Illinois College launches behavioral health major and counseling program

Illinois College now offers a behavioral health major and an alcohol and other drug counseling program to address the growing need for substance abuse counselors. Students can pursue careers in counseling or prepare for advanced studies in fields like social work through online or oncampus courses.

IC is the only institution within 150 miles with a program leading to Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC) certification, supported by clinical practicum hours. The program is also open to those with associate’s or bachelor’s degrees seeking certification, requiring just seven courses.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 22% growth in the field by 2031.

The program integrates psychology, sociology, counseling theory and crisis intervention, with courses on addiction, treatment approaches and cultural considerations. Students will study in the newly opened Crispin Hall, offering state-of-the-art facilities.

President Farley honored for leadership

Illinois College President Barbara A. Farley received the Courageous Leadership Award from Credo Higher Education last January, recognizing her dedication to advancing IC, its students and the community.

Farley, the College’s first female president, has spearheaded major initiatives since 2013, including launching 12 online degree programs and new campus majors like criminal justice and engineering. She led the effort to partner with Memorial Health, who generously invested $4.2 million in IC’s nursing program to address the national shortage.

Her leadership expanded the teacher licensure programs through the Golden Apple Accelerators, and she introduced the Advantage Plus initiative, guaranteeing scholarships of at least $20,000 for all first-year students. Under her leadership, this new program was established to meet 100% of financial need for eligible Illinois residents.

“This award recognizes what the Illinois College Board of Trustees has known for the last 11 years — Barbara Farley’s courageous leadership meets this pivotal moment in higher education,” said Chair of Illinois College Board of Trustees Steven R. Mills ’77.

“Her vision for IC and dedication to student success ensures IC will begin its third-century inspiring achievement and empowering students to make a difference in the world.”

Illinois College builds on past support to fuel future growth with women's flag football

Illinois College is launching women’s flag football as a varsity sport. The team begins competing in spring 2026.

This new addition reflects IC’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for students and celebrating diverse talents, a vision shaped by nearly two centuries of forward-thinking generosity and support.

“We are thrilled to build on Illinois College’s proud tradition of championing women’s athletics,” said President of Illinois College, Barbara A. Farley. “Flag football is more than a sport — it’s an opportunity to empower students and inspire a future where everyone can thrive.”

Flag football’s rapid growth mirrors IC’s drive to innovate and lead. Supported by the NFL and newly recognized as an official IHSA high school sport in Illinois, the game has captured the attention of over 125 high school teams in the state, with numbers expected to grow significantly.

“As one of the fastest-growing high school sports in Illinois and nationwide, women’s flag football is a perfect addition to our athletic offerings,” said Meghan Roman, director of athletics. “It underscores our mission to provide transformative experiences for students.”

Illinois College’s history of innovation meets the future in programs like women’s flag football. From state-of-the-art facilities like the Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center to experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom, IC continues to turn past investments into new opportunities that prepare students to Graduate READY for success.

Illinois College forges 2+2 partnerships

Illinois College unveiled several 2+2 partnerships in 2024, enabling community college graduates to complete bachelor’s degrees in business administration, agribusiness management, accounting, sports management, and behavioral health at IC, either on campus or online.

“This is truly a moment to celebrate great partnerships between several institutions,” said Illinois College President Barbara A. Farley. “Well-prepared students from around the state will have the opportunity to transition to Illinois College seamlessly.”

The partnerships with John A. Logan College, John Wood Community College, Lincoln Land Community College, and Kaskaskia College simplify transfers, open opportunities for generous financial aid, and expand support from IC admissions counselors.

Students can choose on-campus programs with full access to IC’s facilities and community or online courses offering asynchronous flexibility. Jeff Galle, IC agribusiness professor, emphasized the program’s reach: “Not only do these partnerships provide us an opportunity to bring students to the campus but also to reach more students online.”

JALC professor Wayne Griffith praised the opportunity for students to advance: “We’re proud of the students that graduate from JALC and look forward to what they’ll achieve at Illinois College and in the ag industry.”

The increase in partnerships is a sign that other institutions of higher learning are recognizing Illinois College as a leader in academics and preparing students for their careers.

Illinois College expands nursing program facilities

Illinois College invested in a major renovation to enhance its nursing program. The project added state-of-the-art labs, advanced simulation technology, and collaborative spaces in Baxter and Parker Halls.

Angela Bentley, director of nursing at Illinois College, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This renovation underscores our commitment to providing an exceptional education for our nursing students. By expanding and modernizing our facilities, we aim to create an environment that not only meets the highest educational standards but also empowers our students to Graduate READY for their future healthcare careers.”

Key highlights of the renovation project include:

• Expanded lab facilities: New, fully equipped labs provide students with a hands-on learning experience that closely simulates real-world healthcare settings, including labor and delivery, pediatric care, home health settings, and ICU.
• Advanced simulation technology: The renovated labs offer the latest simulation technology, allowing nursing students to engage in realistic clinical scenarios. This cutting-edge technology enhances critical thinking skills and better prepares students for the challenges they may encounter in their future careers.
• Collaborative learning spaces: New learning spaces foster teamwork and communication among nursing students. These spaces encourage a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences, promoting a supportive and interactive learning community.
• Health assessment lab: Specifically designed for sophomore students, the facility features realistic and immersive hands-on experiences. Of particular interest, this space allows students to practice skills earlier in their studies than most other nursing programs.
• Enhanced faculty resources: The renovation ensures that instructors have access to the latest tools and technologies to facilitate effective teaching and mentorship.

Funded by a $4.2 million Memorial Health grant, the project builds on IC’s 100% NCLEX pass rate and aims to address Central Illinois’ nursing shortage. Students at Illinois College benefit from grants and investments by area organizations. By increasing funding, your gifts to Illinois College can have a greater direct impact on students.

Illinois College students and local teachers immersed in culture in Ecuador via prestigious Fulbright-Hays grant

Six Illinois College students studying to be teachers expanded their view of the world by spending a month in Ecuador. The students joined Central Illinois educators for a month and lived with host families, engaged in cultural activities, and visited various educational institutions.

The program, designed by IC and funded by a $96,000 grant from the Fulbright-Hays Program, addresses the gap in cultural education in many U.S. schools. “In our schools, lessons on history and culture often focus on Europe,” Steven Gardner, IC’s Francis McReynolds Smith professor of international understanding. “With communities becoming increasingly diverse, it’s essential for teachers to learn how to integrate multiple cultural perspectives into their classrooms.”

Current IC students Kate Burr ’25, Julie Edwards ’27, Kailee Eldridge ’24, Emily Guest ’26, Katie Mae Milhiser ’25, and Kate Phillips ’26 were partnered with local educators Ellie Abell ’22, Amanda Cox, Jill Friday ’97, Andrea Price ’12, Adam Reed ’22, Abigail Weisner ’22, and Rachelle Wisehart ’11 throughout various stages of the trip. Selected participants represent a range of elementary, middle, and high schools across diverse subjects, including math, science, history, English, Spanish, and music.

“My time in Ecuador was so meaningful and valuable because it gave me a deeper understanding of a different culture, which can be difficult to convey to others,” said Guest, a secondary education major.

Implementing this experience into their teaching practices is the next step for each participant. “Our goal is to enrich the education system by preparing students for a globalized world,” Gardner explained.

One hundred percent of IC graduates participate in high-impact, hands-on experiences like this one that put theory into practice. Students are encouraged to explore their academic interests, whether it be by completing an internship, conducting student-faculty research, engaging in a community project, or participating in study abroad.