INA, Ill. (November 24, 2025) — The Rend Lake College Foundation is proud to honor Dr. J. Ryan Willis (Mt. Vernon) and Dr. Jerrold C. Willis (Mt. Vernon) as the 2025 Alumni of the Year.
On October 23, Dr. Ryan Willis was surprised by RLCF staff, a few of his coworkers at Deaconess Illinois Crossroads, his aunt, Deborah T. Willis, and his wife Tara Willis, who announced that he would be one of the alumni honored with Alumni of the Year.
Dr. Ryan Willis then facetimed his uncle, Dr. Jerrold Willis, to share the news that they both will be celebrated as alumni.
Watch the surprise visit below!
Dr. J. Ryan Willis
RLCF proudly honors Dr. J. Ryan Willis as this year’s Alumnus of the Year, recognizing his distinguished career in medicine and the remarkable journey that began at RLC.
A graduate of Benton Consolidated High School, Dr. Willis was determined to pursue a career in the medical field from an early age. He began his education at Rend Lake College in the fall of 1989, working toward his Associate in Science degree. He credits RLC as a financially responsible and academically supportive choice that provided the foundational strength for his future success.
“RLC was instrumental in preparing me for transfer to a university and ultimately to medical school,” said Dr Willis.
Dr. Willis cultivated the discipline and determination that would define his professional path by balancing daytime classes with evening work at a local coal mine repair shop. This experience instilled in him a strong work ethic, exceptional time-management skills, and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth—qualities that shaped his pursuit of higher education and laid the groundwork for his future in medicine.
After earning his Associate in Science Degree in 1991, Dr. Willis transferred seamlessly to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where he continued his studies with a major in Biological Sciences and a minor in Chemistry. He then advanced to the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, a program he selected for its strong reputation and its mission to improve health care in rural southern Illinois.
"Getting into actual medical school was much different [than a regular university], and it was very challenging," said Dr. Willis. "I had to get high grades, high MCAT scores, excellent letters of recommendation, research, volunteer work, interviews, and endless answering of essay questions."
Following years of hard work and unwavering dedication, Dr. Willis graduated from medical school in 1998. His journey in the medical field, however, was only just beginning. He was accepted into the highly competitive radiology residency program at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.—one of only ten applicants selected in that Match Day cycle from a pool of candidates representing institutions across the country and around the world.
Upon completing his residency training, Dr. Willis, along with his wife, Tara, and their growing family, made the deliberate decision to return to the southern Illinois region. Despite numerous opportunities available to him nationwide, he chose to come home, reaffirming his commitment to serving the communities that shaped his early life and educational foundation.
"My wife and I are both Benton Consolidated High School graduates and our family was still in the area," said Dr. Willis. "No matter what job I considered, none of them were close to home, which is where we wanted to be."
Once back in southern Illinois, Dr. Willis joined his uncle, Dr. Jerrold C. Willis, in the private practice radiology group Mid America Radiology, where he served the region for 20 years. His clinical expertise and dedication to patient care strengthened radiology services across southern Illinois during his two decades with that practice.
Today, Dr. Willis continues his work in the region as part of Radiology Partners, serving 15 area hospitals. He dedicates the majority of his time at Deaconess Illinois Crossroads in Mt. Vernon, where he performs a wide range of procedures and interprets diagnostic imaging studies on a daily basis.
Throughout his career, Dr. Willis has consistently acknowledged the unwavering support of his family. He is especially grateful to his wife, Tara, and to his three children—Lauryn Cox (and her husband, Eli), Luke Willis (and fiancée, Reese), and Gabe Willis—whose encouragement has been integral to his personal and professional success.
“My family has made sacrifices all along my journey through medical school, residency, and private practice,” said Dr. Willis. “I have worked many nights, weekends, and holidays throughout the years. They have always accommodated my schedule with grace and supported me in every way possible.”
Dr. Willis’s journey from RLC to a distinguished career in radiology stands as an inspiring example of perseverance, dedication, and service. His achievements reflect the profound impact of a strong educational foundation at RLC and a deep commitment to the region he calls home.
Dr. J. Ryan Willis will be recognized as RLC's 2025 Alumni of the Year at the 46th RLCF Annual Dinner, Dec. 4, at the RLC Event Center. The Annual Dinner is one of the many ways the Foundation raises money for the school and student scholarships.
