Rend Lake College

The Board of Trustees meeting addressed several items following an executive session. Key discussions included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered the December 9, 2025 Executive Session and Board of Trustee Meeting Minutes, course/curriculum matters, and approval to destroy closed session tapes and release closed session minutes. New business centered on approving the Notice of Election for the Student Board Member, effective January 13, 2026. A resolution was passed authorizing monthly transfers of interest revenue from Fund 01 to Fund 02 for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026. Personnel actions included ratifying the appointment of Mrs. Dara Whaley as Director -TRIO Program, effective December 16, 2025, and appointing Mr. Craig Jerrells as Technician -Maintenance, effective January 21, 2026. Financial ratification covered college expenses and travel reimbursements. Reports highlighted adjustments in two classes by the Academic Council, upcoming RLC Foundation events, a $200k donation received by the foundation, and an update on accreditation plans indicating a comprehensive evaluation site visit within the 2028/2029 academic year. The President reported that the Allied Health Building Project awaits Capital Development Board bid approval and that spring enrollment looks positive.

The meeting agenda covered several sections, including general announcements for upcoming college events such as ribbon cuttings, open houses, athletic games, conferences, in-services, and scholarship dinners throughout February and March 2026. The Board planned to enter an Executive Session to discuss matters related to employment/compensation, property sales/leases, student discipline, litigation, and executive session minutes review. New Business included the approval of revisions to Rend Lake College Policy & Procedure 4.1115 (Fees) and 3.1205 (Performance Evaluation and Tenure of Faculty Members), approval of revisions to job descriptions, a first reading of revisions to Policy & Procedure 3.1010 (Selection of Personnel), and approval of Tuition Rates for Fiscal Year 2027. Personnel actions involved addressing the resignation of the Project Manager for Information Technology and Institutional Research, revising a job description and ratifying the appointment of the Director of Institutional Research and Analysis, and considering tenure for an Automotive Instructor. Financial information included ratification of college expense payments and travel expense reimbursements. Reports were provided by Academic Council, RLC Foundation (noting a $200k donation), and Institutional Effectiveness regarding the next comprehensive accreditation evaluation.

Rend Lake College's strategic direction focuses on providing accessible, high-quality educational opportunities that empower a diverse student population to achieve their goals and contribute to their communities. The plan is built upon student-focused values, aiming to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Key priorities include strengthening community partnerships, maintaining excellence in teaching and learning, responsibly managing resources including facilities modernization, and encouraging civic engagement to ensure sustained student success and regional growth.

The meeting included a department presentation providing updates on the Terry Wilkerson Agronomy Innovation Center and Land Lab, covering partnership programs, credit hours, and degrees/certificates. Key actions included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered policy revisions and approval of previous minutes. New business involved the approval of the 2026-2027 Rend Lake College Catalog and the approval of the Board of Trustees meeting schedule for calendar year 2026. The Board also ratified the acceptance of several personnel resignations/retirements for positions including Coordinator - Technology Integration and Training, Maintenance Technician, and Director - Workforce Development. Additionally, permission was granted to create and staff a new Coordinator - Dual Credit / Advisor position and a Coordinator - Online Learning and Accessibility position. Finally, the payment of college expenses, including travel reimbursements, was ratified, and reports were provided by the Academic Council and RLC Foundation.

Rend Lake College is committed to providing comprehensive educational opportunities and fostering student success through career preparation, baccalaureate transfer, and community-focused program objectives. The college emphasizes developing essential learner outcomes including critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills. Strategic priorities also include cultivating a culture of connections, multiculturalism, and authenticity among its diverse student population.