and heavy equipment operation, but it also concentrates on the Essential Skills that are indispensable to making the most out of life and work. According to Courtney Carson, Executive Director of External Affairs, “The Essential Skills component of the EnRich Program is an amalgamation of life skills, job readiness, and a trauma-sensitive practice termed Motivational Interviewing. Through multiple restoring and resilient methods, Richland contests both adverse and positive experiences of trauma that participants have suffered and teaches important skills that are needed for optimal success in work, learning, and life.” He adds, “Essential Skills teach you how to articulate yourself but restores the confidence and balance of being yourself. It helps you properly prepare for employment opportunities, communicate effectively during job interviews, how to dress for success, and grow and successfully develop in diverse environments.” EnRich is changing lives by offering quality training that connects individuals to employment and livable wages. EnRich completers are 64% minority, with 57% classified as African American, 79% male and 43% African American Male. A total of 89% of EnRich participants who completed the program were hired by major local employers. Of those, 80% remain employed. Dr. Cristobal Valdez, President, noted that the EnRich Program was designed and developed to change lives by offering quality training that connects individuals to employment and livable wages resulting in stronger communities. He said, “Even we have been a bit surprised by the extremely high levels of completion and employment persistence that have resulted from the EnRich program, and we are dedicated to continuing these and other training programs that we believe can exact positive change for both the participants and the communities Richland serves.”
Program Outcomes* Minority/Underserved Completion Rate
Completer Employment Rate
82% 89% Starting Employment Salary Range
$17.50-$42.00/hr Employment Persistence Rate
80%
*December 2019 Data
John Oliver, Director of Workforce Development, feels the program has the potential to impact positively the lives of participants for years to come. “EnRich has been very impactful not only for the College but also for the greater community. It is fostering generational changes, impacting the lives of our current students and their families.” RICHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ESSENTIAL SKILLS PROGRAMS
Richland Community College receives National Award Excellence in Academic Partnerships
for
During the Chief Learning Officer (CLO) awards ceremony, Richland Community College received the Gold Award for Excellence in Academic Partnerships thanks to its work with Partners In Leadership®, a leading global consulting firm that focuses on Accountability Training and cultural transformations of institutions. Dr. Cristobal Valdez, President, noted, “Shortly after my arrival at Richland, we began to work with Partners In Leadership® to create the culture we desired as a campus community. This award is just one recognition of this essential work. On a daily basis, we see the positive effects of working on institutional culture. It is what has improved employee satisfaction, student success, retention, and completion; and has made Richland a strong community partner; and attracts exceptional employees to continue the effort.” Richland Community College was facing several challenges that were hindering its capability of operating to full potential. Dr. Valdez saw the challenges of economic instability, declining student retention and enrollment, and low levels of trust and communication impacting the College’s ability to attain positive organizational results. Richland lost over 22% of student enrollment over six years. The student retention rate was even lower at 46.24% for Next Term and 8.46% for Fall to Fall. In an effort to change the College’s path, Richland launched its initiative with Partners In Leadership, utilizing the Accountability Builder® program in 2017. Workshops and assessments were designed to help break down silos, encourage collaboration, and grow employee investment in the specific goals, or Key Results™, of the organization – Trust, Grow and Thrive. The goal was to achieve these results by the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. Valdez concluded, “Now that our enrollment numbers are starting to come in – and the 15 percent increase surprised us, too – the public is taking some notice. However, we know that none of the outcomes would be possible without the entire college community coming together to work on these efforts on behalf of our students. We see the results daily; faculty and staff are more engaged in student success efforts, employees are considerate of and bring forward cost-conscience ideas and solutions, and we all strive to engage in frank and productive communication, providing both constructive and appreciative feedback to colleagues. We understand that changing employees’ and students’ experiences will positively change behaviors and effect actions that will, in turn, create continued results similar to those that permitted Chief Learning Officer officials to recognize and grant Richland, and all our employees, this coveted acknowledgment.” In less than two years, Richland has already met these three Key Results. • Trust - focusing on an increase in perception of a positive campus culture - from 46% to 76% or an increase of 65%. • Grow - enrollment grow of nearly 15% this fall and over 20% this past summer, the highest institutional enrollment since 2016. Contributing to this enrollment growth was a 57% increase in next-term student retention and 370% increase in fall-to-fall student retention. • Thrive - 25% reserve and a 2% positive operating margin, the strongest financial position the College has been in for 7 years.
