But like many non-traditional students, life happened first. Bills needed to be paid. Work became routine. Days turned into years.

Like many adults who step away from education, Beals said it became easy to convince himself school could wait another semester, then another year.

鈥淚 was just kind of going through the motions,鈥� Beals said. 鈥淚 had a pretty good job. It was stable, but it wasn鈥檛 something I was passionate about.鈥�

Now 30, Beals has become one of the most recognizable student leaders at 麻豆直播. A student ambassador, former president of the Black Student Association, employee at Logan Fitness and active presence on campus, Beals completed his time at 麻豆直播 in December. However, the impact he left on campus did not end there.

College leaders asked him to return to deliver this year鈥檚 student commencement address, a reflection of the impact he made during his time at 麻豆直播. He will take the stage during 麻豆直播鈥檚 commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at Mtn Dew Park.

His journey back to school began when a coworker encouraged him to enroll alongside him at 麻豆直播, believing the two could take the leap together.

At the time, however, Beals was preparing to tell his friend he had decided not to enroll in college after all. Before he could send the message, his phone died.

That unexpected pause changed everything.

鈥淚 sat there and really thought about when exactly I decided it was too late for me,鈥� Beals said. 鈥淲hen did I let my ambition die?鈥�

In that quiet moment, Beals said he realized the biggest thing holding him back was no longer time, money or responsibility, but fear of starting over.

Instead of backing out, he charged his phone, texted his friend back and registered for classes at 麻豆直播.

鈥淭he rest is history,鈥� he added.

Since stepping onto campus, Beals has immersed himself fully into college life.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 like to do things halfway. If I do something, it has to be worthwhile,鈥� he said.

That mindset helped him quickly become a leader among his peers. Whether organizing events through the Black Student Association, helping lead campus initiatives or encouraging fellow students and community members through his work at Logan Fitness, Beals said the supportive environment at 麻豆直播 helped him thrive.

鈥淚 feel like the staff and administration here are some of the most supportive people they could ever be,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nything I went to them about, they always gave me the tools that I needed.鈥�

For Beals, returning to school became about far more than earning a degree. More than anything, he said becoming a father changed the way he viewed responsibility and leadership.

He said his son, Dion III, became one of his biggest motivations to keep pushing forward. 鈥淜ids don鈥檛 do what you tell them to do. They do what you do,鈥� Beals said. 鈥淵ou have to set an example.鈥�

That example now extends far beyond his own family.

Beals is currently continuing his education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale through an accelerated master鈥檚 program in criminology. His long-term goal is to attend law school and become a juvenile criminal defense attorney.

Growing up in Chicago shaped that dream. 鈥淚 realized if you really want to help people, you have to help them at a younger age,鈥� he said.

Beals hopes to one day mentor and advocate for young people before they become trapped in cycles that are difficult to escape.

As commencement approaches, Beals said being selected as the student speaker is both humbling and meaningful because of how many different types of students he feels he represents.

鈥淚 feel like I鈥檓 a mixture of every type of student here at 麻豆直播. Logan,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 non-traditional, but I was involved on campus. I did a lot of different things.鈥�

Looking back, Beals said choosing 麻豆直播 changed his life in ways he never expected. 鈥淚鈥檓 definitely glad I came to 麻豆直播.,鈥� he said. 鈥淗ere, you build connections with people. It鈥檚 more personable.鈥�

What began as a simple decision to give college another chance ultimately changed the trajectory of Beals鈥� life, transforming him from someone simply going through the motions into a leader determined to make a difference.

And for students who may feel like it is too late to start over, Beals hopes his story proves otherwise. 鈥淭he time is going to pass anyway,鈥� he added. 鈥淵ou might as well do it.鈥�

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According to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the College鈥檚 Practical Nursing (PN) program achieved a 100% licensure examination pass rate in 2025, while the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program recorded a 98% pass rate. Both scores exceeded state and national averages.

College officials said the results reflect the Nursing Program鈥檚 commitment to academic excellence, hands-on clinical training, and student-centered support services.

鈥淭he success of our nursing students is a direct reflection of the dedication of our faculty, the strength of our curriculum, and the determination of our students,鈥� said Kristin Yosanovich, Dean of Health Science and the Director of Nursing. 鈥淲e are incredibly proud of these outcomes and the role our graduates play in strengthening the regional healthcare workforce.鈥�

The College is also highlighting the success of Makayla Collins, whose educational journey demonstrates the structured nursing pathway available through the institution.

