(Pictured from left: Kent Siltman ’81, Catharine O’Connell, Stephanie Chipman, President Barbara Farley, Senator Dick Durbin, Ed Curtis, Marsha Prater, Angela Bentley)

With a $911,000 federal grant announced by Senator Dick Durbin on April 25, 2024, and an earlier $4.2 million grant from Memorial Health, the College is expanding its facilities and resources to meet the increasing demand for skilled nursing professionals. 

This growth is evident in the comprehensive renovation of Baxter Hall and Parker Science Building, where state-of-the-art labs, advanced simulation technology, and collaborative learning spaces are being developed. These upgrades will provide nursing students with cutting-edge, hands-on training environments that simulate real-world healthcare settings, including labor and delivery, pediatric care and intensive care units. This expansion is designed to equip students with the practical skills and experience they need to excel in the evolving healthcare landscape. 

During his visit to Illinois College, Senator Durbin highlighted the critical need for more nursing professionals, noting that a recent national survey found that over 100,000 nurses left the field during the pandemic. “Illinois College is playing a vital role in addressing our nation’s healthcare needs,” Durbin said. “Their expanded nursing program is a model for how educational institutions can grow to meet the demands of our time.”

The $911,000 federal grant will accelerate the growth of Illinois College’s nursing program by supporting the ongoing renovation project. This expansion is part of a broader strategy that includes a partnership with Memorial Health, which provides scholarships for nursing students from 38 surrounding counties. This partnership allows the College to increase its enrollment capacity, offering more students the opportunity to pursue a nursing career without the worry of program waitlists.

President Barbara Farley expressed her enthusiasm for the program’s expansion: “This federal grant is a testament to the importance of growing our nursing program to recruit and educate the future healthcare workforce. We are committed to meeting the needs of our students and the communities they will serve.”

The College’s dedication to growing its nursing program is also reflected in its impressive outcomes. With a 100% firsttime NCLEX pass rate for the class of 2023, Illinois College is proving its effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers in nursing. The recent introduction of a fully online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in 2022 further underscores the College’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for aspiring nurses.

Dr. Angela Bentley, the director of nursing at Illinois College, emphasized the importance of these expansions: “As our program grows, so do the opportunities for our students. By enhancing and modernizing our facilities, we’re creating a dynamic learning environment that prepares our students for the complexities of modern healthcare.”

With its expanded facilities, increased enrollment capacity, and a focus on real-world readiness, IC is at the forefront of addressing the national nursing shortage. These strategic investments ensure that the College’s nursing program will continue to grow, providing more students with the skills and knowledge they need to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.