Message from the President
Looking back at 2018, Rend Lake College has continued to be a progressive and effectual institution for our students, our employees, and in our communities. We intend to keep that momentum going as we enter this new year.
RLC was once again recognized for its achievements at the state and national levels. In 2018, RLC was ranked the number one community college in Illinois, as well as the best return on educational investment in the country, by the financial website WalletHub.
To further highlight an outstanding year, the college received maximum accreditation of 10 years following a visit by our regional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, in December of 2018. We will continue to strive for and surpass standards set forth by HLC as we look to provide for the next generation of students.
In doing so, we will continue working with our local industry partners and communities to provide new opportunities for all of our students. In the last year, we have teamed up with the U.S. Department of Labor to offer four apprenticeship programs, created two new Information Technology programs to address growing needs, and added options for distance learners in the Office Systems Technology programs. We also established eight articulation agreements with four-year universities to help students take their next steps after graduation.
With the help of a dozen grants, the RLC community is continuing to make a difference through volunteerism and support services. Improved relationships with our local school districts brought hundreds of students to RLC through dual credit courses, College Signing Days, countless tours, and unique events.
The Foundation added to the list of over 250 scholarships designated for RLC students in honor of some of RLC’s biggest champions lost during the year. RLC athletics also continue to be a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the field, as student-athletes won major titles and championships in 2018, all while earning the grades to land spots on All-Academic teams.
As we move into 2019, Rend Lake College will continue to uphold its mission and core values, to be student-focused, authentic, and resourceful. As always, we’re here to serve you. Send us your comments, questions, and concerns - we look forward to hearing from you.
Terry Wilkerson
President
We sat down with past and current leaders of Rend Lake College. They talked about their experiences, looking back over 50 years since RLC was established in 1967.
We Are Nationally Accredited
Rend Lake College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1969. Accreditation is extremely important because it ensures that RLC programs are effective and that we are delivering on our guarantees of educational quality. It also helps us identify things we do well, things upon which we can improve and how to go about making those improvements. Accreditation is critical for participation in many state and federal programs which benefit higher education.
RLC Mission Statement
RLC History
Rend Lake College has been the place “where learning never ends” for many years, serving thousands of in-district residents annually.
The college was founded in 1955 as Mt. Vernon Community College and officially became Rend Lake College when it was organized December 20, 1966, under the Illinois Junior College Act (Illinois Revised Statutes, 1967; Chapter 122, Sections 101-1 to 108-2).
Mt. Vernon Community College initially was approved by an overwhelming 25-to-1 vote and was under the supervision of the local high school board, with boundaries the same as those for High School District No. 201. The purpose of this two-year college was to provide postsecondary educational experiences, primarily university-parallel curricula, for the graduates of Mt. Vernon Township High School. Faculty and facilities were provided by the high school.
Administration
Terry Wilkerson
President
Administration Building Room 126
Phone Ext. 1242
President's Contract Documents
Angie Kistner
VP - Finance & Administration
Administration Building Room 163
Phone Ext: 1221
Lisa Price
VP - Student Services
Administration Building Room 110
Phone Ext: 1205
Lori Ragland
VP - Career Technical Instruction
Administration Building Room 136
Phone Ext: 1367
Smoke-Free Policy
Rend Lake College campuses are smoke-free as of July 1, 2015.
The Illinois Smoke-Free Campus Act, signed in 2014 by former Gov. Pat Quinn, does not allow smoking on any public college or university campus, whether that is indoors, outdoors, or in parking lots. Staff, students, and visitors are prohibited from carrying, smoking, burning, inhaling, or exhaling any kind of cigarette, cigar, e-cigarette, or other smoking equipment. The one exception is for those who wish to smoke inside a privately owned vehicle.