Collins began her healthcare education while still in high school, earning her Certified Nursing Assistant certification, before enrolling full-time at 麻豆直播. After completing her general education coursework, she advanced into the Licensed Practical Nursing program.

While enrolled, Collins gained hands-on healthcare experience working as a CNA at Carbondale Memorial Hospital. She will participate in the College鈥檚 LPN pinning ceremony this May and plans to continue into the ADN program this fall.

Following successful completion of the NCLEX-PN examination, Collins plans to begin working as an LPN while continuing her education. She also intends to transfer to Southern Illinois University Carbondale to pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

鈥淪tarting out as a CNA and completing my general education courses first gave me hands-on experience, confidence, and helped my transition from high school to college, preparing me better for the LPN and ADN programs,鈥� Collins said.

College officials said Collins鈥� experience highlights the career-focused opportunities available through the Nursing Program, allowing students to enter the healthcare workforce quickly while continuing to advance their credentials.

For more information about the Nursing Program at 麻豆直播, prospective students may contact Susan Phillips at (618) 985-2828, ext. 8497, or by email at susanphillips@jalc.edu.

The post 麻豆直播 Celebrates Nurses Week, Program Excellence, and Student Success Pathways appeared first on 麻豆直播.

Co-Curricular Awards

Instructional Awards

Applied Technologies Department

Business, Computer Science, and Mathematics Department

Communication, Humanities, and Social Science Department

Life and Physical Science Department

Dual Credit and Partnerships Office

President’s Awards

Presidential Citation Awards

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The collaborative initiative is designed to strengthen workforce development in Southern Illinois by providing students with hands-on training, real-world experience, and a direct pathway into high-demand industrial maintenance careers. Participants in the program combine classroom instruction at 麻豆直播 with paid, on-the-job training at IPG鈥檚 Carbondale facility.

鈥淚PG is a tape manufacturing plant located in Carbondale with a long history in Southern Illinois,鈥� said Glenn Edwards, CI Process Manager at Intertape Polymer Group. 鈥淚PG has a positive relationship with 麻豆直播 and is proud to offer work experience for students to learn and develop.鈥�

The program is already producing results. 麻豆直播 student Jason Ralston is currently participating in the apprenticeship, gaining hands-on experience in electrical maintenance while applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.

鈥淚PG is proud to have Jason Ralston on our team,鈥� Edwards added. 鈥淗e is doing an excellent job applying his educational knowledge in electrical maintenance at IPG. He has a bright future ahead of him.鈥�

Ralston knows the value first-hand. 鈥淵ou have problems that show up that won鈥檛 show up in class. There鈥檚 a lot of other things, variables, on a job site that are different than in class that you can鈥檛 control. So you learn a lot more.鈥� He also shared what the experience has meant beyond the job itself. “They really want to make sure I succeed,” said Ralston. “It鈥檚 like a big family there.鈥�

College officials said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to student success, regional economic growth, and meeting the workforce needs of local employers. By aligning education with industry, the program helps ensure students are prepared to transition seamlessly into meaningful careers upon completion.

National Apprenticeship Week highlights the importance of apprenticeship programs in building a skilled workforce and expanding opportunities for individuals nationwide. 麻豆直播, Man-Tra-Con, and Intertape Polymer Group officials said they are proud to contribute to that effort by investing in innovative training models that benefit both students and employers.

For more information about the apprenticeship program, contact careerreadiness@jalc.edu.

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For Jacie Nunley, this spring鈥檚 graduation will be her first.

And it was something she once wasn鈥檛 sure would happen.

Originally from Mackinaw, Illinois, Nunley鈥檚 path to college did not follow a straight line. During the final semester of her senior year, she made the difficult decision to step away from high school.

鈥淚 had a really hard time,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 ended up dropping out and getting my GED.鈥�

At the time, she was navigating health and personal challenges that made it difficult to succeed in a traditional school setting. While she was capable academically, the environment simply was not the right fit.

She completed her GED quickly, but finding her footing afterward took time.

Eventually, she made the decision to start over somewhere new. 鈥淚 just needed a better environment,鈥� she said.

That decision led her to 麻豆直播.

