SIC Names Learning Center in Honor of Retired President Dr. Jonah Rice
Southeastern Illinois College is proud to announce that the Learning Center (A building) on the Harrisburg campus will now be known as the Jonah L. Rice Learning Center, in honor of Dr. Jonah Rice, who recently retired after 15 years as president. Dr. Rice’s leadership and dedication to SIC over 34 years, including his tenure as the college’s longest-serving president, have left a lasting legacy.
Dr. Rice began his journey at SIC in 1990 as a junior faculty member, where he founded the theatre program and coached national championship speech and debate teams. Rising through the ranks, he eventually took on the presidency in 2009, a role he initially accepted as an interim appointment during challenging times. His presidency was marked by perseverance and innovative leadership, guiding SIC through financial crises, a tornado, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also instrumental in the renovation of the Melba Patton Library to become part of a larger services hub for students now known as the SIC Learning Commons located within the Learning Center.
In addition to his presidential duties, Dr. Rice served as President of the Illinois Community College Presidents Council and was recognized for his 15 years of service to the Higher Learning Commission, contributing to numerous accreditation evaluations. His commitment to SIC and the broader educational community earned him the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Advocacy Award in 2019.
The SIC Board of Trustees, recognizing Dr. Rice’s exceptional contributions to the college, unanimously decided to rename the Learning Center in his honor. Dr. Frank Barbre, Vice Chair of the Board, stated, “Dr. Rice’s impact on SIC is immeasurable. His leadership and dedication have brought significant positive recognition to our institution, and this naming is a small token of our appreciation for his service.”
The Jonah L. Rice Learning Center will serve as a lasting reminder of Dr. Rice’s commitment to education, student success, and the betterment of SIC.