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Richland Community College Foundation
Annual Meeting
and
Celebration
recognizes and honors Impact
The Richland Foundation Annual Meeting and Celebration recognized the collective impact of our donors, employees, volunteers and alumni on Richland Community College, our community, and our students. During this celebration, we had the opportunity to recognize the following faculty awards: Kona Jones, Adjunct Faculty of the Year; Jill Feinstein, Faculty of the Year; and Sean Gallagher, Professor Emeritus. Cindy Jackson was recognized as Distinguished Alumni of the Year for her work with the Good Samaritan Inn and collaborations with Richland Community College. The Richland Foundation honored Judy DeBouck with the Distinguished Service Award; Refreshment Services Pepsi as Outstanding Philanthropic Organization; and Dr. Alan & Beth Frigy and Duane & Joan Avis as our Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year. Last, but certainly not least, the following individuals & organizations were selected to receive a Mission Impact Award for making a significant impact on the mission of the Richland Community College Foundation: Myung Kim, Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Andreas Family Foundation, Martha & Joseph Schrodt Family Foundation, Dell & Evelyn Carroll Estate.
Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year Dr. Alan & Beth Frigy
Pictured left: Julie Melton, Executive Director, Richland Community College Foundation; Beth Frigy and Dr. Alan Frigy; and David Koshinski, Past Foundation Board Chair
Pictured below: Cindy Jackson and Tricia Cordulack, Director of Scholarships and Alumni Relations
Cindy Jackson graduated with honors from Richland Community College with an Associate in Science from the Sustainable Agriculture program in 2015. She is currently the Operations Manager at The Good Samaritan Inn where the Mercy Gardens program is held. Mercy Gardens uses vacant inner city lots to teach students how to grow fruits and vegetables, which are then prepared and served to patrons of the noon meal program at the Inn. Cindy was instrumental in working with the Richland Foundation to bring The Pantry at Richland Community College to students in need of food assistance. The Pantry serves as extension of The Good Samaritan Inn and provides a more readily accessible source of food assistance to lowincome students and their families, free of charge, on an ongoing basis.
Distinguished Alumnus of Cindy Jackson
the
Year
Record Setting Year*
$857K
Awarded in Scholarships in 2019 21% INCREASE IN DOLLARS OVER 2018
Students Received Scholarships 88% INCREASE OF STUDENTS OVER 2018
Foundation Scholarships pave way for Richland Students
the
Scholarships play a critical role in student success with over 920 students receiving scholarships in 2019. This number represents more than 1 in 3 Richland students receiving private support to pave the way for their education. Even more importantly, Foundation scholarships benefit a wide variety of students across various backgrounds and disciplines. In 2019, the Foundation established 12 new named scholarships funds to support our most vulnerable populations, including dependents of veterans.
$24K
Donated by 106 Richland Employees to Richland and The United Way
Increase of Alumni Engagement & Giving *December 2019 Data
One of the most anticipated nights of the year is the Annual Scholarship Program, which connects our generous scholarship donors with the students who directly benefit. This past fall, more than 250 students and donors attended this emotional event, providing students with the opportunity to meet their donors and share their experiences at Richland. The program also provides students the opportunity to express their gratitude to the donors.
