Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Named Among Aspen Institute's Top 200 US Community Colleges

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) - encompassing Frontier Community College, Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College, and Wabash Valley College — has been named among the Top 200 U.S. Community Colleges by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program.
 
The recognition places IECC among the top 20 percent of nearly 1,000 community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence — the nation’s signature recognition of achievement and performance in two-year higher education. The Aspen Prize honors colleges that excel in student outcomes such as retention, completion, transfer, and workforce success, while advancing equity and continuous improvement.
 
“Being recognized by the Aspen Institute is an affirmation of what we already know to be true about Illinois Eastern Community Colleges — that our students receive one of the best community college educations in the nation,” said Chancellor Dr. Ryan Gower. 
 
Across the country, community colleges face unprecedented pressures, including uncertainty in state funding, shifting demographics, and growing skepticism about the value of higher education. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, national enrollment in two-year institutions has fallen nearly 40% since 2010, and persistence rates remain below 60%. IECC’s inclusion in the Aspen Top 200 underscores its leadership in navigating those trends through a systemwide focus on innovation, student success, and workforce alignment. “This recognition reflects the outstanding achievements of our faculty and staff who put students first,” said Dr. Cathy Robb, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. “Our success is not only about what we’ve accomplished, but also our willingness to evolve — to embrace new technologies, flexible teaching strategies, and learning experiences that meet the needs of today’s students.”
 
As higher education adapts to a changing environment, including an increasingly mobile, digital, and cost-conscious generation of learners, IECC continues to expand student access while preserving accessibility and quality. From guided pathways and transfer articulation to dual credit pipelines and fully online programs, IECC is modernizing the student experience without sacrificing affordability. “Across the country, higher education costs continue to rise, limiting access for many families,” said Chris Simpson, Vice Chancellor of Business Operations. “IECC offers a different story. Students can receive an excellent education and graduate without being burdened by excessive debt.”
 
IECC’s recognition also reflects its commitment to supporting the whole student. Research consistently shows that co-curricular involvement, meaningful student support services, and a sense of belonging significantly elevate retention, completion, and transfer rates at community colleges. IECC’s investments in holistic learning environments — the arts, recreation, student life to student-support services — help students find their footing and their future. “When we connect academic learning with personal growth, students not only stay enrolled — they thrive,” said Dr. Matt Fowler, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs.
 
With deep roots across southeastern Illinois, IECC’s mission is different from four-year colleges and universities. Community colleges play a vital role in strengthening local economies through workforce partnerships, apprenticeships, and career programs. “We partner with employers to build programs that provide practical, hands-on experience — preparing students for high-demand, rewarding careers that keep our communities strong,” said Dr. Sharmila Kakac, Vice Chancellor of Business and Industry. And the success of IECC students after graduation is one of the more important metrics measured by the Aspen Institute.
 
The Aspen recognition is an important validation that IECC’s student-centered approach — from affordability and access to completion and career outcomes — is among the best in the country. “For prospective students, parents, guidance counselors, and community partners, this recognition is proof that an IECC education is trusted, high-quality, and focused on results,” said Tona Ambrose, Vice Chancellor of Institutional Outreach. Enrollment for the Spring 2026 term is now open and students who are interested in attending one of the four IECC campuses can find the application online at www.iecc.edu/apply.
 
The 200 eligible colleges will now enter a rigorous review process that culminates in the announcement of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. Colleges will be evaluated on student outcomes, equity, and institutional practices that drive exceptional performance. “This recognition belongs to our people,” said Gary Carter, Chair of the IECC Board of Trustees. “Our faculty, staff, and administrators are united by one mission — to ensure every student in southeastern Illinois has access to an exceptional education that changes lives and strengthens communities.