INA, Ill. (Sept. 11, 2023) — The Rend Lake College Board of Trustees has appointed Tony Wielt to fill a seat left vacant by the recent passing of longtime member Randall Crocker.
Featured in photo: Tony Wielt.
Wielt, 52, serves as the President to the Rend Lake College Foundation Board, sits on the Board of Trustees for Crossroads Community Hospital, and is a Counselor at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, as well as a member of Central Christian Church. He’s an Alumnus of RLC and holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business from Eastern Illinois University.
He and his wife of 26 years, Julie (VanHorn) Wielt, reside in Whittington. Their children, Kaylee and Lucas, both graduated from RLC and utilized the benefits of its expanded curriculum. He and Julie are both longtime supporters of RLC and the Foundation in both scholarships and general support.
“I believe in the community college and the help that it can provide the traditional and non-traditional students,” Wielt said. “What I love about Rend Lake College is how they prepare their curriculum to support our local industry and help support the skill sets needed to be successful in today’s world.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Tony through the college and the Foundation for many years now,” said RLC President Terry Wilkerson. “I’ve found him to be forthright and dependable, and very supportive of the students and the college mission. I look forward to working with him.”
Crocker passed away July 16 at 70 years old. He was a longtime RLC Trustee and supporter whose leadership and contributions will be missed. Crocker served four years of his most recent six-year term. Wielt will serve the remainder of that unexpired term. Read more about Crocker’s service to the district.
Wielt said he understands the importance of his role as a Board of Trustees member and is prepared to take on that responsibility with practicality and passion. His experience as a business owner in the district and his involvement with the RLCF have made him familiar with the leadership of the college. He believes they will all work well together. With this position, he wants to champion the RLC brand to the community and continue to build upon already solid foundations.