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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.
“The instructional quality in our Cosmetology program is second to none,” said OCC Dean of Instruction Amy Tarr. “Our students leave with a well-rounded, foundational education about all things with hair, skin and nails. They enter the workforce with the knowledge required to build a beautiful career not only because of the quality of instruction, but also because of the rigor and attention to detail that goes into every day.”
For those guiding students, the impact of that instruction is clear. OCC Cosmetology Director Nancy Stremme said students’ success stems from the intensive combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
“It’s about taking what they learn in the classroom and applying it in real-world scenarios,” Stremme added. “We continually introduce and reinforce lessons and techniques to ensure our students excel. That hands-on experience on the studio floor makes all the difference.”
Stremme also ensures students are well-prepared for the rigorous state licensing exam, which can cover any facet of the business, from hair cutting to artificial nails and even sanitation.
“I couldn’t be more ecstatic,” Stremme said of her students’ high achievements. “It’s incredibly rewarding to watch these students progress through the program, see how far they’ve come and witness their success. In many jobs, you go to work, finish your day, and the only reward is a paycheck. Here, I get to help students prepare for a fulfilling and successful career.”
OCC Cosmetology students are finding success working within the beauty industry. Stremme said 2025 graduates are employed in area salons or are starting their own businesses. One recent graduate is pursuing a Cosmetology Teacher Certificate at OCC.
Stremme says the beauty industry provides numerous career avenues in a profession that is always in demand.
“I feel like many people think they can’t go to college because they don’t have the time, or because financially, they don’t think it’s feasible,” she said. “Our program takes less than a year to get through, and our tuition is very affordable, especially when compared to privately-owned beauty schools. Our students are completing their training, getting their licenses and going to work.”
Tarr said the Cosmetology program’s continued success reflects the strength of career-focused degrees and certificate programs across OCC and Illinois Eastern Community Colleges.
“When you see how many years in a row we have hit a 100-percent pass rate, you know we are doing something right not only at OCC Cosmetology, but at IECC,” she said. “We are moving forward together at IECC, and the movement is monumental, and something everyone wants to be a part of.”
