Prairie State College celebrated its 66th Annual Commencement at the Tinley Park Convention Center. This year's speaker, Dr. Christine Brooms, Professor of Chemistry and Chair of Natural Sciences, encouraged graduates to avoid the relentless glorification of overwork and to be intentional with balancing success and well-being. Congratulations to all our graduates, and thanks to all involved in making the event a success. To watch the ceremony in its entirety, click the link below, and check out photos from the event.
Prairie State College Community:
As we prepare for a new academic year, I would like to speak candidly about where we stand - and where we’re headed.
We are entering a time of both opportunity and uncertainty. There is real potential to grow revenue and better support our students. But we are also facing significant shifts at the federal level, especially regarding Pell Grants, that could impact how some of our students pay for college. While we remain grateful for continued federal support, we must also be honest about the complexity and challenges these shifts bring.
To read the full message from Dr. Anthony, click the link below
On Monday, May 5, both PSC Mobile Training Centers participated in the Skilled Trades Expo hosted by the Trade Collective in Evanston, Illinois. The event featured hands-on demonstrations, networking opportunities with industry professionals, and insights into various training programs. Dr. Alisha Clark, Dean of Workforce Development and Community Education, engaged with attendees and spoke directly with students interested in pursuing skilled trades careers. This partnership was the direct result of Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth connecting PSC with the Trade Collective after meeting with Dr. Jeri Bingham and members of the PBI Coalition earlier this year.
Dr. Jeri Bingham, Vice President of External Affairs, and Cristina Lazard, Senior Director of Strategic Engagement, attended the Will County Center for Economic Development’s Eye-Opener Breakfast on June 26 in Mokena. The program highlighted key regional developments and national economic trends shaping the future of Will County. Pictured with Dr. Bingham and Cristina are leaders from Silver Cross Hospital and D’Arcy Chevrolet.
On behalf of Local 1600 and Local 3816, Presidents Cheron Ricks and Andy Schott invited employees to enjoy cookies and fruit in celebration of May Day – International Workers’ Rights Day. Recognized globally on May 1, May Day commemorates the long history of labor’s struggle to secure humane working conditions, fair wages, and power through collective action. The day honors the historic fight for the eight-hour workday, including the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, and serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to advance workers’ rights around the world. Pictured are Andy Schott and Dr. Danielle Coleman, Professor of Nursing.
The Student Engagement & First Year Experience team, in collaboration with the Marketing Department, hosted a Wellness Wednesday event on May 7, inviting students and employees to designated campus locations for a thoughtfully curated day of wellness-focused activities. Highlights included an essential oil bar, smudge stick bar, fresh juices, massages, plant potting, guided meditation, and yoga. To help raise awareness about mental health, students and staff were encouraged to wear green.
Special thanks to Juanita Wyatt, Senior Director of Student Engagement & First Year Experience, and Cristina Lazard, Senior Director of Strategic Engagement, for their leadership in coordinating this impactful initiative.
On Saturday, May 31, Prairie State College joined the Wear Orange movement and hosted an event to honor lives lost to gun violence and stand with survivors, families, and advocates. Special guests—including Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, and families affected by gun violence—shared heartfelt remarks on the urgent need for change. The evening featured an eco-friendly balloon release in tribute to Hadiya Pendleton, Blair Holt, and other innocent victims of gun violence. Thanks to all who attended, spoke and stood with us.
Prairie State College (PSC) hosted its inaugural Violence Prevention Summit on Tuesday, June 17, bringing the community together for a day of healing, hope, and action. The event featured Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, and other local and state leaders, along with panels and breakout sessions exploring the root causes of violence, prevention strategies, and restorative practices to build safer, stronger communities. The summit also supported the Wear Orange Movement, which honors survivors of gun violence and promotes efforts to end it. Thanks to all who made this event possible, including External Affairs, the President’s Office, and PSC Board Chair Camiella Williams, who came up with the idea for the summit.
On July 21, students and staff enjoyed a cool break from the summer heat with complimentary ice cream. There were 10 flavor options along with non-dairy options.
Over the summer, high school students volunteered to clean and organize the nursing lab, helping to refresh and improve the space for future use. Organized by Antigone Kokalias, this initiative allowed students to earn service hours toward their National Honor Society requirements. The effort will continue throughout the year.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Anita Moore-Bohannon as our new Vice President of Student Affairs, starting July 7, 2025! She brings extensive experience from her role at National Louis University, and she has a strong track record of supporting student success. A proud Glenwood resident, she is deeply connected to the Southland community and passionate about equity in education.
