性视界传媒

July, 2026

Message From the President

Dear Campus Community,

It is hard to believe that summer is coming to an end and the fall semester is right around the corner. I hope each of you has had an opportunity to recharge and enjoy some well-deserved time away over the summer months.

While the campus may have looked a little quieter during the summer, tremendous activity has been happening behind the scenes. We currently have four major construction projects underway, and it is exciting to see our campus continue to grow and evolve. The foundation of Logan Hall is beginning to take shape, and we will start to see significant progress in the coming months. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) building project remains on schedule, as does the development of our new nursing program space. These additions will modernize our facilities, enhance student experience, and better prepare our students for successful careers. I look forward to watching these projects progress and seeing the impact they will have on our College community.

In just a few weeks, we will come together for our fall kickoff activities. This is one of the most exciting times of the year as we prepare for another outstanding year at 性视界传媒. Throughout the summer, our departments have continued to work diligently to ensure we are ready to welcome our students back and provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed.

Our Cabinet held a strategic planning workshop on July 13, with a follow-up session scheduled for July 31. These discussions are focused on developing our next five-year strategic plan. Over the past five years, we have accomplished so much as an institution, and I am excited about the direction we are heading as we build the next chapter of 性视界传媒鈥檚 future. Throughout the year, we will hold forums with our campus community and the public to help shape the plan.

Academic Affairs has welcomed five new full-time faculty members, strengthening our ability to provide high-quality educational opportunities for our students. Student Affairs has also been hard at work, supporting students through advising and summer orientation programs to help ensure a successful start to the semester.

I am also excited to announce the creation of Legacy Plaza, a new space located in the courtyard outside the Conference Center. Legacy Plaza will celebrate the rich history of 性视界传媒 and recognize the many individuals who have helped shape our institution over the years.

We are planning a special event later this fall to officially open Legacy Plaza and begin our celebration leading into 性视界传媒鈥檚 60th anniversary in 2027. This milestone will provide an opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate our accomplishments, and look ahead to the future.

As we prepare for the fall semester, I want to thank each of you for your continued dedication, hard work, and commitment to our students. The success of 性视界传媒 is a direct reflection of the passion and care our employees bring to their work every day.

I look forward to another great year at 性视界传媒 and all that we will accomplish together.

搁别驳补谤诲蝉,听
Kirk Overstreet, PhD.聽

President, 性视界传媒

Things You Need to Know from the Cabinet

性视界传媒 leadership recently shared updates from across campus during Cabinet, highlighting financial initiatives, student support programs, employee resources, technology reminders, safety efforts, and preparations for the upcoming fall semester.

Financial Services Updates

Kara Bevis announced the creation of a new object code specifically for Software as a Service (SaaS) expenses. The new account will allow the College to track SaaS-related costs separately from other service expenses.

Employees who believe their budgets include SaaS expenses should contact Colby Chamness to complete a budget transfer into the new account.

Additionally, FY26 prepaid expenses will be applied to FY27 accounts in the coming weeks. These adjustments reflect FY27 expenses that were paid during FY26 and will be recorded against available budgets.

The Bursar Office also reported another successful year of serving students. During fiscal year 2026, the office assisted 3,033 unduplicated students, with approximately 30% of student interactions occurring face-to-face. June 2026 marked the highest June tuition collections since fiscal year 2023, and FY26 tuition collections exceeded FY25 collections by approximately $33,000. The office continues to process payments across 24 different semesters.

Legislative and Policy Updates

Jennifer Fuller provided an update on legislative affairs, noting that while the spring legislative session has concluded, the College continues working to implement new state and federal requirements impacting higher education.

Current areas of focus include accessibility, workforce programs, mental health initiatives, artificial intelligence, accountability measures, Workforce Pell, student aid fraud prevention, compliance requirements, and new funding opportunities.

The Board of Trustees is also reviewing several policy updates designed to keep College policies current and strengthen governance practices. Proposed revisions address emerging issues such as artificial intelligence and technology use while providing additional clarity regarding employee leave, professional development, conflict-of-interest standards, student activities, and tuition-setting authority.

College leaders and regional policymakers will gather for the 2026 Legislative Lunch on August 28. The event will focus on workforce development, student affordability, healthcare workforce initiatives, and other issues affecting the future of Southern Illinois.

Human Resources Updates

Stephanie Harner shared details regarding Fall Campus Kick-Off, scheduled for August 13鈥�14, 2026. Employees are encouraged to visit the Fall Campus Kick-Off SharePoint page for the latest agenda, session information, attendance expectations, and updates as planning continues.

The employee performance review process through ADP has also entered a soft rollout phase. Employees are encouraged to review and update personal information and emergency contacts in ADP and regularly monitor their 鈥淭hings To Do鈥� items to ensure College records remain accurate.