“Thank you to all of our donors for believing in me.� - Deborah Buckner, Brenda K Garrett Memorial Scholarship Recipient
2019 Annual Report | 30
Financials Fiscal Year 2019 Revenues By Source
Tuition & Fees Non Governmental 7.2% 4.4%
State Grants & Contracts 13.1%
Property Taxes 41.3%
REVENUE Tuiton and Fees Non Governmental State Grants & Contracts Other Operating Federal Grants Auxiliary Investment Income Property Taxes
2019
Other Operating 3.7%
2018
$2,229,142.00 $1,346,452.00 $4,035,406.00
$2,336,635.00 $4,320,128.00 $3,240,775.00
$1,143,967.00 $6,322,071.00 $2,661,054.00 $366,765.00 $12,721,880.00
$725,322.00 $6,105,036.00 $1,823,966.00 $169,978.00 $12,437,216.00
Federal Grants 20.5%
Investment Income 1.2%
Auxiliary 8.6%
Academic Support 3%
Fiscal Year 2019 Operating Expenses By Function
Student Services 9% Public Service 4%
O/M Plant 7% Instruction 39%
EXPENSES Instruction Academic Support Student Services Public Service O/M Plant Institutional Support Scholarships Auxiliary Expense Depreciation
2019
2018
In millions
In millions
$12.70 $1.10 $3.00 $1.24 $2.20 $5.59 $2.47 $1.80 $2.60 $32.70
$12.13 $0.99 $2.83 $0.79 $2.30 $5.26 $2.53 $1.29 $2.40 $30.52
Institutional Support 17%
Auxiliary Expense 5%
Depreciation 8%
Scholarships 8%
Master Plan* Richland Community College recently completed its newest Master Plan, which will encompass several phases of renovation beginning with a focus on major upgrades to science classrooms and laboratories, the expansion of health science classrooms, and 21st Century upgrades to the second floor similar to those of the Carroll Center for Innovative Learning. The Board of Trustees voted to use a $15 million bond for the first part of this plan, and construction should begin later this year. Additional phases included in the plan will come at a later time and may include renovations to the library, the Academic Success Center, the cafeteria, and the center core quad, improved wayfinding, and renovations to the Workforce Development Center to include a CDL and industrial training center.
*Possible Phases for Richland Master Plan
2019 Annual Report | 32
Richland Facts & Figures*
Richland Community College serves its District with a 155-acre main campus in Decatur, Heartland Technical Academy, the Clinton Higher Education Center, and the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center. Richland District #537 includes Macon County and parts of Christian, DeWitt, Logan, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon, and Shelby Counties.
PIATT MACON
SANGAMON
Our Offerings
DEWITT
LOGAN
Transfer Programs
MOULTRIE
CHRISTIAN
Workforce Education and Custom Training Pre-College Programs
SHELBY
Continuing Education Adult Education
Our Staff
Our Students Since
62 full-time faculty
14,308 students have graduated
103 adjunct faculty 38 administrators 111 support staff
the college was established:
15:1
faculty-to-student ratio
20,322 degrees and certificates have been awarded
831 25% 21
degrees and certificates were awarded in the 2018-2019 academic year. of area high school graduates enroll at Richland
is the average age of a credit student
In Fall 2019:
3,630
27% F -
ull time
credit students
1,805
student enrollment
2019
73% P -
art time
noncredit students
38.2%
male students
61.8%
female students
*December 2019 Data
Looking Ahead In a continuously changing higher education landscape, we face disruptive technologies and innovations, economic inconsistency, and newly shared cultural experiences. At the same time, we approach long-sought changes and improvement in diversity, equity and inclusion. The variability and continued challenges cause institutional shifts in behaviors, priorities, and choices. To keep up with these shifts, higher education institutions must be willing and able to change in order to meet both current and new challenges, while simultaneously creating new opportunities. To remain relevant, dynamic, and preferred, our organization embraces these shifts, and in that spirit we have launched Richland's new FY2020-FY2022 Strategic Plan. We have conducted an environmental scan, facilitated focus groups, and hosted listening sessions. Through all of this, we have heard from a multitude of stakeholders whose feedback has informed and created the underpinnings of our Strategic Plan. The Plan is built on the following foundational pillars: • • • •
Teaching and Learning Student Success and Completion Workforce Development Partnerships Organizational Sustainability
We have and will continue to be intentional about strengthening our institutional culture, focused on Trust, Grow, and Thrive while including Service and Respect. We are confident that these Key Results will continue to reinforce our campus and promote a college-going and college-completion culture for our district citizens, who are strongly connected to both workforce and continued education participation. As we move closer to 50 years of quality education, we will continue to focus on careful stewardship of resources, establishing stronger industry relationships, and expanding community partnerships, all while transforming Richland to meet the needs of the community we serve, both today and into the future. As changes happen all around us in other industries, we recognize that people have many options for almost everything they want to do. Given this reality, we at Richland continually ask ourselves one question: How do we remain the first and best choice for higher education? Our Strategic Plan helps us answer that question. Our dedicated faculty and staff commit themselves to the work and to our students’ success. With this in mind, we enthusiastically look forward to the future.
2019 Annual Report | 34
ONE COLLEGE PARK � DECATUR, ILLINOIS 62521 217.875.7211 � RICHLAND.EDU
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