Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Nursing Program Receives Continuing Accreditation Through Spring 2033
Last February, Spoon River College welcomed a site visit team from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) as part of the accreditation review for the college’s Nursing Program. This past week, the college received official notification that the program has been granted continuing accreditation through Spring 2033.
“This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our nursing director, Becky Sherwood, along with our outstanding nursing faculty and staff—Sarah Strode, Tonja Huff, Sarah Etter, Hannah Stinocher, Sarah Bowton, and Cassidy Miller—and the unwavering support of the entire college community,” said Melissa Miller, dean of career and workforce education at Spoon River College.
The site visit included tours of both the Macomb and Canton campuses, as well as roundtable discussions and meetings involving administrators, general education faculty, staff from several departments, and students.
The Associate Degree in Nursing program at Spoon River College is a two-year program that offers the option of completing a practical nursing certificate at the end of the first year, a unique ladder program that sets it apart from other nursing programs.
“Students who complete the first year (the LPN certificate) along with an additional five-week course and then successfully pass their LPN boards can begin working as an LPN, enabling them to get real world working experience while finishing the second year, which prepares students to take the RN exam,” said Sherwood. “It also benefits students who don’t want to complete the second year or may not be able to. Sometimes life throws up barriers and if a student can’t immediately finish the second year, they can still have a nursing career.”
In addition, students who complete their RN coursework at Spoon River College will have the opportunity to transfer into the newly developed Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BNS) program at the Graham Hospital College of Nursing. Graham Health System invested $250,000 in Spoon River College’s new Macomb campus to fund the development of the Graham Health System Nursing and Allied Health Learning Lab, reinforcing an academic partnership that creates a clear pathway from RN certification to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the Graham Hospital College of Nursing.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on 2025 SRC/CCC Alumni Award Recipients Announced
Spoon River College will host its Annual Alumni Association Awards Reception on Saturday, Nov. 8. Dinner will be offered beginning at 5 p.m., and the program will begin at 6 p.m. and will last approximately two hours. The event will be held at SRC’s Canton Campus in Lower Level Centers.
The Distinguished Alumni Award, reserved for those SRC alumni who have previously been honored with an alumni award and have reached the top of their field or otherwise achieved extremely noteworthy accomplishments of statewide notoriety, will be presented to Dr. Robert Bobell of Canton.
Alumni Achievement Awards are given to alumni to celebrate outstanding achievements made by alumni of SRC or Canton Community College, and this year’s awards are being given to Amy Lynn Evans (Canton), Clayton Shay (Nashville, TN), Jason Parsons (Canton), KiLee Lidwell-McFerren (Canton), and Robert Reading (Peoria).
The Outstanding Service Award, given to alumni or community members who have made significant voluntary contributions to the community and/or to the college will be presented to Patrick O’Brian of Farmington.
Lori Murphy of Canton will be honored with the Distinguished Spoon River College Retiree Award, which is based upon an individual’s significant contributions to Spoon River College, its students, and the community.
TC Wright of Louisville, KY, will be inducted into the SRC Athletic Hall of Fame.
Though donations will be accepted and appreciated, the event is free, and the public is invited to attend; though, reservations are required. Please RSVP to Michelle Howe at (309) 649-6348 or at Email Michelle Howe by Friday, Oct. 24.
The SRC Alumni Association exists as a function of the SRC Foundation and seeks to close the gap between past alumni, present students and future leaders. SRC alumni need not be graduates. Those who were nominated but not selected this year will remain in consideration for future years. To learn more about the SRC Alumni Association, to register as an alumnus/alumna, or to nominate someone for a future award, please visit SRC Alumni Page or call (309) 649-6348.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Softball Hosting Princess Party Fundraiser November 8
The Spoon River College softball team is hosting a Princess Party fundraiser on Saturday, November 8, from 3:30 – 5 p.m., at the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus located at 23235 N. County Highway 22.
Children can come dressed as a princess and enjoy a spa experience that includes royal hairstyles, magical manicures, and beauty makeovers. Dancing, games, refreshments, and a photo op with Prince Charming are also on the agenda for the afternoon.
All ages are welcome, but children four years of age or younger must have adult supervision. The cost is $25 per child. To register online visit https://bit.ly/SRCPrincessParty which can be also be accessed on the Spoon River College Athletics Fb page. Registration can also be made by calling 309-649-6303 or Email John Bassett.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Foundation Unveils New Logo
The Spoon River College Foundation has recently introduced a new logo to donors and the community. The updated look aligns with the College’s branding while also carrying its own unique identity that highlights the Foundation’s mission and impact.