Dr. Moore-Bohannon's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for PSC’s Division of Student Affairs, as we continue to elevate the student experience and strengthen our role as a community-centered institution. Thank you to the VPSA Search Committee for their thoughtful work in bringing an exceptional leader to PSC. Read more about her appointment below.
During the week of June 13, TRIO Student Support Services took 15 students to Florida for the Pathways & Perspectives: A Summer College and Culture Tour. Students attended activities such as a Disney Theme Park Design workshop, Daytona Beach Speedway, Kennedy Space Center, and several college visits. This tour aimed to increase students' knowledge with a focus on STEM and Artificial Intelligence (AI) fields, while also encouraging career awareness, technical skills, and engagement in emerging industries.
This summer, Prairie State College hosted the 2025 TRIO Upward Bound Summer Academy at Alabama State University - a six-week academic and leadership program supporting first-generation and income-eligible high school students. Under the leadership of Dr. Isaiah R. Allen, II, the program blended rigorous academics with college exposure and personal development, serving over 60 students from local partner schools.
Participants engaged in math, science, literature, and personal growth classes led by qualified instructors, along with workshops on financial literacy, emotional wellness, and identity development. The academy emphasized leadership through seminars, mentorship, and community service, culminating in a Closing Ceremony celebrating student achievements.
On Thursday, May 1, the PEACE Center hosted its End-of-Year Celebration, welcoming about 40 students for an afternoon of fun and reflection. The event featured a quick slideshow highlighting key moments from the year, followed by a lively trivia game with questions on pop culture, college life, and One Million Degrees' Scholar Development Session topics. The event drew both familiar faces and newcomers interested in learning more about the PEACE Center. It was a great way to celebrate the year and build excitement for what’s next!
On Saturday, May 3, the PEACE Center hosted two events. From 9–11 a.m., the Ayuda Para Llenar la FAFSA workshop helped local high school seniors with their FAFSA applications, offering Spanish-language assistance and personalized guidance for future PSC students. Later, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., PEACE Center staff hosted a table at the St. Kieran Cinco de Mayo celebration, where community members learned about PSC programs.
On Friday, May 9, the PEACE Center held its annual Gracias Mama event, where 25 students invited their mothers or mother figures to reflect on the college journey. Fabian Lopez, a PSC graduate who went on to graduate debt-free from the University of Illinois, shared his story along with his mother, who discussed the support she provided throughout his college years.
Over 50 guests attended, learning tips on supporting their children through college, including navigating stress, midterms, and choosing a major. Each mother received a special thank-you letter in Spanish for their ongoing support.
On Thursday, May 15, the All-Latin Alliance (ALA), in collaboration with Student Engagement, hosted an End-of-Year Dance for PSC students. Held at the Bradford Barn in Olympia Fields, the event featured a live DJ, photo area, and light snacks. Tickets were sold in advance for $20, and the evening offered a fun and festive way for students to celebrate the close of the academic year.
On Monday, May 19, the PEACE Center hosted 27 PSC graduates and their guests for the annual Cultural Graduation Celebration. This special event, open to all graduating students, honored the diverse heritage, experiences, and accomplishments of our students alongside the traditional commencement ceremony. Faculty and staff also attended. The keynote speaker was Tolu Odueyungbo, a proud PSC alumna and current practicing attorney. She shared reflections on her journey and celebrated her Nigerian American heritage.
On Thursday, June 19, student officers of the All-Latin Alliance Club (ALA) celebrated a year of leadership and achievement with a special outing to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. The trip also served as a mentorship opportunity, as current leaders shared valuable insight and advice with club members who are strong candidates for officer roles in the upcoming 2025–26 school year.
Throughout May, all were invited to recharge their minds and bodies during Wellness Tea Tuesdays in the Employee Lounge. This weekly event offered a calming space to enjoy a variety of herbal teas while taking a much-needed break from the workday. It was a refreshing way to promote self-care, relaxation, and connection among colleagues.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, HR launched a heartfelt initiative to honor the incredible mothers within the PSC community. This included birth moms, adoptive moms, grandmothers, godmothers, aunties, and all who embody the spirit of motherhood. All were invited to stop by the HR office to receive a small token of appreciation.
The HR Department launched of our new Manager Training series, a key initiative aimed at empowering PSC’s people leaders with the tools they need to enhance performance and build a positive workplace culture.
On June 25 and 26, managers from across the college came together for the first session, Performance Management 101. This engaging workshop covered vital topics such as SMART goal setting, coaching for improvement, effective performance reviews, and the GROW coaching model. Participants also had the opportunity to practice their skills through interactive role-playing exercises.
