Shawnee Community College was organized as a Class I community college in September of 1967. Created to serve Southern Illinois and its people, the college district covers all of Alexander, Massac, Pulaski, Union and parts of Johnson and Jackson counties.

     The initial seven-member Board of Trustees was selected in December of 1967. These seven men ascertained the principles around which the college would be built. The board is responsible for the adoption and enforcement of all policies needed to manage and govern the college. Dr. Loren E. Klaus was named the first president in May of 1968. The college officially opened September 24, 1969 .

     The campus of Shawnee Community College is located on Shawnee Community College road approximately seven miles east of Interstate 57. The site consists of 153 acres of gently rolling hills. The campus is centrally located within the college district. The rustic campus was erected during the summer of 1969. The main campus buildings were completed in 1976.

     In July of 1987, Dr. Barry Gowin was selected as the second president of the Shawnee Community College District. In November of 1987, the voters in the Shawnee Community College district voted overwhelmingly in support of a new classroom building addition. The 21,000 square-foot addition provided a biology laboratory, a nursing laboratory, general classrooms, and one large-group meeting room. The building addition was completed for student use in January of 1989.

     In January of 1991, Dr. Jack D. Hill was appointed as the third president of Shawnee Community College . During his tenure, the college expanded extension centers and experienced a large growth in the number of students who attended SCC.

     In August of 1996, Dr. Terry G. Ludwig was selected as the fourth president of Shawnee Community College . Dr. Ludwig brought with him extensive community college work experience through his employment at various colleges throughout the state of Illinois . Dr. Ludwig shares a common goal with SCC employees, and that is to make Shawnee Community College the best it can be for the citizens of the district. During his tenure, the college experienced continued growth in numbers of students, staff, programs, and grants. The college also opened the 33,000 square foot Educational Center in August of 2000, secured funding of the 10,500 square foot Metropolis Regional Education and Training Center in Metropolis City Industrial Park , opened a computer lab and fitness facility in the Alexander County Housing Authority in Cairo , Illinois , and planned a Regional Education Center in Cairo , Illinois . Shawnee Community College provides a dynamic learning environment incorporating advanced technology that ensures students of all ages the greatest chance of success.

     Dr. Larry D. Choate assumed the duties of the fifth president of Shawnee Community College on January 1, 2005 . Prior to this appointment, Dr. Choate served as the vice president of instruction since January 1, 1988 . During his tenure at SCC, Dr. Choate worked alongside the college presidents assisting with the success of building initiatives such as an additional classroom building, educational center, and the Metropolis Regional Education and Training Center . Dr. Choate supported the expansion of instructional services to students with the addition of internet courses, interactive television, and telecourse offerings.