Illinois Department of Agriculture
Director Robert F. Flider was at Kaskaskia College to formally sign documents
that turned over the building that formerly housed the state’s animal disease
lab, located on the College’s main campus, to KC. The College plans to utilize the 48,000
square foot structure to house KC’s expanding Agriculture program.
“We
are thankful the Department of Agriculture and Central Management Services
focused on education for the future of this building,” said Kaskaskia College
President Dr. Jim Underwood. “With the
expansion of our programs, and the job opportunities that are available through
agriculture, we have seen a large increase in enrollment in the Ag program over
the past few years. The Kaskaskia
College Agriculture Education Center will allow us to expand those programs
even more as well as offer career training in new fields.” Dr. Underwood added, “I also wanted to thank
Director Flider, Terry Schierholtz with CMS and others in the Department of
Agriculture and CMS for supporting this transfer.” Dr. Underwood also thanked State
Representative John Cavaletto for his help in facilitating the transfer of the
building.
“This
is the best possible outcome to a difficult situation,” Agriculture Director
Bob Flider said. “The decision to
consolidate the agriculture department’s animal disease labs wasn’t our
preference, but was absolutely necessary because of the state’s fiscal
troubles. It’s gratifying to know that the Centralia lab not only will be
used, but also will enable Kaskaskia College to expand its Ag education program
and help prepare future generations of farmers.”
Plans are already underway to begin
minor renovations for classroom and lab use during the Spring, with the first
classes scheduled to begin in the new building in the Fall of 2014.
Although traditionally related with
farming, there are more than two hundred challenging and rewarding careers tied
to the agriculture industry ranging from research and development to banking to
farm operation. To meet these needs,
Kaskaskia College has added new programs and expanded others to offer students
more opportunities, while at the same time continuing to expand in traditional
areas. In the past few years KC has
become nationally and internationally known for its Dairy Judging Team which
has bested some of the top four year colleges and universities in the nation. KC’s Livestock Judging Team won the national championship
for 2013.