Student Affairs Updates

Dr. Rachel Sveda Webb provided several important reminders as the College prepares for the fall semester.

The College will host Saturday Sign Up on August 8 from 9 a.m. to noon for students registering for fall classes. Coffee and College, designed for high school students and parents, will also take place on August 8 from 10鈥�11 a.m. No pre-registration is required, and walk-ins are welcome.

The walk-in and late-night registration period will run August 10 through August 21, with advisors available Monday through Thursday until 6 p.m. during the walk-in period.

The College has also launched Recharge, a debt relief program designed to assist former students with outstanding balances. Eligible students may reduce or eliminate past-due balances by successfully completing new coursework.

Students are also encouraged to participate in Logan Launch, the College鈥檚 fall semester kickoff event for new and returning students, on August 14. Students are strongly encouraged to pre-register for the event.

Academic Affairs Updates

Dr. Nathan Arnett shared that the 性视界传媒 Community Band recently presented 鈥淎 Musical Celebration of 250 Years of Freedom鈥� on Sunday, August 2, in O鈥橬eil Auditorium.

Athletic Updates

Athletic Director Greg Starrick announced that the College will host Vols Night Out on Wednesday, August 19, at 6 p.m. at the Thrillbillie Thrill House in Marion.

Information Technology Reminder: Protect Against Phishing

Scott Elliott reminded employees and students of a recent increase in phishing messages targeting campus email accounts.

These messages may appear to come from trusted individuals, departments, vendors, or services and may request users to click links, open attachments, verify accounts, reset passwords, approve sign-ins, or provide personal information.

Employees should remember:

• Do not click links or open attachments in unexpected emails, texts, or Teams messages.
• Carefully check sender information, as phishing attempts often imitate familiar names or organizations.
• Be cautious of urgent messages requesting immediate action or personal information.
• Never provide usernames, passwords, MFA codes, student IDs, Social Security numbers, banking information, or other sensitive information through email or text links.
• Never approve a DUO Multi-Factor Authentication request unless you personally initiated it.
• Report suspicious messages before deleting them by contacting phishing@jalc.edu.

Employees who believe they may have shared sensitive information should immediately change their password, contact the 性视界传媒 IT Help Desk, and take steps to protect their accounts and personal information.

Business Services and Campus Safety Updates

Dr. Susan LaPanne provided updates on risk management efforts, including work to finalize Title IX procedures and materials within the Maxient program.

The College is also preparing a Web Accessibility Compliance breakout session during Fall Kick-Off to help employees better understand upcoming compliance requirements, including the April 26, 2027 deadline.

The College continues researching options to update the 性视界传媒 alert system, including potential replacements or enhancements to current notification systems.

The 性视界传媒 General Store has also introduced gift certificates, allowing employees and community members to purchase gifts featuring 性视界传媒 apparel and merchandise.

Campus Police Updates

Chief Ron Webb reported that 性视界传媒 interns and staff recently participated in professional development activities with the Marion and Carbondale police departments. Activities included ride-alongs, dispatch observation, and participation in criminal investigations.

性视界传媒 Department of Public Safety officers recently investigated a theft of College property, identified a suspect, and recovered the stolen property. Officers continue conducting regular patrols of College properties to support the safety of students, employees, and visitors.

Campus Safety Officers and interns also continue regular inspections and maintenance of AEDs, fire extinguishers, emergency fire blankets, and emergency eyewash stations.

性视界传媒 Department of Public Safety police officers will complete required Illinois police firearms training, while security officers will participate in first aid training.

Preparing for the Fall Semester

As 性视界传媒 prepares for another busy semester, these updates reflect the continued efforts of faculty, staff, and administrators to support student success, maintain effective campus operations, and strengthen the 性视界传媒 community.

Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to service, the College continues preparing for a successful fall semester and a strong future.

News Around Campus

Brewer Gymnasium Reopens as Construction Progress Continues Across 性视界传媒 Campus

Student-athletes are back on the court at 性视界传媒 after Brewer Gymnasium officially reopened following approval from structural engineers working with the Illinois Capital Development Board, marking another milestone in the college’s ongoing campus transformation.

Earlier this month, the college received clearance to resume activities in the gymnasium, allowing athletic programs to return home after months of practicing and competing at alternate locations while construction and structural repairs were underway.

Athletic Director Greg Starrick said the reopening comes at an important time as fall sports prepare to begin.

“We are excited to get our student-athletes back in the gym,” Starrick said. “Volleyball will begin fall practice soon, and several of our men’s and women’s basketball players will return to campus in July.”

Starrick also thanked area schools and neighboring community colleges for supporting the Volunteers during the temporary closure.

“I am grateful to all of the area high schools that allowed us to practice in their facilities, and to our fellow community colleges that allowed us to play our home games in their gyms during the second half of the season,” he said.

