October 12, 2022- The Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a State of Education breakfast at the Decatur Club.
Community members, educators, and local businesses came together to listen to a panel of speakers representing the educational institutions in which they serve.
Panelists included Jeff Dase, DPS 61 Superintendent of Teaching and Learning; Dr. Jim Reynolds, President of Millikin University; and Dr. Isaac Zuniga, Vice President of Student Success at Richland Community College.
Each of the panelists gave a presentation on the current state of their institution and the direction it is heading.
Dase spoke on how the community needs to prioritize hiring more quality educators, in order to provide an impactful student experience
“We need everyone’s help in this room,” Dase said. “This should be everybody in the room to say Decatur public schools, those coming from different areas and different fields, if they want to come over to teaching, we need quality not just quantity but quality teachers in front of our students, teacher, and staff. And community, where we all are here together, because again, that is a key pillar in our success. To get everyone involved.”
Dr. Reynolds’ presentation focused on the success rate of the university and different paths students take upon graduation. Close to 99 percent of graduates each year go on to gainful employment or professional graduate school. There is 100 percent replacement rates in the School of Nursing, School of Education, and the Tabor School of Business.
“There is a real pattern of behavior, here, that I think is remarkable,” Dr. Reynolds said. “Students come to Millikin. They have a transformational experience because of the education we provide, and then they go in to great success once they leave Millikin.”
Lastly, Dr. Zuniga talked about meeting students where they are at.
“Students come to us at different points of their lives,” Dr. Zuniga said. “Each student’s journey is different. What we pride ourselves in doing at Richland Community College is removing barriers. Many students have many barriers. Whether it is homeless insecurities, food insecurities, financial insecurities, testing accommodations, we provide support for our students and we consider ourselves to be removal barrier specialists.”
Partnerships are key to success of education. Mirinda Rothrock, President of the Chamber of Commerce called on the attendees at the breakfast to support the educational institutions in the community.
“Business men and women are looking for folks for jobs,” Rothrock said. “This is where they are coming from. So any partnerships, anytime they call you up and need you to come to the class room, accept. So let’s support one another and that makes us great.”
