By 
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 infrastructure improvements, and enhanced the College’s regional and statewide visibility.
Board Chair Steve Heisner expressed appreciation for Dr. Taylor’s service and leadership.
“Dr. Taylor assumed leadership of the College during one of the most challenging periods in higher education,” said Heisner. “Throughout his tenure, he provided steady leadership that helped guide the institution through the pandemic, strengthen governance and accountability systems, achieve a successful Higher Learning Commission reaffirmation, maintain financial stability, advance student success initiatives, and position the College for long-term success. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank Dr. Taylor for his commitment to Shawnee Community College and the communities we serve. While we are saddened to see him leave, we are proud that he has been selected to serve in this important leadership role and wish him every success.”
Dr. Taylor reflected on his time at Shawnee Community College and expressed confidence in the institution’s future.
“When I arrived at Shawnee in September 2020, the College – like institutions across the nation – was facing unprecedented challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Taylor. “Together, our Board, employees, students, and communities met those challenges and positioned the College for a strong and sustainable future. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served Shawnee Community College.”
“Serving as President of Shawnee Community College has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career. I am grateful to the Board of Trustees, employees, students, and community partners for their support, trust, and collaboration. While I am excited about this next opportunity, Shawnee Community College will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Dr. Taylor added that he remains fully committed to the College through his final day of service and will work closely with the Board of Trustees and leadership team to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Following his departure, and consistent with his responsibilities as Chancellor of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, Dr. Taylor has indicated that he will remain reasonably available to assist with transition-related questions and institutional continuity matters as requested by the College.
The Shawnee Community College Board of Trustees will discuss transition planning and next steps in the coming weeks.
About Shawnee Community College
Shawnee Community College serves Community College District No. 531, including Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, Union, and portions of Jackson County in southern Illinois. The College provides transfer education, career and technical education, workforce development, adult education, and community enrichment opportunities designed to improve the quality of life throughout the region.