For more information, contact the RLC Foundation at 618-437-5321, ext. 1324 or foundation@rlc.edu.
Dr. Jerrold C. Willis
Dr. Jerrold C. Willis (Mt. Vernon) is a diagnostic radiologist whose career path proves that hard work and determination, coupled with ongoing education, are the keys to success.
The aspiring doctor was determined to pursue a career in the medical field from the fifth grade on. Dr. Willis began his RLC education in 1969 concentrating on the sciences and general studies requirements. He credits RLC with providing an "excellent base for transferring," offering a crucial financial benefit, and a strong foundation that propelled him toward his goals.
"The main thing is to major in something you enjoy," advised Dr. Willis. "It is easier for you to maintain your grades and keep your GPA high."
While many students took part in extracurricular activities, Dr. Willis worked full time in the coal mines while simultaneously attending college full time. However, he does encourage students to become involved on campus.
"My time was completely consumed by my full time studies and full time job," said Dr. Willis. "However, one of my sons attended RLC and played baseball as an extracurricular. These activities are very fulfilling. I strongly encourage and recommend being involved on campus."
After receiving his Associate Degree in 1971, Dr. Willis had a seamless transfer to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.
"The transition from RLC to SIU-C was very easy," said Dr. Willis. "I received my AA, which meant that my general studies requirements were automatically met without the inconvenience of having to retake any classes."
He then faced the intense challenge of medical school at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine which he selected for its innovative teaching methods and to remain close to his family.
"The transfer to SIUSOM was more difficult than I had expected," said Dr. Willis. "I soon learned that medical school was more intense than work and college, but I adjusted quickly."
Dr. Willis' hard work and dedication paid off, but his medical specialty choice came as a surprise. At the end of medical school, he initially chose Internal Medicine but discovered his "true joy in medicine" during a one-month elective in Diagnostic Radiology at the end of medical school. He completed his year in Internal Medicine and then transferred to Diagnostic Radiology.
Dr Willis worked as an independent practitioner in small radiology groups for forty years. Today, Dr. Jerrold Willis, as well as Dr. Ryan Willis continue their work together at Radiology Partners, where they interpret images such as X-rays , CT, MRI ultrasound, and nuclear medicine studies as well as performing interventional procedures using image guidance.
Today, Dr. Willis is supported by his immediate family, including his wife, Deborah T. Willis, and his five children: Bryan O. Mace, Jeremy C. Willis, Joshua C. Willis, Andrea R. Thompson, and Kanawha J. E. Willis. Dr. Willis said, "They've supported me by simply being their natural, loving, caring, and supportive selves. Early on, my parents and siblings were all very supportive as well."
His final advice to any new graduate heading into the medical field stresses the commitment required to stay current: "Be aware/anticipate that medicine is a career that requires ongoing education to avoid falling behind.
Dr. Jerrold C. Willis will be recognized as RLC's 2025 Alumni of the Year at the 46th RLCF Annual Dinner, Dec. 4, at the RLC Event Center. The Annual Dinner is one of the many ways the Foundation raises money for the school and student scholarships.
For more information, contact the RLC Foundation at 618-437-5321, ext. 1324 or foundation@rlc.edu.
