Olney Central College invites area students to explore new interests, develop hands-on skills and make lasting summer memories through the Ignite Curiosity Summer Camps. Registration is now underway for the camps, which offer engaging learning experiences designed to spark creativity, encourage exploration and introduce students to potential career pathways in a fun and interactive environment. The camps are designed for a variety of age groups and provide students with activities that blend education with creativity and teamwork.

Olney Central College will hold its 62nd commencement exercises at 7 p.m. on May 15 in the OCC Gymnasium. Friends and relatives of the graduates are invited to attend.  OCC Dean of Instruction Amy Tarr will give the welcoming remarks while Chris Simpson will deliver the President’s Message. OCC alumnus Leon Stallard, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Olney, will present the 2026 Commencement Address. 

Olney Central College student Jacob Kimbro, of Flora, captured first place in the Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center Welding Competition — becoming the first OCC student to earn top honors in the Nix Industrial-sponsored event. “Being in the competition was a really good experience,” Kimbro said. “I feel great about winning — it was definitely a surprise. I didn’t think I was going to take first place, but it felt good. I was proud to represent OCC, the Welding Program and Instructor Maverick Fisher.”

Olney Central College is undertaking an extensive $2 million project to renovate four science labs in Dr. Kent L. Wattleworth Hall. The work will focus on transforming the third-floor physics, chemistry and two biology labs into modern, high-tech learning spaces. OCC President Chris Simpson said the renovations will be a much-needed addition to the campus.

The Olney Central College Music Department will present its Spring Concert at 7 p.m. on April 22 in the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center. The evening will feature performances by the OCC Community Concert Band and Jazz Combo, under the direction of OCC Interim Director of Bands Jena Combs. Joining them as a special guest will be the Flora High School Band, directed by OCC alumnus Ethan Steber. Combs is excited to include the high school students in the event, an idea that grew out of a conversation with Steber. 

The Olney Central College Music Department has vocal and instrumental scholarships available for the 2026-2027 academic year. Any student who plays a band instrument or sings is eligible for consideration, regardless of major. To schedule an audition and interview, contact Dr. Andrew Pittman at pittmana@iecc.edu or Jena Combs at combsj3@iecc.edu.

OLNEY, IL — Olney Central College Theater’s production of the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opens on March 20 at the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center. The production marks the return of the beloved musical to the OCC stage for the first time in 18 years. Known for its lively music and colorful storytelling, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat retells the familiar biblical story of Joseph, his famous coat of many colors, and his journey from hardship to triumph.

Olney Central College is proud to announce that 100 percent of its 2025 Cosmetology graduates passed the Illinois Licensed Cosmetologist Exam — marking the fourth consecutive year the program has achieved a perfect completion rate.

Olney Central College is hosting a FAFSA Completion Night from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24 in Room 205 on the second floor of Dr. Kent L. Wattleworth Hall. OCC Financial Aid experts will be available to answer questions and assist students and parents in Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Those attending should bring their FSA ID and 2024 tax returns to simplify the process.  

Olney Central College’s Massage Therapy Program is accepting appointments for Spring clinicals. The clinics are open to the public and will be held from 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 21, March 20, April 11 and April 24 at the West Richland Center in Noble. The cost for a relaxing massage is $45 for an hour and $30 for half an hour. A 20-minute chair massage is $20.