JWCC fall enrollment rebounds to pre-pandemic levels
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By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
John Wood Community College (JWCC), according to a report presented at the August 20 Board of Trustees meeting held at the College’s Bella Ease Center in downtown Quincy, is seeing a resurgence in student enrollment, with numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Interim President Josh Welker shared first-day fall enrollment figures showing a headcount of 1,893 students—an increase of 2.8% over last year’s 1,842. Students are enrolled in 19,333 credit hours, up from 18,864 in fall 2024. Summer enrollment also saw a notable jump, rising 15% compared to the previous year.
“This is the second straight fall that we have seen an increase in enrollment, and it shows that student-focused initiatives continue to make a positive impact,” Welker said in a statement provided by a JWCC news release. “We are back to pre-Covid enrollment levels and encouraged by these first day numbers. Now we focus on ensuring students receive the supports they need in and outside of the classroom to achieve success and complete their chosen four-year transfer and career paths.”
Welker added that enrollment remains open for the traditional 16-week semester through early next week, with additional 12-week and 8-week sessions launching later in the fall.
The August board meeting was held at JWCC’s downtown Quincy Bella Ease Center, a leased facility that opened in August 2024 to serve underserved populations with GED preparation, adult literacy, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, and truck driver lecture courses. Over the past year, 38 students participated in programs at the site. Of those, 10 earned a GED, 10 completed CNA training, and three began coursework toward a logistics certificate.
The partnership between JWCC and Bella Ease aims to make higher education more attainable for local residents who face barriers to access.
In other business, the Board accepted two major grants to support adult education:
$151,964 from the Illinois Community College Board for the Adult Education and Literacy program
$95,082 from the Illinois State Library and Jesse White Secretary of State for the Adult Literacy Volunteer program
Trustees also approved a 13-month lease agreement with Illinois Valley Paving for office space at JWCC’s Agricultural Center. The company is currently contracted by the Illinois Department of Transportation for a nearby infrastructure project.
To support student services and future initiatives, the Board authorized two fund transfers:
$120,000 from operating funds to auxiliary accounts for transportation, athletics, and food service
$380,000 to the Restricted Purposes Fund for future investments in academic programs and equipment
Additionally, the Board accepted an $82,463.10 bid from Quincy-based SJ Smith Company to supply six Powerwave 300C Advanced Process Welders.
The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2025, at 6 p.m. at JWCC’s Quincy campus.