She initially enrolled with plans to pursue the Medical Laboratory Technology program, but her experience at 麻豆直播 became about more than just a major.

From the moment she arrived, something felt different.

鈥淭he faculty and staff were so welcoming,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey made me feel valued.鈥�

That environment gave her the space to move forward. The turning point came when she chose to get involved.

After learning about student organizations during a class visit, Nunley began attending Student Senate meetings and later joined Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community colleges.

She did not just participate. She stepped into leadership roles.

Now serving as president of Student Senate and vice president of Phi Theta Kappa, Nunley took on responsibilities that shaped her college experience.

鈥淏eing involved in student organizations has been invaluable,鈥� she said.

Those experiences helped build skills and gave her a reason to stay engaged. 鈥淏eing involved motivates you to go to class, to be on campus and to be part of something,鈥� she said.

Phi Theta Kappa, in particular, opened doors she may not have found elsewhere. 鈥淚t鈥檚 something I wouldn鈥檛 have had if I didn鈥檛 go to a community college,鈥� she said.

Through leadership, involvement and support from faculty, Nunley began to regain momentum.

She also found something just as important. A sense of belonging.

From professors to staff members across campus, she said the environment at 麻豆直播 made a lasting impression. 鈥淓veryone is so welcoming and kind,鈥� she said.

After graduating in May with her Associate in Science, Nunley plans to continue her education, working toward a bachelor鈥檚 degree in chemistry with long-term goals of pursuing a career in toxicology.

But no matter where she goes next, this milestone will always mean more.

For the first time, Nunley will walk across the stage and earn a degree of her own.

鈥淏ecause of 麻豆直播, I am earning my first degree,鈥� she said.

For someone who once stepped away from school, that moment carried deeper meaning.

Nunley hopes others see themselves in her story.

鈥淓veryone here has their own story,鈥� she said. 鈥淭heir own reasons for being here.鈥�

For Nunley, 麻豆直播 was not just a place to continue her education.

It was a place to start again and come back stronger than ever.

The post Starting Again, Finishing Strong: Jacie Nunley鈥檚 麻豆直播 Story appeared first on 麻豆直播.

When Chandler Phemister of Marion enrolled at 麻豆直播, he did not have a clear plan.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know what I wanted to do or what I wanted to study,鈥� he said. 鈥溌槎怪辈�. seemed like a good place to start figuring that out.鈥�

Like many students, Phemister chose community college as a starting point, somewhere he could explore his options without added pressure. What he found was more than convenience or affordability. He found a place that allowed him to grow.

Now preparing to graduate this spring, Phemister will earn both an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science, a reflection of the path he built through exploration.

He began studying history, later switched to anthropology and even considered geology along the way. That flexibility gave him the space to explore his interests and better understand what he wanted for his future.

But his experience at 麻豆直播 was shaped as much outside the classroom as it was inside it.

During his first semester, Phemister mostly attended class and went home.

鈥淚 was just doing homework and not really involved, and it got kind of boring,鈥� he said.

That changed when he started attending campus events, often encouraged by a faculty member who invited students to participate beyond the classroom. Those early experiences led to something more.

Phemister became involved in Student Senate and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, where he began working closely with students, faculty and administrators on projects across campus.

鈥淚t was really cool to work with people who make big decisions at the college and be part of those projects,鈥� he said.

Through those opportunities, he developed relationships and found a stronger sense of purpose.

鈥淕etting involved helped me meet people, build connections and find a support system,鈥� Phemister said. 鈥淚t made me a more successful student.鈥�

One of the most impactful connections he made was with Adrienne Barkley, advisor for Phi Theta Kappa and co-advisor for Student Senate. Her support helped him feel comfortable stepping into new experiences early on.

鈥淎fter talking to her, I felt like I belonged,鈥� he said.

That sense of belonging became a defining part of his time at 麻豆直播 and shaped how he views community college.

鈥淭he community part of community college is huge,鈥� Phemister said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 easier to connect with people here.鈥�

Smaller class sizes and a more interactive learning environment also played a role in his experience. Instead of large lecture halls, Phemister found himself in classrooms where he could engage with instructors, ask questions and build meaningful connections.

Over time, those experiences helped him gain something he did not have when he first arrived.

Direction.

鈥淏ecause of 麻豆直播. Logan, I know more what I like doing and what I want to do as a career,鈥� he said.