Coordinator, Student Engagement and FYE
TRIO Upward Bound Coordinator
Admissions Advisor
Coordinator of Events and Donor Relations
Administrative Assistant, TRIO ETS and Upward Bound Program
Records and Registration Specialist
Offered through Prairie State College, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, work-based program offering free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees with personal and work-related problems.
PSC has a partnership with Franciscan Health Fitness Center! This partnership allows full-time employees to receive a 50% reimbursement on their dues by attending the Franciscan Health Fitness Center 24 times per quarter. That's right, 50% back into your wallets!!
This is a great way to prioritize your health while saving on expenses. Every visit counts toward your goal, whether hitting the gym, attending a class, or taking a wellness walk. Don't miss out on this fantastic benefit—start earning your discount today!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by the the Employee Lounge on May 29 and - to celebrate our full-time employees who have been with the college for a year or more. Happy anniversary, Pioneers!
The Union Staff Contract is available on the PSC Intranet. You can access it by clicking the button below.
PSC Alumnus Chidera Onyeizeh was honored on July 22 as the inaugural featured artist at Wind Creek Chicago Southland, marking the launch of a new rotating exhibit dedicated to showcasing local talent. This exciting initiative celebrates the creativity of community artists, including Prairie State College students and alumni, by providing a professional space to exhibit and sell their work. The opening event was well attended and drew strong interest and enthusiasm from guests throughout the day.
Casino staff shared that the exhibit is expected to receive ongoing visibility, with an average of 6,000 guests passing by daily. We extend our sincere thanks to Wind Creek Marketing Executive Cathye Amos and PSC VP of External Affairs Dr. Jeri Bingham for collaborating and developing the idea. We also would like to thank Christopher Art Gallery Director Javier Chavira, Trustee J'Arnay Harris, and everyone who made the launch a success. We look forward to the continued engagement the exhibit will generate. Watch Chidera's thank you message to attendees at the link below.
The PSC community is growing on Instagram, and we recently reached 2,000 followers!
If you haven’t joined us yet, now’s the perfect time to follow @prairiestatecollege. We highlight campus events, celebrate student and staff achievements, and keep you in the loop on everything happening at PSC - all in real time. Stay connected, show your PSC pride, and help us grow even more.
We are seeking passionate students to join Prairie State College’s Student Ambassador Program! Selected students will represent PSC at events, support new students, and grow their leadership skills. They will gain experience, make connections, and create student-focused social media content. Apply at the link below. Any questions, please reach out to Allan Scarabello at ascarabello@prairiestate.edu.
Out of Home Advertising (Billboard) US 30 & Sauk Trail Road
PSC is “Your Community College”
“Make it in Illinois” marketing campaign to promote manufacturing careers
Mobile Training Center marketing campaign
Digital Advertising:
Chicagoland Journal – “Open House” ad
Chicagoland Journal – “Register for Spring semester” ad
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle – “Open House” awareness ad
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle – “Register for Spring semester”
Digital ads using geo-fencing to select boundaries of District 515
-“Make it in Illinois” marketing campaign
-Mobile Training Center marketing campaign
Print Advertising:
South Suburban News – General Awareness Ad
Radio Advertising:
Soul 106 Radio (106.3 FM) – Open House
Power 92 (92.3 FM) – Open House
South Suburban News, 4/17/25
Headline: Rinaldi Family Donates $10,000 to Support PSC Students
Prairie State College (PSC) Professor Paul Rinaldi and his family have donated $10,000 to the PSC Foundation to increase the endowment of the Nicholas & Jacqueline Rinaldi Award in the Arts, honoring his late father, poet and novelist Nicholas Rinaldi, who passed away in 2020.
https://mytaylormedia.com/2025/04/rinaldi-family-donates-10000-to-support-psc-students/
Citizen Weekly, 4/17/25
Headline: Southland Superintendents Champion Southland Career & Technical Education Center
Dr. Lenell Navarre, Superintendent, Bloom Township High School District 206; Dr. Scott Wakeley, Superintendent, Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233; Dr. Michael Anthony, President, Prairie State College; Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Superintendent, Rich Township High School District 227; Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, CEO/Superintendent, Southland College Prep Charter High School; and Dr. Tina Halliman, Superintendent, Special Education Joint Agreement (SEJA) School District 802 have come together to help develop the Southland Career & Technical Education Center (SCEC). The proposed site of the center is the Rich East High School site in Park Forest, Ill., which was shuttered in 2019.
