Illinois Central College

Illinois Central College is a community college located in East Peoria, Illinois, that offers various associate's degree programs in fields like business administration, nursing, and engineering. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges. Illinois Central College has partnerships with University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bradley University, and Illinois State University to provide students with transfer opportunities. The college also collaborates with Caterpillar Inc., OSF Healthcare, and Peoria Public Schools to offer workforce training and development programs.

● History

The history of Illinois Central College dates back to 1967, when it was established by the Illinois General Assembly to serve the educational needs of Tazewell County, Illinois, Woodford County, Illinois, and parts of Peoria County, Illinois. The college's first classes were held in 1968 at the East Peoria High School building, with Dr. Kenneth H. Dahlberg as its first president. Over the years, the college has expanded its campus and programs, including the addition of the Peoria Campus in 1999, which offers courses in health sciences and information technology. The college has also received funding from the National Science Foundation to support STEM education initiatives. Notable alumni include Jim Maloof, former Mayor of Peoria, Illinois, and Ray LaHood, former United States Secretary of Transportation.

● Campus

The East Peoria Campus of Illinois Central College is located on a 437-acre site, featuring modern facilities like the Caterpillar Inc. Truck Driver Training Center, the OSF Healthcare Simulation Center, and the Peoria Riverfront Museum. The campus is also home to the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center, which hosts various cultural events and performances, including the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and the Heartland Festival Orchestra. The college has a sustainability initiative, which includes the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power and wind power, and the implementation of recycling programs and energy-efficient buildings. The campus is accessible by public transportation, including the Peoria Transit bus system and the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District.

● Academics

Illinois Central College offers over 100 associate's degree and certificate programs in fields like business administration, health sciences, information technology, and engineering. The college has a strong focus on workforce development, with programs like the Caterpillar Inc. Apprenticeship Program and the OSF Healthcare Nursing Program. The college also offers online courses and distance learning options, including MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and hybrid courses. The college has articulation agreements with University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bradley University, and Illinois State University, allowing students to transfer credits and complete their bachelor's degree. The college is also a member of the American Association of Community Colleges and the National Association of Colleges and Universities.

● Student_Life

Illinois Central College has a diverse student body, with over 10,000 students enrolled in credit courses and non-credit courses. The college offers various student organizations and clubs, including the Student Government Association, the Diversity Club, and the Environmental Club. The college also has a student newspaper, the ICC Harbinger, and a radio station, WICC. The college provides support services like academic advising, counseling, and tutoring to help students succeed. The college also has partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, such as the Peoria Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Peoria, to provide students with internship opportunities and job placement services.

● Athletics

Illinois Central College has a strong athletics program, with teams competing in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The college offers men's sports like basketball, baseball, and soccer, and women's sports like volleyball, softball, and golf. The college has won several regional championships and has produced All-American athletes in sports like track and field and wrestling. The college's athletics facilities include the CougarPlex, a state-of-the-art fitness center and gymnasium, and the ICC Soccer Field, which hosts home games for the college's soccer team. The college also has a sports management program, which provides students with hands-on experience in event planning and sports marketing. Notable athletic alumni include Shaun Livingston, former NBA player, and Derek Dimke, former NFL player. Category:Community colleges in Illinois