Now preparing to graduate this spring, Phemister plans to continue his education and pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree. His long-term goal brings him back to where his journey began.

He hopes to return to 麻豆直播 one day, this time in a professional role, helping students find their own path.

鈥淚鈥檇 love to come back and work here and help students along their educational journey,鈥� he said.

For someone who started college without a plan, Phemister leaves with something far more valuable. A clear sense of direction and a community that helped him find it.

The post Finding Direction Through Community: Chandler Phemister Builds His Future at 麻豆直播 appeared first on 麻豆直播.

Evan Giles of Du Quoin did not always see college in his future.

鈥淚 just didn鈥檛 really think school was for me,鈥� he said.

That began to change during his freshman year of high school, when he developed an interest in cars. What started as watching videos and learning online turned into something more serious. With encouragement from a teacher, Giles applied for a job at a local auto body shop, giving him his first hands-on experience in the field.

The experience gave him direction, but college still was not part of the plan.

As graduation approached, Giles expected he would continue working. With guidance from his high school counselors and support from his employer, he was introduced to the automotive program at 麻豆直播. When he received a scholarship, he decided to give college a try.

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 expecting to get anything,鈥� Giles said. 鈥淏ut when I got the scholarship, I decided to go for it. I鈥檓 really grateful that I did.鈥�

At 麻豆直播, Giles found a learning environment that suited him. Instead of sitting through long lectures, he was able to work with his hands, apply what he was learning and build skills that translated directly to his job.

鈥淚鈥檓 glad I found something more hands-on,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 actually get to do things and gain experience in the field.鈥�

What he learns in the classroom often carries over into his work.

鈥淭here are things we do here that I can take to work,鈥� Giles said. 鈥淪ometimes I even know things my co-workers don鈥檛 because of what I鈥檝e learned in class.鈥�

His time at the college also has led to personal growth. Through his involvement as a student ambassador and his experiences on campus, Giles has become more confident and more comfortable connecting with others.

鈥淚鈥檝e changed a lot as a person,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 feel more confident and more like myself.鈥�

Giles credits faculty and staff for playing a key role in that growth. He said instructors have supported him both in and out of the classroom, helping him manage his schedule and offering guidance when needed.

鈥淚 feel like you have more of a family here,鈥� Giles said.

For Giles, that sense of connection is one of the biggest advantages of attending a community college. Smaller class sizes and a more personal environment make it easier to build relationships and stay engaged.

Now, he is focused on what comes next. Giles plans to continue working in the automotive field, earn ASE certifications and expand his experience, potentially beyond Illinois.

鈥淚 just want to keep learning and growing,鈥� he said.

For someone who once did not see college in his future, that mindset reflects how far he has come. At 麻豆直播, Giles did not just find a program. He found himself.

The post From Uncertain to Confident: Evan Giles Finds His Path at 麻豆直播 appeared first on 麻豆直播.

For Makayla Collins, a career in healthcare has always been the goal.

From a young age, she knew she wanted to help people. At first, that dream looked like becoming a heart doctor. But as she explored her options and learned more about the field, she found her path in nursing.

鈥淚t felt like something I could do so many things with,鈥� she said. 鈥淥nce I found nursing, I just kept going with it.鈥�

That path led her to 麻豆直播, a place that already felt familiar.

Growing up in Marion, Collins spent time on campus attending events, visiting with her sister and getting a glimpse of college life before she was even a student. By the time she reached her senior year of high school, the decision felt natural.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 really think I was going anywhere else,鈥� she said.

Staying close to home, managing costs and finding the right environment all played a role, but it was the feeling of the campus itself that made the choice clear.

At 麻豆直播, she found more than a program. She found a place where she could grow.

鈥淚 love it here,鈥� Collins said. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 imagine being anywhere else.鈥�

That sense of connection has shaped her college experience. Instead of feeling like something she had to do, coming to campus became something she looks forward to each day. She is more engaged in class and more invested in what she is learning.

鈥淚鈥檓 excited to go to class,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 engaged. I love what I鈥檓 learning.鈥�

That engagement is especially important in a program as demanding as nursing.

Collins describes the program as challenging but rewarding. The pace, expectations and hands-on experiences have pushed her to grow not only academically, but personally.

