Author Archives: Kevin Hunsperger

ULLIN, IL (October 8, 2026) — Nearly 400 students from 12 area high schools visited Shawnee Community College today for the College’s annual SCC Day, a campus-wide event designed to help juniors and seniors explore academic and career possibilities. SCC Day offers students a unique, hands-on experience to learn about the College’s diverse academic programs, career-training opportunities, and vibrant campus life. Throughout the day, students engaged with faculty, toured classrooms and labs, and participated in interactive demonstrations across multiple fields of study. “SCC Day is about opening doors and helping students see what’s possible for their future,” said Jeff McGoy, Vice President of Shawnee Community College. “Whether they’re exploring a career they’ve already considered or discovering something entirely new, we want every student to leave here knowing there are opportunities for them at Shawnee Community College.” The event also gives students valuable insight into college life, including student organizations, athletics, […]

ULLIN, IL (September 24, 2026) – The Shawnee Community College Board of Trustees has begun selecting the College’s tenth president, engaging Pauly Group, Inc., a firm specializing in community college executive searches, to oversee the process. As part of the process, Pauly Group President Angela Provart will conduct stakeholder listening sessions on October 14 and 15. The sessions will gather feedback about the qualities and characteristics stakeholders would like to see in Shawnee Community College’s next president. The feedback will help develop a position profile for recruiting candidates. Following the listening sessions, the presidential search is expected to proceed according to the following tentative timeline: Early November: Position profile developed based on feedback from the listening sessions. Mid- to late November: Recruitment of applicants begins. Early February: Application deadline. Mid-February: Presidential Search Committee identifies semifinalists. Late February: Presidential Search Committee interviews semifinalists. Mid-March: Finalists meet with various College constituency groups. […]

The Shawnee Community College Board of Trustees has retained MKPecord Consulting, LLC to provide executive leadership consulting services, and Dr. Melanie Pecord will serve as Interim President during the presidential transition, effective immediately, ensuring leadership continuity as the College begins a national search for its next president.

(Ullin, IL) June 22, 2026. The Board of Trustees of Shawnee Community College held a special meeting on June 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM and its regular monthly meeting on June 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM, on the main campus and via teleconference. Several agenda items were addressed during the meetings. Complete board meeting minutes are available for viewing by visiting this webpage.   President’s Resignation At its Special Meeting on June 16, 2026, the Board approved the letter of resignation submitted by Dr. Timothy L. Taylor.   Agenda and Consent Agenda At its Regular Meeting on June 18, 2026, the Board approved the agenda and consent agenda which included approval of Regular Board meeting minutes from May 21, 2026; Special Board meeting minutes of June 4, 2026; acceptance of the treasurer’s report; ratification of May bills; acceptance of the personnel report; adoption of the academic year 2027 student handbook; […]

  ULLIN, IL — Shawnee Community College President Dr. Timothy L. Taylor has accepted the position of Chancellor of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC).  Dr. Taylor will conclude his service as President of Shawnee Community College on August 14, 2026, and will begin his new role with IECC on August 15, 2026. Dr. Taylor joined Shawnee Community College in September 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.  During his tenure, the College expanded educational opportunities for students, strengthened relationships with K-12 school districts throughout the region, enhanced partnerships with employers, community organizations, and public agencies, strengthened institutional governance, planning, and accountability systems, completed a successful Higher Learning Commission reaffirmation with no findings, became eligible to participate in the Higher Learning Commission’s Open Pathway accreditation process, enhanced financial stability, developed a long-term Facility Master Plan to guide future campus investments, secured significant state, federal, and philanthropic support for facilities and […]

The first of several Amazing S.A.I.N.T.S. camps took place this week at Shawnee Community College, bringing participants together for a summer of learning, creativity, and connection.

ULLIN, IL (May 27, 2026) – Shawnee Community College is thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Spring 2026 semester honor students, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and academic excellence. At Shawnee Community College, we value and recognize the hard work of all our full-time students. Those who maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or better while enrolled in an Associate degree or certificate program are considered honor students. The President’s List consists of students with a 4.0 grade point average for the semester, while students on the Vice President’s List earned a GPA between 3.5 and 3.9. Fourteen student athletes have been recognized. Five were on the President’s List and nine made the Vice President’s List. They are noted with an (*) asterisk.   President’s List Alto Pass Kevin Hernandez   Anna Morgan Casey Kayma Dawson Izley Rowan Klayton Taylor   Belknap Rachel Cameron Connor McGregory Macey […]

Shawnee Community College isn’t just changing lives, it’s strengthening our entire region. A newly released economic impact study shows SCC contributes $49.9 million annually to the local economy and supports 805 jobs across southern Illinois. That means 1 out of every 73 jobs in our region is connected to SCC, a real impact for our communities, businesses, and families. And the impact doesn’t stop there. Students who choose SCC are making a smart investment in their future, seeing a $3.70 return for every $1 invested in their education. “This report reinforces what we see every day, Shawnee Community College is not only transforming lives through education, but also strengthening the economic vitality of the communities we serve,” said Dr. Tim Taylor. From workforce training to academic programs, SCC continues to deliver value for our students and the region we call home.   Documents Main Report Fact Sheet Executive Summary

Shawnee Community College celebrated the achievements of its newest graduates Friday evening during the College’s annual commencement ceremony. More than 1,000 family members, friends, faculty, staff, and community supporters gathered to honor the Class of 2026 and recognize the hard work and determination of more than 130 graduates. The ceremony recognized students earning certificates and degrees across a variety of academic and career and technical education programs. Among those honored were more than a dozen high school students who earned their college credentials before receiving their high school diplomas, highlighting the continued success of dual credit and early college opportunities offered through the College. College leaders praised the graduates for their perseverance, commitment, and accomplishments, noting the important role they will play in the region’s workforce and communities moving forward. “Commencement is always one of the most meaningful celebrations of the year at Shawnee Community College,” said Dr. Tim Taylor, […]

Shawnee Community College officially celebrated the purchase of its Union County Extension Center in Anna on Friday morning, marking a significant investment in the institution’s long-term commitment to serving the region.