“While the previous logo served the Foundation well, the new design establishes a distinct identity that stands on its own while remaining connected to Spoon River College’s branding,” said Dusty Berg, Foundation Director. “As the Foundation expands its presence throughout the district, the new logo ensures a consistent image across print, digital, and event materials.”
Over the years the Foundation and the college have provided millions of dollars for scholarships and college programs, hardship grants, innovation grants, faculty research, facility and technology upgrades, and community projects. The Foundation Board of Directors works hand-in-hand with the college’s Board of Trustees and administration to ensure that “excellent educational opportunities” are possible for all residents in the college’s district and beyond.
The new design will begin appearing immediately on Foundation communications and events. For more information, visit https://www.src.edu/foundation or contact 309-649-6395.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Seeks Updated Alumni Information
Canton, IL — Spoon River College is inviting all alumni to take part in an effort to update contact information and strengthen the college’s alumni network. With thousands of former students living and working across the region and beyond, the Spoon River College hopes to reconnect with graduates and ensure they continue to benefit from being part of the SRC community.
“Whether you took a single class, earned a certificate, or graduated with a degree, you are a member of the Spoon River College Alumni Association,” said Michelle Howe, Alumni Coordinator. “Our alumni are an important part of the SRC family, and keeping records up to date helps us celebrate their accomplishments, share college news, and keep them connected to each other.”
Spoon River College recently hosted the Class of 1975 Agriculture Alumni Reunion and has plans for an alumni basketball game in early February. Alumni are encouraged to provide updated information by visiting https://www.src.edu/foundation/alumni or contacting the Spoon River College Alumni Coordinator at 309-649-6348.
“Every updated record helps us strengthen connections and showcase the impact our alumni are making in their communities,” added Howe. “We want to make sure all alumni feel included and informed, no matter where life has taken them since their time at Spoon River College.”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Hosting College and Transfer Fair 2025 October 21
Spoon River College will host College and Transfer Fair 2025 on Tuesday, October 21, from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus. Representatives from multiple colleges, universities, trade schools, and military will be in attendance. This event is free, open to the public, and RSVPs are not required. Attendees may come and go at any time during the event.
“This is an excellent opportunity for parents, students, and adult learners to explore a variety of colleges and trade schools in one convenient location at one time,” said Jo Branson, assistant dean of student services. “Representatives will be able to answer questions regarding admission requirements, the registration process, tuition and board, athletics, student activities, and more.”
Current college students who are interested in learning more about the transfer process are also encouraged to attend.
Spoon River College utilizes StriveScan, which allows attendees to sign up for a bar code in advance of the event. As they visit the various tables, the representatives who are also using StriveScan will be able to scan the barcode, making it possible for them to send additional information based on the specific information attendees want to receive.
As of press time, the following colleges were scheduled to participate: Blackburn College; Blessing Rieman College of Nursing and Health Science; Bradley University; Carl Sandburg College; Coe College; Eastern Illinois University; Eureka College; Golden Apple Foundation; Graham College of Nursing; Grand Canyon University; Greenville University; Illinois Air National Guard; Illinois College; Illinois State University; Illinois Wesleyan University; Methodist College of Nursing/Carle Health; Midwest Technical Institute; Millikin University; Missouri University of Science and Technology; Monmouth College; National Louis University; Olivet Nazarene University; Quincy University; Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing; Southern Illinois University- Carbondale; Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville; Spoon River College Transfer and Career and Technical Education; St. Ambrose University; UIC College of Nursing; University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy; University of Illinois-Chicago; University of Illinois-Springfield; University of Illinois-Champaign; University of Northern Iowa; Western Illinois University; and WIU ROTC.
Specific Spoon River College departments that will be represented include Agriculture, Early Childhood Education; English Department; Financial Aid; Foundation; Medical Lab Technician; Nursing; and the Theatre Program.
Spoon River College’s Multi-Purpose Building is located at 23235 N County 22 in Canton, IL. For more information about Spoon River College or College and Transfer Fair 2025, call 309-647-4645.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Hosts College Visit Day featuring Career and Technical Education Programs
Approximately 80 students from high schools in the Spoon River College district and beyond attended the College Visit Day held September 16 at the Canton Campus, which featured the career and technical education programs offered at Spoon River College.
Students attended brief presentations about tuition costs, financial aid options, and the application process, and visited the Learning Resource Center where Student Success Coach Catherine Calvert talked about the many available resources. Students then attended break-out sessions to visit with faculty from the program areas they were most interested in. They also participated in hands-on simulations.
