Dr. Larry Peterson, President Shawnee Community College

Dr. Larry Peterson was named the sixth president of Shawnee Community College in December 2007. He served for 20 years at John A. Logan College - including two months as interim president - before coming to SCC. Dr. Peterson has taken an aggressive approach to growth at SCC, challenging the staff to work with him to double enrollment over the next five years. After being named president, Dr. Peterson quickly reached out to past alumni and supporters of the college through an effort called "Shawnee United." He also initiated a vast advertising campaign titled "I am Shawnee Community College" highlighting the success stories of graduates.

Dr. Peterson also immediately began eying improvements for the Anna Extension Center, relocating the center to a more visible and more easily accessible location. The new 19,500 square-foot state-of-the-art facility opened in January 2009. Dr. Peterson also began working with local, state, and federal leaders - in conjunction with Southern Illinois University Carbondale - to create an aviation program at the Cairo Regional Airport. In addition, Dr. Peterson has reached out to economic development entities throughout the college district to create partnerships between the college and business and industry to bring economic growth to the southernmost part of Illinois.

Under Dr. Peterson's leadership, the college's first basketball team was reunited after 35 years on Oct. 18, 2008. More than 700 persons from through the college's district attended the event, which highlighted speeches from players, coaches, and a number of elected officials. Also that day, the gymnasium was dedicated as the "Edward M. Smith Center." Edward M. Smith was a member of the first basketball team. Dr. Peterson believes that by reaching out to alumni and communities throughout the district, and by always putting students first, the college will see considerable growth.

Under Dr. Peterson's leadership, the college has a strong partnership with Southern Illinois University and the college works closely with the university to ensure that SCC students experience a smooth transition from the college to the university.

Dr. Peterson believes, "Whether you are one of our nation's heroes returning from war, a high school graduate trying to decide on a career path or trying to begin a new life, Shawnee Community College offers the highest quality education and campus opportunities to make you proudly say, "I am Shawnee Community College."