It has been a momentous year at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges with our healthcare programs. Beginning in Fall 2023, Nursing launched a state-of-the-art simulation program at all four of our campuses, allowing for quality, hands-on instruction to ensure our grad- uates are workforce ready. Our simulation lab includes a “Sim Mom” which has allowed our students to learn the skills of labor and delivery in a safe and supportive environ-
The Business & Industry Department (B&I) plays a crucial role in connecting our college with local employers, industries, and orga- nizations. Our department is dedicated to enhancing workforce development to meet the specific needs of our community. We understand that traditional college programs may not always be the perfect fit for every individual and organization, which is why we foster collaborations with businesses to offer customized training and workforce develop-
ment from seasoned faculty. In addition to the simulation program, Nursing has adopted an online education program, ATI. ATI is a gold standard in nursing education and increases the textbook and testing resources for our students in a cost-effective manner. Finally, this academic year included our first Nursing Apprenticeship with Clay County Hospital. IECC and Clay County were proud to register the first Nursing Apprenticeship Program in Illinois with the Department of Labor. Our Radiography program has seen growth in our student size for 2 years in a row. Radiography has grown by 20% since 2021 and has become a competitive program for entrance. Our students have unique opportunities such as travel to Las Vegas, Nevada for the national student conference which helps to enrich the experience of our OCC Radiography students. Looking towards the future, our Health Professions pathway will be a unique opportunity to support students’ success in whatever health - care field they wish to pursue. Leveraging our resources within the district, we have streamlined and well-established programs across the spectrum of healthcare. Interdisciplinary support and education will continue to produce some of the strongest, workforce-ready grad- uates in Illinois and support the healthcare of our region. Dr. Alani Frederick, Dean of Health Professions
ment services for incumbent workers. Our tailored programs cover a wide range of topics, from mine safety to workplace protocols and include topics such as computer skills, soft skills to mention just a few. This past year we introduced twenty three new training topics that not only upskilled employees but also helped some employees earn CEUs. We work in partnership with employers to ensure that our training is delivered at their conve- nience, whether it be onsite, off site, or even at one of our campuses. By providing flexible training solutions, from short-term training to long-term apprenticeships, we help businesses to enhance employee skills and knowledge, which in turn boosts the overall productivity and efficiency of the workforce. In addition to workforce development initiatives, we are also actively engaged in economic development initiatives. Through the SBDC at IECC, we provide no-cost services to bolster new and existing small businesses by providing them with resources and support to turn business ideas into reality. We actively work with chambers of commerce and economic development agencies to positively impact the local and regional economies. Our workshops and conferences further enrich the community, reflecting our multifaceted commit - ment to economic growth. B&I is proud to be a resource hub and an integral part of our local workforce ecosystem. By promoting workforce and economic devel- opment, we are making a positive impact and staying true to the IECC mission to strengthen our community and helping to build a brighter future for all. Sharmila Kakac, Dean of Business & Industry
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning proudly announces several initia- tives that have furthered our commitment to outstanding online education and faculty support. We introduced a new online course devel- opment and review process, aligning with the Quality Matters initiative to ensure our courses meet the highest standards. This process, crafted with the direct input of our faculty, has significantly enhanced teaching
In early 2023, the Small Business Development Center was awarded grant funding, marking the beginning of its jour- ney. With just one part-time advisor, Claire Vaughan, we embarked on our mission. By the end of June, Michelle Brooks joined as the Director of the SBDC, bringing valuable leadership to the team. Later in November, we expanded further by hiring a full-time administrative assistant, Brianna Simpson, followed by another part-time advisor, Kate
experiences and effectiveness. The use of QM has been positive at IECC, with faculty reporting increased student engagement and improved course outcomes, reshaping how content is delivered and received. A resource available through the website is consulting services. We can provide a tailored, individualized consultation with an expert to explore best practices and improve faculty’s teaching effectiveness and student learning across all types of courses. The CETL continues to use Ally as a technology support tool for faculty to improve the accessibility and usability of online environ- ments. Over 100 courses had significant design changes because of Ally. Next year, we will improve accessibility by implementing a new program that engages student workers in combination with Ally. Looking forward, CETL is set to broaden its scope. We will inte- grate more comprehensive stakeholder meetings. We will utilize resource guides, curating a comprehensive collection of teaching resources. We will also offer professional development training and micro-badging for K-12 educators, expanding our impact in the education community. Mike Conn, Director of the CETL
Pleasant, in March 2024. In 2023, the SBDC made significant strides, ending the year with 42 clients. In 2024, we have already welcomed 14 new sign-ups, indi- cating continued growth and impact. The SBDC has played a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship, assisting individuals in starting businesses, and facilitating job creation. Additionally, the SBDC has been proactive in organizing various workshops and training events aimed at empowering businesses, promoting resilience, and fostering growth within our community.
Michelle Brooks, Director of the SBDC
30 WVC Annual Report
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