Career programs offered at Spoon River College include Agricultural Business Management, Commercial Driver Training, Computer Information Systems, Diesel and Power Systems Technology, Early Childhood Education, Healthcare Career Programs (including Nursing and Medical Laboratory Technician), Logistics Operations Management, and Welding.
Upcoming College Visit Days on the Canton Campus are Wednesday, October 15, 9-11 a.m., and Tuesday, December 2, 1-3 p.m. While these won’t include the emphasis or hands-on activities for the career programs, information about those programs will be included. College Visit Days at the Macomb Campus are scheduled for Monday, October 13, 9-11 a.m., which will feature career programs, and Tuesday, December 2, 9-11 a.m.
College Visit Days are open to people of all ages who are interested in learning about both the transfer and the career education programs available at Spoon River College, as well as the different degrees and short-term certificates each program offers. High school students should inquire with their school about using a college visit day, and letters from the College confirming their attendance at the event can be provided.
RSVPs are encouraged but not required. RSVPS can be made through the Spoon River College Facebook events page and website, or by calling 309-649-6400 (Canton) or 309-833-6069 (Macomb).
The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 2500 East Jackson Street. For more information, call 309-647-4645.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Welcomes Dr. Shelby Henning as New Agriculture Instructor
Dr. Shelby Henning has joined the faculty at Spoon River College as a full-time Agriculture instructor. Born in South Africa, he moved to the U.S. when he was in the fourth grade. He has a B.S. in Forestry, a M.S. in Plant Pathology, and a Ph.D. in Soil Fertility/Fertilizer Use Efficiency, all of which he earned at the University of Illinois.
While at the U of I, Henning ran a 100 acre off-campus agricultural research facility. After graduating, he was an associate professor Horticulture at Western Illinois University. He also served as the advisor for the Horticulture Club, leading its members in a number of community service projects, and oversaw the Cannabis Cultivation program. Henning specializes in commercial vegetable crop production, hydroponic plant cultivation, protected (high-tunnel) and greenhouse crop production, and alternative crops.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Nursing Student Mary Popoola Awarded the Bonnie Stine SRCFA Scholarship
Spoon River College nursing student Mary Popoola of Macomb has been awarded the Bonnie Stine Spoon River College Faculty Association (SRCFA) Scholarship in the amount of $500 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
A native of Nigeria, Popoola is a graduate of Ansar-Ud-Deen Girls High School, where she was in the top 5% of her class. She is starting her second year in the nursing program, and is excited about getting closer to the next chapter of her life.
“Spoon River College feels like the perfect place and fits with my dreams for the future of supporting my family and helping my community. I plan to work right here, and love the idea of taking care of my neighbors and making a real difference right where I live,” Popoola said.
Popoola serves as the Student Representative on the Health Occupations Advisory Committee (HOAC) at the college, and is also a member of the Healthcare Enthusiast and Leaders (HEAL) Student Association, which provides support, networking, shadowing and service-learning opportunities for nursing students. She volunteers at Shepherds Gate Foursquare Church.
Popoola said that completing nursing school was more than just getting a degree. “It is about changing my life from a homemaker to a healthcare pro. I want to be the kind of nurse who not only knows her stuff but also makes everyone feel better just by being there.”
The Bonnie Stine SRCFA Scholarship was previously known as the Spoon River College Faculty Association Scholarship. In 2013, faculty voted to rename it to recognize Stine’s role in establishing the original SRCFA Scholarship. Stine taught at the College for 31 years before retiring in 2008.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College welcomes Alison Roxburgh as Full-time Physics Professor
As a new academic year begins, Spoon River College welcomes Alison Roxburgh as their new Physics professor.
Roxburgh was born in Florida, but moved to the UK with her father when she just four years old. She moved back to Florida when she was 18 and earned a B.S. in Physics concentrating in Astrophysics from the University of North Florida (UNF), and ran the Astronomy Club while there.
Following a year of teaching high school physics in Jacksonville, FL, Roxburgh moved to Colorado and earned a M.S. in Physics and then a Ph.D in Applied Physics from the University of Colorado Springs. Her graduate research was in the field of theoretical magnonics, the manipulation of spin wave properties in magnetic materials.
While in graduate school, Roxburgh taught numerous physics labs and also ran the Physics Journal Club. She has volunteered for an astronomy outreach group called #popsocope since 2016, and plans to continue having astronomy pop-ups in the Spoon River College communities.
Roxburgh met her partner, who grew up in Farmington, while in graduate school in Colorado in the same physics program, and they moved back to be near his family. They are parents to cats Cleo and Hubble. When not teaching, she loves baking, reading, star-gazing, and bird-watching. She is also “a huge nerd” for musicals, Doctor Who, and Lord of the Rings.