Rend Lake College Alumnus of the Year
2024 — JACI & LEE WYATT ('73), Pinckneyville & Steeleville
Co-Founders, Three Palms Foundation
2023 — GLENN BOX ('96), Cairo
Head Coach, University of Miami (OH)
2022 — DEAN MERDER ('84), Santa Clause, Indiana
President & CEO at TrueScripts Management Services
2021 — CLINT McDONNOUGH ('73), Pinckneyville
Retired Managing Partner, Ernst & Young, LLP
2019 — CHAD W. KERN ('91), Whittington
President & CEO, Schirm USA
2018 — CURTIS SMITH ('82), Benton
(Awarded posthumously)
RLC Basketball legend and local coach, Correctional Officer - IL Dept. of Corrections
2017 — BOB KELLEY ('69), Mt. Vernon
Retired Director of Marketing & Public Information, Rend Lake College
2016 — RODNEY CABANESS ('90), Sesser
Co-Owner, Black Diamond Harley-Davidson
2015 — DR. BRIAN KERN ('94), Ewing
Orthopedic Surgeon, Orthopedic Institute of Western Kentucky
2014 — JAMES "JIM" MOUNIER ('72), Caledonia
Senior Vice President & Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch
2013 – TRISH REED (’87), Scheller
President, GM, UpTime Parts LLC
2012 – PETER JOHNSON (’85), Mt. Vernon
Instrumentation Engineer, NASA
2011 – RON SMITH (’74), Benton
Assistant Basketball Coach, SIUC; Entrepreneur
2010 – HON. MIKE D. McHANEY (’77), Salem
Judge, Fourth Judicial Circuit of Illinois
2009 – JIM MUIR (’97), Sesser
Publisher, Southern Illinois Sports Connection, Marion Living & Saluki Illustrated; Radio Broadcaster
2008 – RANDY RUBENACKER (’78), Dahlgren
Co-Owner, Rubenacker Farms/4R Equipment, McLeansboro
2007 – BRAD GESELL (’80), Benton
Co-Owner, Gesell’s Pump Sales & Service Inc., Whittington
2006 – CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON (’98), Valier
Distribution Center Manager, Walgreens, Mt. Vernon
2005 – BILL SHIELDS (MVCC ’58), Mt. Vernon
Assistant Professor/Workforce Ed Coordinator, Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
2004 – LINDA L. SANDERS (’82), Mt. Vernon
Warden, Federal Correctional Complex, Forrest City, AR
2003 – DONALD H. DAME (’72 / ’76), Sesser
Vice President/Human Resources & Government Relations, Freeman unity Coal Mining Company
2002 – ROSE M. MYLES (’68), Mt. Vernon
Manager / Network Services, AT&T
2001 – CARL ROWLEY (’77), Sesser
Team Leader / Building Management Systems, Panduit Corporation
2000 – HOLLY McCANN (’76), Benton
Acting National Director, Internal Revenue Service Office of Interest and Penalty Administration
1999 – LAIRD D. WISELY (’71), Benton/Mt. Vernon
(Awarded posthumously)
Owner, Therapy Resource Associates & Physical Rehab Works
1998 – MARK MICHALIC (’78), West Frankfort
1999 ICCTA CO-“ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR”
Special Agent, U.S. Department of the Treasury/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
1997 – JOHNATHAN W. THOMAS (’71), Sesser
CEO (Executive Dean), Ivy Tech State College, Madison/Lawrenceburg, IN
1996 – TIM WILLS (’84), Benton
Associate Professor of Health/A.D./Coach, RLC
1995 – COURTNEY COX (’72), Benton
Partner, Hart and Hart Attorneys-At-Law, Benton
1994 – FLO DUDLEY (’76), Bonnie
Retired elementary school teacher
Mt. Vernon City Schools District 80
1993 – SEN. J. BRADLEY BURZYNSKI (’79), Benton
Illinois State Senator / 35th District, Sycamore
1992 – CINDA CHULLEN (’79), Benton
Technical Manager, NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
1991 – CRAIG M. SINCLAIR (’74), Mt. Vernon
Vice President of Advertising, The Walgreen Company
1990 – GLORIA J. SLOAN-REEL (’74), McLeansboro
Product Brand Manager, Phone-Poulenc Ag Company, Research Triangle Park, NC
1989 – KEVIN DAVIS (’72), Mt. Vernon
Comptroller/Treasurer, Rend Lake Conservancy District
1988 – CAROL DILLEY-JAUDES (’75)
Stage actress, St. Louis, and New York
1987 – DR. MARY KAY WITGES BENGTSON (’71), Scheller
Staff/Athletic Physician, N. Carolina State U.
1986 – DR. GARY R. SWEETEN (MVCC ’60), Ina
Minister of Christian Growth, College Hill Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati
1985 – DR. HALE E. RYDER JR. (MVCC ’58), Mt. Vernon
Professor of Economics/Director of Graduate Studies, Brown University
1984 – DR. LESLIE JOHNSON (’74), Thompsonville
Family Practitioner, Mt. Vernon (now in Peoria)
1983 – ROBERT L. BROWN (MVCC ’66), Mt. Vernon
Guidance Counselor, Mt. Vernon Township H.S./Part-time Rend Lake College GED Instructor
1982 – DAVID N. JUNKINS (’71), Mt. Vernon
Social Worker, Illinois Dept. of Children & Family Services
