Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees welcomes new student trustee

Centralia, Ill. - The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees convened for its monthly meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, in the Lifelong Learning Center on the main campus in Centralia. Trustees in attendance included Bill Hawley (Odin), Linda Stover (Centralia), Craig Finke (Nashville), Laura Wedekemper (Shattuc), Bryan Holthaus (Carlyle), Louis Kalert (Centralia), and outgoing Student Trustee Connor Wademan. Trustee Jim Beasley (Centralia) was absent.

As part of the College's annual organizational meeting, the Trustees administered the oath of office to the re-elected board members, Bill Hawley, Linda Stover, and Craig Finke. Hawley and Stover were elected to full six-year terms, while Finke was re-elected to complete an unexpired two-year term. Officer roles for 20252026 were also confirmed, with Hawley continuing as Chair, Stover as Vice Chair, and Wedekemper as Secretary. Trustees voted to continue holding monthly meetings on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting also included recognition of Connor Wademan, who concluded his term as Student Trustee. Wademan was honored for his extensive campus involvement and advocacy efforts, including participation in state-level lobbying for community college students. Wademan plans to transfer to SIUE to complete his bachelor's degree, with the goal of pursuing a career in dentistry. The College welcomed Meagan Mahlandt as the newly elected Student Trustee for the 20252026 term. Mahlandt is a 2024 graduate of Centralia High School and is currently involved in the KC Student Congress and Engineering clubs.

In business action, the Board approved a Capital Development Board (CDB) project to upgrade the College's water distribution infrastructure. This initiative addresses frequent water line breaks experienced in 2024 and will ensure long-term integrity of the College's connection to the city's main water supply. The project will be funded with 75% from the CDB and 25% from the College's operating funds.

Additional resolutions passed by the Board included:

• Reappointment of Professional/Managerial and Executive/Managerial Employees, in accordance with current contracts and terms.
• Purchase of LED Light Fixtures $38,500.93 from Springfield Electric of Mt. Vernon, funded through the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN). Students in the Residential/Commercial Electrical Technician Program will complete the retrofit installation of 714 fixtures.
• Purchase of Lounge Furniture $48,800.22 from KI Furniture for the Harry L. Crisp Manufacturing and Trades Center. This project, funded by a mix of institutional and Mental Health Expansion Grant funds, addresses student feedback for more modern and comfortable study areas at the center.
• Virtual Mental Health Counseling Agreement: A two-year contract was approved with TimelyCare, totaling $99,826.38 per year. ICCB grant funds support the initiative and reflect the College's ongoing investment in accessible mental health support for students.
• Acceptance of a Donation from Grupo Antolin: The Board gratefully accepted an in-kind donation valued at $40,015, consisting of electrical and manufacturing parts to support students in the College's Industrial Technology Program.

Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to rename Classroom L104 as the Joseph H. Heimann Classroom, in honor of the College's first Board Chairman. Heimann was instrumental in leading the founding efforts of Kaskaskia College as a trustee from 1965-1973. As a respected educator and visionary leader, Heimann brought together citizens from across the region to advocate for a local institution of higher learning. The dedication of the classroom recognizes Heimann's enduring legacy and the transformative impact of his leadership on generations of students and families.

Other board actions included approval of an additional year extension to the College's agreement with the Carpenters Union, plus the promotion of four faculty members in accordance with the Kaskaskia College Federation of Teachers contract. Promotions were awarded based on instructional excellence, commitment to student success, engagement in college service, and professional growth.

• Marsha Baro was promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor.
• Eric Jones, Robert Rhymes, and William Waggoner were promoted from Associate Professor to full Professor.

In personnel matters, the Board approved the retirement of Pete Donnelly, Professor of Construction Occupations, effective May 17, 2026; accepted the resignation of Randal Dean Meredith; and authorized the termination of a Buildings & Grounds Technician position.