Author Archives: Kevin Hunsperger

ULLIN, IL (May 27, 2026) – Shawnee Community College is thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Spring 2026 semester honor students, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and academic excellence. At Shawnee Community College, we value and recognize the hard work of all our full-time students. Those who maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or better while enrolled in an Associate degree or certificate program are considered honor students. The President’s List consists of students with a 4.0 grade point average for the semester, while students on the Vice President’s List earned a GPA between 3.5 and 3.9. Fourteen student athletes have been recognized. Five were on the President’s List and nine made the Vice President’s List. They are noted with an (*) asterisk.   President’s List Alto Pass Kevin Hernandez   Anna Morgan Casey Kayma Dawson Izley Rowan Klayton Taylor   Belknap Rachel Cameron Connor McGregory Macey […]

Shawnee Community College isn’t just changing lives, it’s strengthening our entire region. A newly released economic impact study shows SCC contributes $49.9 million annually to the local economy and supports 805 jobs across southern Illinois. That means 1 out of every 73 jobs in our region is connected to SCC, a real impact for our communities, businesses, and families. And the impact doesn’t stop there. Students who choose SCC are making a smart investment in their future, seeing a $3.70 return for every $1 invested in their education. “This report reinforces what we see every day, Shawnee Community College is not only transforming lives through education, but also strengthening the economic vitality of the communities we serve,” said Dr. Tim Taylor. From workforce training to academic programs, SCC continues to deliver value for our students and the region we call home.   Documents Main Report Fact Sheet Executive Summary

Shawnee Community College celebrated the achievements of its newest graduates Friday evening during the College’s annual commencement ceremony. More than 1,000 family members, friends, faculty, staff, and community supporters gathered to honor the Class of 2026 and recognize the hard work and determination of more than 130 graduates. The ceremony recognized students earning certificates and degrees across a variety of academic and career and technical education programs. Among those honored were more than a dozen high school students who earned their college credentials before receiving their high school diplomas, highlighting the continued success of dual credit and early college opportunities offered through the College. College leaders praised the graduates for their perseverance, commitment, and accomplishments, noting the important role they will play in the region’s workforce and communities moving forward. “Commencement is always one of the most meaningful celebrations of the year at Shawnee Community College,” said Dr. Tim Taylor, […]

Shawnee Community College officially celebrated the purchase of its Union County Extension Center in Anna on Friday morning, marking a significant investment in the institution’s long-term commitment to serving the region.

Shawnee Community College welcomed hundreds of students, job seekers, and community members to its 2026 Job and College Transfer Fair, creating meaningful connections between attendees and dozens of regional employers and transfer institutions.

Shawnee Community College proudly congratulates alumnus Joshua Shearer, an art teacher at Davie/Anna Junior High School, on being named a 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching finalist by the Golden Apple Foundation.

Shawnee Community College welcomed approximately 400 high school freshmen and sophomores to campus on Thursday for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Day, giving students an up-close look at hands-on career pathways available right here in southern Illinois.

  ULLIN, IL (February 6, 2026) – Shawnee Community College officially opened its new concession area during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held prior to the College’s Homecoming basketball games against Vincennes University. The upgraded concession area offers fans a variety of classic game-day favorites, including nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and beverages. The stand is staffed by food safety-trained workers to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for guests attending Saints athletic events. Members of Phi Theta Kappa operated the concession stand during Homecoming festivities, while the Campus Bookstore also set up outside the gymnasium with Shawnee Saints apparel and merchandise available for purchase. College officials said the new concession area is designed to enhance the game-day atmosphere and provide additional opportunities for student involvement and campus engagement. Fans packed the gym throughout the Homecoming event, helping celebrate the continued growth of Saints athletics and campus traditions.

Shawnee Community College has officially completed the purchase of the entire building formerly known to the community as the “old Walmart” in Anna, now home to the Union County Extension Center (UCEC). The facility is located at 1150 Vienna Street and is owned in full by the College as of January 8, 2026.

Shawnee Community College finished in the top five for the second straight year. We collected 10,750 individual items for Bernie’s Place, the SCC Food Pantry. Some of the items donated this year included more than 20 Thanksgiving meals. This was a genuine community effort, and we are grateful to all who helped provide meals and snacks for our students on all of our campuses.