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle, 4/11/25
Headline: Prairie State to host town hall meeting for veterans on citizenship
Prairie State College will host a town hall meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, for veterans, active duty service members and their families. The event at the college, 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights, will provide an opportunity to connect with key speakers who will address the link between military service and pathways to citizenship.
Chicago Defender, 4/10/25
Headline: Southland Career & Technical Education Center Unveiled in Park Forest to Boost Workforce Opportunities
In a bold move to expand educational and workforce opportunities across the south suburbs, six superintendents and educational leaders representing school districts and colleges in southern Cook County will formally present the Southland Career & Technical Education Center (SCTEC)—a transformative regional initiative repurposing the former Rich East High School site in Park Forest, Illinois. This groundbreaking initiative is being developed through a collaborative partnership between:
· Dr. Lenell Navarre, Superintendent, Bloom Township High School District 206
· Dr. Scott Wakeley, Superintendent, Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233
· Dr. Michael Anthony, President, Prairie State College
· Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Superintendent, Rich Township High School District 227
· Dr. Tina Halliman, Superintendent, S.E.J.A. District 802
· Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, CEO/Superintendent, Southland College Prep Charter High School
The Chicagoland Journal, 4/9/25
Headline: Prairie State College Uses Mobile Training Centers to Bridge Manufacturing Skills Gap
Prairie State College (PSC) is addressing the manufacturing skills gap in the Chicago region through its Mobile Training Centers (MTCs), which offer on-site, hands-on training using current technology. With the MTC’s, PSC brings education and training on the road, offering mobile training opportunities to existing employees of private firms and post-high school residents in the region. MTCs exemplify the college’s commitment to community and economic development by delivering education directly to the workforce.
eNews Park Forest, 4/8/25
Headline: Illinois’ community colleges see nearly 9% spike in spring enrollment
Enrollment at Illinois community colleges grew to more than 285,000 in the spring semester this year, an 8.9% increase over a year ago and the most significant spring-to-spring enrollment increase since the Illinois Community College Board began collecting system wide data in the late 1990s.
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle, 4/7/25
Headline: Health & Wellness 2025: PSC uses classes, clinics, simulation to prepare future nurses
Prairie State College sets a high bar for its nursing students, but the last class proved it could meet the challenge. All 32 of the Class of 2024 got a 100% pass rate on the national nursing exam after completing their associate’s degree in nursing.
Community College Daily, 4/1/25
Headline: Newsmakers
Bernard Little will become Oakton College‘s new vice president for student affairs on June 2. He comes to the Illinois college from another Illinois college, Prairie State College, where he is currently vice president of student affairs.
https://www.ccdaily.com/2025/04/newsmakers-316/
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle, 3/30/25
Headline: The Weeks | March 30: Election Day, Meet the Candidates
Election Day. Early voting continues Monday, March 31. Nearby polling places include Prairie State College, 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle, 3/23/25
Headline: Prairie State College Blood Drive
Prairie State College will host a Versiti blood drive from 1:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. on campus at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights. Donors will receive a $10 e-gift card. Click here to make an appointment.
Rebellious Magazine, 3/20/25
Headline: ‘We Need Your Voices’: Rep. Robin Kelly Assures a Town Hall that Democrats are Fighting Back
Kelly, a Democrat representing the 2nd Congressional District, said the town hall at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights was the first of many “A Conversation with Robin” events she’s holding after hosting a call last month that drew more than 11,000 people.
https://rebelliousmagazine.com/congresswoman-robin-kelly-town-hall/
Newsweek, 3/14/25
Headline: Dozens of Universities Under Investigation in Trump's Anti-DEI Drive
Dr. Michael D. Anthony, the first African American president of Prairie State College, said: "We've been under attack around the federal government … with citizens becoming more cynical, hostile, and divided."
https://www.newsweek.com/universities-investigation-trump-dei-racial-discrimination-2044905
Washington Courier, 3/12/25
Headline: Illinois Extension to train new wave of community compost leaders
The training culminates in demonstration workshops provided at three different locations: Prairie State College, University of Illinois Student Farm, and University of Illinois Extension’s Lake County Office, where local participants will build compost piles, explore different systems, and connect with fellow composting enthusiasts. Lunch is provided.
https://www.courierpapers.com/woodford_courier/article_ea44a3ac-ff8f-11ef-bb84-5f7c7b262f58.html
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle, 3/10/25
Headline: PSC is site for early voting for April 1 election
Voters can cast their ballots early for the April 1 Consolidated Election starting Monday, March 17, through Monday, March 31, 2025, at the Prairie State College Conference Center, 202 South Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
https://www.hfchronicle.com/2025/03/10/psc-is-site-for-early-voting-for-april-1-election/
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle, 2/26/25
Headline: Pace, in collaboration with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), will hold an open house meeting for area residents to help shape the future of land use and potential transportation, bicycle, and pedestrian infrastructure improvements along the Far South Halsted Street corridor. The meeting will be open from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, at Prairie State College in the Proven IT Room, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. Attendees should enter through door M36.
Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle, 2/22/25
Headline: Prairie State College open house is Saturday, March 1
Prairie State College (PSC) invites the community to its upcoming open house on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to noon on the main campus, 202 South Halsted St., Chicago Heights. Staff will be available to answer questions about the college’s varied programs, financial aid, scholarship opportunities and admission requirements.
https://www.hfchronicle.com/2025/02/22/prairie-state-college-open-house-is-saturday-march-1/
Congratulations to Assistant Controller Denise Edwards, Senior Director of Online Learning Joanna Kourtidis, and Senior Director for Strategic Engagement Cristina Lazard on their selection to the 2025 cohort of the Illinois Community College Leadership Institute! This prestigious program—led by the Illinois Community College Board and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s OCCRL—supports mid-career professionals preparing to step into senior leadership roles at community colleges. We’re proud to see PSC talent recognized at the state level!
Dr. Tywanda Jiles, Dean of Career and Technical Education at Prairie State College, has been named an Impact Academy fellow by the national nonprofit organization Deans for Impact (DFI). Dr. Jiles joins a cohort of leaders selected for their dedication to enhancing educator preparation.
This honor reflects Dr. Jiles’s commitment to educational excellence, and we proudly celebrate her accomplishments!
Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - noon
Remember, Non-students must register at the PSC Enrollment Services office (Room 1160). Watch the video to take a virtual tour of the facilities.
Twitter - @PSCPioneers
Facebook - Prairie State College Athletics
Instagram - @prairiestatecollegeathletics
We are proud to announce that Juan Romero was selected as a 2025 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholar—one of just 90 students nationwide to receive this prestigious honor! Juan was chosen from over 1,600 applicants for his academic achievement, leadership, and persistence. This year, PSC had four semifinalists: Kofo Ajadi, Daniel Bamidele, Philip Sears, and Juan Romero.
On Wednesday, May 14, students and staff gathered in the Proven IT Room for a special recognition ceremony, where Dr. Anthony presented Juan with his official Jack Kent Cooke Foundation certificate.
Anton “A.J.” Brooks, Jr., a graduate of Prairie State College’s Liberal Arts program, delivered a moving address as the 2025 student commencement speaker. A Glenwood native, Brooks spoke passionately about perseverance and community, sharing lessons from his journey at PSC.
“PSC graduates, as we leave this chapter behind and look toward the future, what I hope we all take with us the most is the knowledge that it’s not the challenges we faced that defined us, it is how we rose above them all one by one,” he said.
Brooks, whose favorite classes included African American Literature and Philosophy, overcame numerous challenges on his path to graduation. He will attend Columbia College Chicago this fall to major in Music Theory.
Members of the Board and attendees of the June Board Meeting wore orange in support of the Wear Orange Movement, honoring survivors of gun violence and standing in solidarity with efforts to end it. Board Chair Camiella Williams encouraged this display of unity to close out National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
Prairie State College recently held its annual Board Retreat to address key institutional priorities. Discussions focused on the College’s mission and vision, goal setting, budget planning, financial health, and strategies to enhance board effectiveness. Attendees included members of the PSC Board of Trustees, Cabinet, Cristina Lazard, and President Dr. Michael Anthony.
The Board of Trustees' regular monthly meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. To view information from the Board of Trustees, including meeting agendas, minutes, and audio/video recordings, visit Board Docs.
Current Members:
Camiella Williams | Chair
Michelle Aldana | Vice Chair
Maria Melero | Secretary
J'Arnay Harris
Dr. Theresa McCoy-Carpenter, Esq.
Andrew Smith, Jr.
Dr. Ronald White
Kick off the semester with the Fall Student Exhibition, opening Monday, August 18, at the Christopher Art Gallery. Join us for a public reception on Wednesday, August 20, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., and enjoy outstanding works by PSC students on display through September 11. The gallery is open Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Prairie State College Workforce Development and Community Education division, in partnership with Make It In Illinois, will host the PSC 2025 Manufacturing Symposium on Thursday, August 21, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the PSC Conference Center.
This full-day event will bring together industry leaders, educators, and workforce development professionals to address key topics in manufacturing and workforce training.
August 18 | Fall Semester begins
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If you have any questions, please contact
Allan Scarabello at ascarabello@prairiestate.edu.
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