WRIGHT LOOKS BACK ON CHAIRMANSHIP AT SCC By SHANNON WOODWORTH 5/6/09 ULLIN — Wesley Wright left behind a long list of accomplishments after serving as chairman of the board of trustees at Shawnee Community College. But, he said, it would be wrong if he took any individual credit. “Everything that was done during my two-year term has been a team effort,” Wright said. “It takes an entire board working together to make great things happen.” Wright’s term as chairman began with a big decision, who would serve as the college’s sixth president? The board, he said, understood how important this choice would be. “I look back at the past two years and the board of trustees has made some very big choices and some very big strides in terms of progress,” Wright said. Soon after taking the chairmanship, Wright and the board learned that the college’s fifth president, Dr. Larry Choate, was retiring. Under Wright’s leadership, the board sprung into action beginning a thorough search for a replacement. The board, however, would not have to look very far, Wright noted. A Shawnee Community College alumnus and Goreville native quickly gained their attention. “This was a very important search,” the Anna resident explained. “We knew the college was headed in a new direction and we needed a leader to reflect that.” Dr. Larry Peterson, a long-time administrator at John A. Logan College — who even served a two-month stint as that college’s interim president — rose to the top. With the board’s blessing, Peterson immediately began reaching 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. Peterson, Wright explained, also reached out to Southern Illinois University Carbondale and offered unprecedented cooperation with university officials. That cooperation has paid off in terms of a number of new programs, including the new aviation science program being offered at the college. “All of this paid off big time and that is why I feel that one of my top accomplishments as chairman, working in conjunction with the entire board of trustees, was the board hiring Dr. Peterson to lead our institution,” Wright said. Along with increased alumni support and increased enrollment, the college also expanded programs and facilities under Wright’s chairmanship. One major facility expansion was the Anna Extension Center. The new, 19,500 square-foot state-of-the-art facility opened in March with great community fanfare. The board also began planning an expansion at the Metropolis and Cairo extension centers under Wright’s chairmanship, along with the construction of a new medical arts building on the main campus in Ullin. “These things were accomplished because of an enthusiastic president and an enthusiastic board of trustees who worked together,” Wright said. “Under those conditions, it has been a pleasure serving as chairman of the board.” Board member Scott Farmer of Metropolis praised Wright’s leadership, saying that Wright led “one of the biggest expansion times in the college’s history.” Said Farmer, “He has been an excellent chairman. He left some big shoes to fill.” Maxine Russell of Metropolis, who accepted the gavel Monday night, will fill those shoes. “I am excited about Shawnee Community College and I am looking forward to the challenges,” Russell said. “Wesley certainly raised the bar.” Russell, a native of America, is a 15-year member of the board. She is an alumnus of Shawnee Community College. “Maxine has the experience and vision to continue the forward progress of Shawnee Community College,” Peterson said. “We have accomplished a great deal in the past two years, but we all agree there is still much to be done.” webpage with a friend via e-mail or text message.

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