Illinois House of Representatives Honors Southeastern Illinois College President Dr. Jonah Rice on His Retirement

The Illinois House of Representatives honored Southeastern Illinois College President, Dr. Jonah Rice, on May 22, 2024, by adopting House Resolution 0815. Sponsored by State Representative Patrick Windhorst, the bill celebrates Dr. Rice’s significant contributions to higher education as he retires after three decades of dedicated service.

“Dr. Rice has been an outstanding leader and advocate for Southeastern Illinois College and higher education throughout our state and region,” says Representative Windhorst. “Through his guidance, SIC has continued to grow and has enhanced its strong reputation as an educational institution. I want to thank Dr. Rice for his service to our region and wish him well in his retirement.”

House Bill HR0815 celebrates Dr. Rice’s esteemed career, tracing his journey from his humble beginnings in Carrier Mills to his numerous accomplishments that distinguish him as a visionary leader at SIC. His tenure is marked by notable achievements, including the expansion of academic programs, modernization of campus facilities, and the strengthening of community and industry partnerships. These efforts have ensured that SIC remains at the forefront of higher education, providing invaluable opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds.

The bill highlights not only Dr. Rice’s professional accomplishments but also his personal dedication to the community. He has been instrumental in fostering an environment that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement. His influence extends beyond the campus, impacting the lives of students, faculty, and residents throughout the region.

“I am so honored by this recognition,” states Dr. Jonah Rice. “It’s been a privilege to serve all these years to help students achieve their dreams.”

The full text of Representative Windhorst’s bill can be found here.