INA, Ill. (July 3, 2025) — Lori Ragland started a new chapter Tuesday as Rend Lake College's eighth president. With more than 25 years of service to the college, the Sesser resident is the first woman to be hired as president of the college that was established in 1967. Her vision for RLC is a future of innovation, academic excellence, and continued dedication to the communities it serves.
"As we prepare to embark on the next chapter, I am filled with optimism for the opportunities ahead," Ragland shared previously. "Our students are at the heart of all we do. By fostering partnerships with local industries and creating pathways for career advancement, we will ensure every student has the tools to thrive."
Ragland joined RLC in 2000 as the administrative assistant to the RLC Foundation. After earning a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Greenville College, she became the Foundation’s assistant director. Her path then led her to the assistant directorship of the college’s Community Education Department before becoming its director four years later.
Ragland's first day as president.
In 2010, Ragland became Dean of Community and Corporate Education and earned her Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from McKendree University just three years later. In 2015, she became Vice President of Career Technical Instruction at RLC before taking over leadership of all instruction in 2017 and student affairs in 2019. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in educational leadership.
In December 2023, Ragland was named President Designee, working closely with Terry Wilkerson until his retirement on June 30.
Ragland served as the president of Illinois Council of Continuing Education & Training (ICCET) in 2010 and received the ICCET Exemplary Leadership Award in 2016. In 2024, she served as the president of the Illinois Council of Community College Administrators, of which she had been a member for several years. She also served on the Illinois Chief Academic Officers and the Illinois Chief Student Services Officers, which are commissions of ICCCA. She currently holds membership in the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents and the Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE), also having served on its Post-Secondary Advisory Team.
8th RLC president, Lori Ragland, at 2025 Commencement Ceremony.
Ragland is committed to ensuring RLC students have the resources, support and guidance they need to excel academically. She plans to continue working closely with the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty and staff to achieve this goal while maintaining active community engagement.
“As we look to the future, our vision is clear: to continue building a college that transforms lives while fostering innovation, inclusivity, and resilience,” Ragland said. “We will enhance educational excellence by expanding and updating instructional programs to align with evolving industry demands and community needs. We will foster innovation by integrating advanced technologies and modern teaching methods to enrich the student experience.
“Strengthening community partnerships will be central to addressing regional challenges and opportunities, while ensuring financial sustainability and maintaining the highest standards of academic quality,” Ragland continued. “By maintaining an active presence in our communities and prioritizing public engagement, we will continue to build trust and visibility for Rend Lake College.
“Together, we will build on an enduring legacy for Rend Lake College, ensuring it remains a beacon of opportunity and innovation for generations to come.”