About Us
Mission Statement
The mission statement is the essential purpose of the college from which all college activities originate.
RLC Mission Statement
Mission
Rend Lake College provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities which empower a diverse student population to achieve their goals and contribute to their communities. We are committed to our students’ success in achieving their academic and career goals and to meeting the workforce and training needs of our community. With Rend Lake College, student journeys start here.
Value Statement
Institutional Outcomes
Critical Thinking: Demonstrate the ability to think in a self-directed, reflective manner when understanding, evaluating and solving problems.
Problem-Solving: Demonstrate the ability to resolve computational problems.
Oral Communication: Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively through verbal and non-verbal language.
Written Communication: Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively through written language.
Who We Are & Who We Serve
Who We Are
Institutional history defines the College from the perspective of organization and assets; however, the people who operate within the college systems and manage those assets are the primary element for successful education. We believe all employees, regardless of their job description, are part of each student’s education. Administrative, community outreach, student service, and physical plant personnel all support the student learning process. Our instructors are primary points of contact with the Rend Lake College educational experience. These educators are generally organized into four divisions: Allied Health; Applied Science & Technology; Community & Corporate Education; Liberal Arts; and Math & Sciences. Whether in a supporting role or as a direct point of contact, each college employee draws upon professional expertise and academic accomplishment to promote the success of every student.
Who We Serve
Student-centered colleges are best defined by who they serve. An understanding of the distinctiveness of our student population allows us to effectively meet the goals of our programs and succeed in our mission. RLC is committed to fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all students, faculty, and staff, while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
Our population’s cultural distinctiveness is centered on age and socioeconomic status more than diverse ethnic origin. As global connectivity broadens, so too do our program offerings. We continue to serve groups with diverse characteristics, such as:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender
- National origin
- Race/ethnicity
- Religion
- Socioeconomic status
- Special populations
Rend Lake College provides general, transfer, and career technical education to both traditional and non-traditional students through the use of reciprocal agreements; regional, state, and national education programs; dual-credit high school classes; and opportunities for civic engagement. We offer skill and trade opportunities for students seeking employment and economic mobility. We also provide professional and personal fulfillment as well as growth through community and corporate education classes.
Often, an individual’s purpose for engaging with the college is a combination of factors such as:
- Career Retraining
- Discovery / Curiosity
- Economic Mobility
- Educational Requirements
- Enrichment / Hobby
- Healthy Lifestyle
- Lifelong Learning
- New / Enhanced Skills
Rend Lake College values neurodiversity, including conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, as a crucial aspect of human variation that enhances our educational journey and community. Our commitment is to foster a supportive environment where neurodivergent individuals are acknowledged, respected, and enabled to unleash their full capabilities.
Working together, we can create a brighter future for all individuals, including those with neurodivergent conditions, by providing them with the necessary resources, support, and opportunities for success in and out of the classroom. Our commitment to embracing neurodiversity and learning more about its impact will bring positive outcomes for everyone involved.
Common Outcome
Regardless of the cultural backgrounds, purposes or origins of our constituents, Rend Lake College serves each individual equally with an open admission policy and an opportunity for success. Furthermore, Rend Lake College is united by the shared commitment of students, faculty, staff, and community to meet its institutional, educational, and program objectives.
Who We Are & Who We Serve
Who We Are
Institutional history defines the College from the perspective of organization and assets; however, the people who operate within the college systems and manage those assets are the primary element for successful education. We believe all employees, regardless of their job description, are part of each student’s education. Administrative, community outreach, student service, and physical plant personnel all support the student learning process. Our instructors are primary points of contact with the Rend Lake College educational experience. These educators are generally organized into four divisions: Allied Health; Applied Science & Technology; Community & Corporate Education; Liberal Arts; and Math & Sciences. Whether in a supporting role or as a direct point of contact, each college employee draws upon professional expertise and academic accomplishment to promote the success of every student.
Who We Serve
Student-centered colleges are best defined by who they serve. An understanding of the distinctiveness of our student population allows us to effectively meet the goals of our programs and succeed in our mission. RLC is committed to fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all students, faculty, and staff, while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
Our population’s cultural distinctiveness is centered on age and socioeconomic status more than diverse ethnic origin. As global connectivity broadens, so too do our program offerings. We continue to serve groups with diverse characteristics, such as:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender
- National origin
- Race/ethnicity
- Religion
- Socioeconomic status
- Special populations
Rend Lake College provides general, transfer, and career technical education to both traditional and non-traditional students through the use of reciprocal agreements; regional, state, and national education programs; dual-credit high school classes; and opportunities for civic engagement. We offer skill and trade opportunities for students seeking employment and economic mobility. We also provide professional and personal fulfillment as well as growth through community and corporate education classes.
Often, an individual’s purpose for engaging with the college is a combination of factors such as:
- Career Retraining
- Discovery / Curiosity
- Economic Mobility
- Educational Requirements
- Enrichment / Hobby
- Healthy Lifestyle
- Lifelong Learning
- New / Enhanced Skills
Rend Lake College values neurodiversity, including conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, as a crucial aspect of human variation that enhances our educational journey and community. Our commitment is to foster a supportive environment where neurodivergent individuals are acknowledged, respected, and enabled to unleash their full capabilities.
Working together, we can create a brighter future for all individuals, including those with neurodivergent conditions, by providing them with the necessary resources, support, and opportunities for success in and out of the classroom. Our commitment to embracing neurodiversity and learning more about its impact will bring positive outcomes for everyone involved.
Common Outcome
Regardless of the cultural backgrounds, purposes or origins of our constituents, Rend Lake College serves each individual equally with an open admission policy and an opportunity for success. Furthermore, Rend Lake College is united by the shared commitment of students, faculty, staff, and community to meet its institutional, educational, and program objectives.
Rend Lake College President
President
Lori Ragland
Rend Lake College’s eighth full-time President who started in July 2025.
Goals & Priorities:
Aim to lead Rend Lake College into a future marked by innovation, academic quality, partnerships, financial stability, and sustained excellence.
- Enhance Educational Excellence. Expand and update instructional programs to align with evolving industry demands and community needs.
- Foster Innovation. Integrate advanced technologies and innovative teaching methods to enrich the learning experience.
- Strengthen Community Partnerships. Engage with industry and community organizations to address regional challenges and opportunities.
- Ensure Financial Sustainability and Stewardship. Maintain the college’s strong financial condition while seeking additional funding sources to support institutional growth and student success.
- Maintain Accreditation and Quality Assurance. Implement continuous improvement processes to uphold academic quality.
- Enhance public relations and institutional visibility. Maintain an active and visible presence in the community through participation in local events and gatherings.
Executive Leadership Team
News
View NewsRend Lake College celebrates the 2026 National Apprenticeship Week
In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, Rend Lake College is celebrating the latest cohort of Industrial Mechatronics and Maintenance (IMM) apprentices
Rend Lake College wins 2026 Ellucian Impact Award
RLC earned recognition for using Ellucian Student powered by Colleague to transform a manual, paper-based state reporting process into a fully automated, data-driven workflow.
