SR0350 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0350 LRB104 13858 MST 26685 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to congratulate Rend Lake College President Terry Wilkerson on the occasion of his retirement on June 30, 2025, concluding a distinguished career of more than 30 years of service to the institution and to the Illinois Community College System; and

WHEREAS, President Wilkerson's journey with Rend Lake College began as a student, earning an Associate's Degree in Applied Science in 1992 before continuing his education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Plant and Soil Science in 1994 and a Master of Science in Agronomy in 1995; and

WHEREAS, President Wilkerson returned to his alma mater in 1995 as an adjunct instructor in agriculture, became a full-time faculty member in 1997, and later served as chair of the Applied Science and Technology Division before being named the college's seventh full-time president in April 2012; and

WHEREAS, President Wilkerson, throughout his presidency, led the college with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to student success, while reinforcing its role as a state and national leader in community college education; and

WHEREAS, President Wilkerson's tenure saw the development of key facilities and initiatives, including the Agronomy Innovation Center, the RLC Event Center, the Southern Illinois Manufacturing Academy in Mt. Vernon, and the expansion of the Banterra Sports Complex and Waugh Gymnasium, along with the pending construction of a new Allied Health Building; and

WHEREAS, President Wilkerson secured tens of millions of dollars in grant funding, launched new educational programs in career-technical education, and established Rend Lake College's first competency-based program in welding technology, while also advancing microcredentials and badging; and

WHEREAS, President Wilkerson provided steady leadership during times of statewide and national crises, including the Illinois budget impasse and the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he protected the college's financial stability and strengthened its long-term fund balance by approximately $20 million; and

WHEREAS, President Wilkerson helped redefine the role of a community college president, championing cross-institutional collaboration, including a formal alliance with Southeastern Illinois College, and serving in leadership roles, such as chair of the Illinois Community College Council of Presidents and founder of the Illinois Community College Caucus; and

WHEREAS, President Wilkerson prioritized leadership development throughout his career, mentoring emerging campus leaders and investing in professional growth programs to strengthen the institution's capacity and continuity; and

WHEREAS, President Wilkerson's service extended beyond the college through involvement with the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board, the Illinois Governor's trade mission to Europe, and the International Advisory Board for the Chair Academy; and

WHEREAS, President Wilkerson, a lifelong farmer and community advocate, plans to return to Wilkerson Farms upon his retirement, where he will spend well-deserved time with his family and continue his lifelong passion for agriculture; and

WHEREAS, President Wilkerson leaves behind a legacy of student-focused leadership, financial stewardship, collaborative spirit, and a deep love for the community he served; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Rend Lake College President Terry Wilkerson on his retirement, concluding a distinguished career of more than 30 years of service to the institution and to the Illinois Community College System, and we wish him the best in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to President Wilkerson as a symbol of our respect and appreciation.