Olney Central College is making it easier to enroll in fall semester classes with Mobile Registration. Advisor/Recruiters Sheri Gray and Jodi Schneider will be traveling to area communities to answer questions and assist students in applying and registering for Fall 2020 classes.

Olney Central College’s success with Signal Vine is being highlighted on the company’s website. OCC implemented the two-way text messaging platform last year as part of the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Title III Block Grant initiative to enhance academic advising. The Signal Vine platform enables advisors to strengthen communication and better engage with students.

Evening classes are now available for Olney Central College’s new Unmanned Aerial Pilot Certificate. “We know there are individuals who would like to complete the certificate, but are unable to take daytime classes because they are working,” said Morgan Henton, Unmanned Aerial Technology Specialist. “We hope this will make it easier for them to complete the training.”

Olney Central College will offer a beginning machine piecing/quilting class starting Aug. 25. During the eight-week course, students will learn step-by-step how to create their own quilts using the beautiful Tradewinds and Addison’s Star patterns. The non-credit class will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays in Room 201 with instructor Laurie Rist. The cost is $100. To register or for more information, contact OCC Student Services at 618-395-7777.

Olney Central College has named Casey Wyllie as interim Men’s Basketball Coach following the departure of Mike Burris, who accepted an assistant’s position at the University of Indianapolis. “I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Wyllie said. “It has always been a goal of mine to become a head coach one day. We have a great group of guys coming back and I am excited to build on the foundation Coach Burris has laid over the last 15 years.” Wyllie is looking forward to the upcoming season as he has eight returning players from last year’s 24-win campaign.

Olney Central College has been named the No. 1 Online Community College in Illinois by Optimal’s Guide to Online Schools. The state’s community colleges were ranked using several criteria, including retention rate, graduation rates, percentage of online enrollment data, and the number of online associate degrees offered. Data was based on information collected by the National Center of Education Statistics. In order to be considered for ranking, community colleges must be regionally accredited and offer at least one fully online associate degree.

Olney Central College Welding Specialist Maverick Fisher has earned his Certified Welding Inspector credentials through the American Welding Society. The CWI designation is recognized both nationally and internationally and is one of the highest certifications available through the AWS. The certification qualifies Fisher to conduct visual inspections and make sure students perform acceptable welds according to the set codes. “Students will be able to have proof of welding certifications when they apply for positions,” Fisher added.

Olney Central College is accepting students for its new Unmanned Aerial Technology Certificate, which begins this fall. Students will learn how to fly a variety of drones, plan missions for data collection and learn different photography and videography techniques. The coursework also will prepare students to successfully complete the Remote Pilot Part 107 Certification. “Drone technology is one of the fastest growing industries,” said OCC Drone Technology Specialist Morgan Henton, “It is constantly expanding with new applications.”

Olney Central College has acquired new equipment for its Welding Program through a U.S. Economic Development Administration Grant. An OMAX Water Jet machine, two Lincoln Electric downdraft tables and 11 Lincoln Electric welders have been acquired for student use. Instructor Curtis Marshall said the new items will give students experience utilizing the state-of-the-art equipment they will encounter in the workplace.

Olney Central College student Sutton Dunn, of Olney, has been elected to serve as the new student representative to the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Board of Trustees. He will be seated during the April meeting. Dunn is a 2019 graduate of Richland County High School where he played basketball, football and track. He was a member of the high school Boys O Club, Science Club and Spanish Club.