鈥淚t鈥檚 shaping me as a person,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 made me more reliable and more disciplined.鈥�

Through her coursework and clinical preparation, she is building both the skills and mindset needed for a career in healthcare.

鈥淚 feel like when I step into the real world, I鈥檒l be ready,鈥� she said.

Outside the classroom, Collins has taken full advantage of campus life. As a Student Ambassador and president of her LPN program, she has stepped into leadership roles that have strengthened her connections and allowed her to give back to the college community.

鈥淚 love coming here and saying hi to everyone,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he community is my favorite part.鈥�

She also points to campus resources as an important part of her experience. From the relaxation room, where she found a space to reset during stressful days, to programs like PATH and Perkins that helped cover supplies and expenses, Collins said those supports made a real difference.

鈥淭here are so many resources here that people don鈥檛 even realize,鈥� she said.

For Collins, community college has been more than a starting point. It has been a place to grow, lead and prepare for what comes next.

After graduating from 麻豆直播, she plans to continue her education, earn her bachelor鈥檚 degree and pursue a career as an ER or ICU nurse, with hopes of eventually working in a larger city. Still, her path always comes back to where it began. For Collins, choosing 麻豆直播 was never really a question. It was simply the right choice from the start.

The post A Place That Felt Right From the Start: 麻豆直播 is Home for Makayla Collins appeared first on 麻豆直播.

The 麻豆直播 Nursing Department will host the 7th Annual Dr. Barbara Patchett Eggstravaganza for neurodiverse children and their siblings on Saturday, March 28, on the 麻豆直播 campus. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m., and the egg hunts begin at 11:00 a.m. Due to ongoing construction on campus, registration will take place at the College鈥檚 east entrance. Visitors, please visit /campus-improvements-and-construction-updates/ for current construction maps and updates.

The free, family-friendly event has become a cherished tradition in the region, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment filled with springtime fun and engaging activities for children of all abilities.

鈥淭he Eggstravaganza has become a cherished tradition for our department and community. Despite the construction on campus, we wanted to continue this event for the children who look forward to it every year,鈥� said Dr. Kristin Yosanovich, Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing. 鈥淥ur nursing students are once again leading the way in providing this special day filled with joy and entertainment, all at no cost to families.鈥�

In addition to the day鈥檚 activities, the Nursing Department is seeking donations to support giveaways and raffle prizes. Items such as toys, books, puzzles, and other family-friendly goods are encouraged. Larger items, including bicycles, scooters, and wagons, are especially popular among attendees.

鈥淲e are asking other departments at the college and anyone interested in helping with this event to donate items that will be used for door prizes or raffle giveaways,鈥� Yosanovich said. 鈥淲e are also excited to accept larger donations such as bicycles, scooters, and wagons, which are always highly coveted by event attendees.鈥�

Donations may be dropped off at the Nursing Office in Room G220. Those unable to deliver items may call 618-985-2828, ext. 8498 or 8455, to arrange for pick-up.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Registration: 10 a.m., East Entrance
Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. (specialized and general hunts)
Location: 麻豆直播 campus, Carterville

The Eggstravaganza is free and open to all families. Organizers encourage community members to attend and take part in a morning celebration of inclusion, connection, and the joy of the season.

For more information or to get involved, contact the Nursing Department at 618-985-2828, ext. 8498 or 8455.

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The College鈥檚 Commencement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The Nursing Pinning Ceremony for both Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) and Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) graduates will take place later that day at 2:00 p.m., also at Mountain Dew Park.

Students who wish to participate in the Commencement ceremony and have their names included in the official printed program must submit a Graduation Application by Friday, March 27, 2026. College officials emphasized that all graduating students must complete the Graduation Application to have their degree awarded and recorded on their official transcript, regardless of whether they plan to participate in the ceremony.

Graduates may order their cap, gown, and tassel through Balfour鈥檚 Build-A-Grad program. The cost for regalia is $17, with the option to ship items to campus at no cost or to a home address for an additional fee. Students who select campus delivery will be notified by the General Store when regalia is available for pickup. The deadline to order Regalia is March 29, 2026.

Students are permitted to decorate their graduation caps for the ceremony. Additional regalia information and important graduation updates will be shared through students鈥� Volmail accounts.

For more information about graduation requirements and ceremony details, students should monitor their Volmail and visit the College鈥檚 website at /admissions/graduation-information/.

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