Georgia Costello, Ph.D.

President, Southwestern Illinois College

Dear Residents of Illinois Community College District 522:

As the newly appointed president of Southwestern Illinois College, I wanted to take this opportunity to communicate directly with our students - past, present and future - and the stakeholder-residents of Illinois Community College District 522.

First, our communities and this institution are far better off following the visionary 10-year presidential leadership of Dr. Elmer H. Kirchoff. During his presidency, Dr. Kirchoff successfully collaborated with college trustees, faculty and administrators to author a strategic plan that has resulted in a nearly 20 percent increase in enrollment; the successful evolution from Belleville Area College to Southwestern Illinois College to better reflect our expansive service area; and the simultaneous enhancements of campus facilities and information technology. Collectively, these contributions have put Southwestern on the cutting edge of postsecondary education ... so much so, that one in four high school students in this district now pick Southwestern upon graduation.

As Dr. Kirchoff has always reminded us, Southwestern Illinois College represents the very best value in lifelong learning for our district residents. Responsible budget management has kept our tuition affordable, and among the lowest in the state, in tough economic times. Our faculty is of the highest quality, with no reliance on student teaching assistants to deliver instruction. And, consistent with a national trend, a majority of our students return 'home' to work, live and contribute to our economy, including yours truly.

Founded in 1946, Southwestern Illinois College debuted as Belleville Junior College, welcoming its first class of 163 students at a one-building site. Sixty-two years later, Southwestern is Illinois' sixth-largest community college, and the largest outside Chicago. We serve more than 26,000 students annually on three campuses and more than 20 off-campus sites, while remaining committed to our longstanding community-service role, ranging from Adult Basic Education to our award-winning Programs and Services for Older Persons.

It is said the more things change the more they remain the same. And so it will be with our Mission Statement, which defines our transparent accountability:

"Southwestern Illinois College upholds the dignity and worth of all people and believes that learning is a lifelong process which enhances the quality of life. The college provides for individual growth through educational excellence and active partnerships with students and the community."

As a lifelong resident and professional educator with decades of experience serving this region, I am grateful for, and humbled by, this opportunity to serve as college president. I am looking forward to working with the dedicated college board, and the outstanding faculty, administrators and staff, whose professionalism is clearly evidenced in every classroom, office and hallway at every facility in our system; and I promise to do everything possible to ensure that where we have been is where we are going ... on a clear and proper path that will honor those who have gone before us and will make our students and stakeholder-residents proud to say Southwestern remains "their" community college.

Sincerely,

Georgia Costello, Ph.D.
President