INA, Ill. (July 2, 2025) — Terry Wilkerson put in his last shift as President of Rend Lake College on June 30. After more than 30 years of service (13 as president) and undeniable impact on the lives of students and staff, Wilkerson made the familiar walk from the Baker Administration Building to his Chevy Silverado. Only this time he was greeted by a parade of well-wishers and John Deere heavy equipment — all there to help cap off his career in higher education and usher him into a happy retirement.
Wilkerson on his last day, June 30, 2025.
Wilkerson announced his retirement 18 months ago, at which time Executive Vice President Lori Ragland was named his successor.
Wilkerson became RLC’s seventh full-time President in April 2012, but his connection to RLC goes back much further. The Dahlgren native earned an Associate in Applied Science Degree from RLC in 1992. He went on to receive a B.S. in Plant and Soil Science in 1994 and an M.S. in Agronomy in 1995, both from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale.
Wilkerson returned to RLC in 1995 as an adjunct instructor in agriculture and by 1997, he was promoted to full-time. His hands-on approach in the classroom and his dedication made him much more than a teacher; he became a mentor, a role model and a driving force behind many students’ success stories.
Wilkerson (right) teaching at a summer camp.
His leadership abilities shone through when Wilkerson transitioned into administration as the chair of the Applied Science and Technology Division in 2008. Just four years later, the Board of Trustees recognized his vision, tenacity and deep understanding of RLC’s mission by appointing him as the institution’s seventh president.
Wilkerson has left a lasting mark not only on RLC but on the lives of countless students, faculty & staff and community members. Those who had the privilege of working alongside him praise his steady leadership, his dedication to excellence and his unwavering focus on RLC’s mission of fostering academic and personal success for every student who walks through its doors.
At his retirement dinner on June 13, Ragland, along with Board of Trustees Chair Larry Manning, revealed the Terry Wilkerson Agronomy Innovation Center to those in attendance. Surrounded by a standing crowd of family, friends and colleagues; Wilkerson was visibly moved by the gesture.
"Thanks everybody. I'm surprised. Very honored. I appreciate everyone coming out," Wilkerson said. "... I wasn't going to go to college. I'm glad I did. It's been one of the best things that's happened to me. Kim is the best thing that's happened to me, but Kim wouldn't have happened to me if I hadn't come to Rend Lake College. I wouldn't have met a majority of the people in this room, or worked with a majority of the people in this room, if it hadn't have been for going to college. ... The institution has been very good to me. The people in the room have been very good to me. I appreciate that immensely. Thank you doesn't seem to even remotely cover it."
Wilkerson expressing his thanks and gratitude for the newly named Terry Wilkerson Agronomy Innovation Center.
"This naming is more than a sign on a building," stated Ragland. "It's a symbol of the forward-thinking leadership that has been brought to Rend Lake College. It's a reminder for future generations of students that agriculture remains vital. Your [Wilkerson's] vision helped plant the seeds for this, and your name will now continue to inspire innovation, growth and opportunity for years to come."
Wilkerson will forever remain a primary part of Rend Lake College's story. We wish him well and we say thank you. Thank you for your vision, your leadership and your service. You’ve given so much to RLC, and your impact will be felt for generations to come. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, President Wilkerson. May your next chapter be as rewarding as the legacy you leave behind.