The reopening of Brewer Gymnasium comes as work continues on the college’s Logan Hall and West Lobby expansion project. The project recently received clearance to proceed following a structural review.

According to Assistant Vice President of Construction, Planning, and Facilities Management Jeremy Sargent, demolition work is largely complete, earthwork has wrapped up, and crews are preparing to begin concrete work over the coming months.

Although the gymnasium has reopened, Sargent said portions of the athletic complex remain closed while structural beam repairs continue.

“The athletic offices, restrooms, lobby, and concession area remain closed because structural beam repair work is still underway,” Sargent said. “Those spaces cannot reopen until that work is completed.”

The Logan Hall and West Lobby expansion project is now scheduled for completion in December 2027.

Several departments that were temporarily relocated during construction have now returned to their permanent locations. Risk Management and Digital Marketing staff are back in their offices, and Testing Services has resumed operations in its campus location. However, the E133 computer lab will continue serving as the college’s testing site for the foreseeable future.

The reopening of Brewer Gymnasium is one of several milestones in an unprecedented period of construction across the 性视界传媒 campus.

Construction of the college’s new Career and Technical Education Center remains on schedule for completion in December 2026. Partially funded by a federal grant, the state-of-the-art facility will house Automotive Services, Auto Body, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and Welding programs, expanding workforce training opportunities in southern Illinois.

Another major federally funded project is the renovation of the third floor of the Communications Building, which will become the new home of the college’s Nursing programs. Construction crews are currently installing metal stud framing, electrical systems, plumbing, and HVAC infrastructure. The renovation is expected to be completed in late spring 2027.

Additional projects continue to move forward across campus. The Harrison Bruce Foundation’s Prairie Museum, located within the Harrison Bruce Historical Village, is progressing ahead of schedule and will become a significant addition to the region’s historical attractions. Meanwhile, dredging work at Hoffard Pond is expected to be completed before the start of the fall semester.

College officials have also announced the next phase of campus improvements. Renovations to the current Nursing program space and the Conference Center are in the design phase and are expected to begin in 2027.

Despite months of construction, office relocations, and changing traffic patterns, students and employees have continued to navigate the evolving campus as preparations for the fall semester continue. New signage has been installed throughout campus to assist visitors, and a dedicated construction webpage on the college’s website provides updates on closures, relocations, and project progress.

College President Dr. Kirk Overstreet said the temporary inconveniences created by construction will ultimately strengthen the institution for future generations.

“What an exciting time at 性视界传媒,” Overstreet said. “Everywhere you look, there are signs of progress. Change can be a little messy at times, but that’s the nature of improvement. When the dust settles, we’ll have taken another step toward making our campus an even better place for our students, employees, and community.”

Overstreet said the extensive improvements represent a long-term investment in student success, workforce development, and the future of southern Illinois.

“We are building more than buildings,” he said. “We are creating opportunities that will serve our students and our region for decades to come.”

性视界传媒, Boys & Girls Club Partner to Offer Free After-School Program for Student Families

性视界传媒 and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois have partnered to provide free after-school and evening programming for children of 性视界传媒 students beginning this fall.

The new Community Impact Program will operate at the Robert L. Mees Centre on the 性视界传媒 campus and is designed to help student parents balance the demands of higher education while ensuring their children have access to a safe, supportive environment after school.

The program will begin Aug. 17, the first day of the College’s fall semester, and will operate Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Programming will not be offered on days when the college is closed, or classes are not in session.

The initiative will serve up to 16 school-aged children, ages 6 to 18, whose parents are enrolled at 性视界传媒. Eligible students must be enrolled in at least three credit hours during the semester. There is no cost to participate.

The partnership is intended to remove barriers that often prevent student parents from completing their educational goals while providing meaningful opportunities for their children to learn and grow.

College officials said the partnership reflects 性视界传媒’s continued commitment to supporting students’ needs, both inside and outside the classroom, by providing resources that encourage student success and persistence toward graduation.

“We are so excited about this program and to continue our collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois,” said 性视界传媒 President Dr. Kirk Overstreet. “This will be extremely beneficial to our students, particularly those in our evening nursing cohort who are trying to balance family and school.”

Youth enrolled in the program will participate in activities based on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois’ nationally recognized core program areas, including education and career development through homework assistance, tutoring and STEM activities; health and wellness with nutrition education, physical activity and the Healthy Habits curriculum; character and leadership development through leadership clubs and service-learning projects; arts programming featuring creative expression, digital media and music; and sports, fitness and recreation.

In addition to academic support and enrichment activities, participants will have access to positive adult mentors and structured programming designed to promote personal growth, healthy lifestyles, and overall well-being.

Space in the program is limited. Additional information about eligibility and enrollment will be available through 性视界传媒 Student Services and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois before the start of the fall semester. For additional information about the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Illinois, visit or call 618-457-8877.

Images Around Campus and Beyond