Prairie State Community: 

I hope this second message helps you think differently about what is going on at PSC, and I want to start with an important reminder to frame our situation. Prairie State College is once again facing unprecedented challenges. I use "unprecedented" deliberately here. The challenges before us are complex and unfamiliar to all of us and uncertainty is part of this moment. Belgian Chemist and Nobel Peace Prize in Chemistry recipient Ilya Prigogine said, “Uncertainty is not a weakness of the moment; it is the condition of progress.”

Think back to how we felt during the pandemic. Despite the uncertainty of that moment, we not only adapted quickly, supported one another, and continued to serve our students and community; we progressed. What we are living through today is similar in many ways, and calls for the same attitude and resilience. We made it through then, and we will make it through now. 

To that end, I want to address an alarming sentiment or question going around that PSC is "going under." While I can understand the impulse, that is fear speaking, not facts. We are not going under. The college is not closing. The college is not beyond repair. I have said as much during faculty convocation and during the college council town hall, but it bears repeating. In a world of alternative facts and misinformation, we must rise above that. I cannot make guarantees about what will happen each day and how we will look in six months or a year, but I can tell you that we will be here, well on our way to becoming stronger than we were before. We will again progress. I commit to do my very best to lead and act in a way that is principled and consistent with how I have led in the past. 

This means you can count on regular communication, inclusive leadership, honesty, discretion and confidentiality when appropriate, a commitment to prioritize student needs and success in decision-making, a commitment to equity in decision-making, and accountability when I or others make a mistake. I cannot promise that you will agree with every decision, nor that every decision will always be the right decision. What I can promise is that decisions will be made thoughtfully, with care, and with the best available information at the time. I ask you to trust in that, and resist the urge to seek certainty in uncertain times; that way lies madness. 

Keep in mind that the administration must remain as flexible as possible when making decisions. Cash flow, emerging projections, internal changes, and external factors all influence what decisions we make, how and when we make them. We have already taken, and will continue to take, decisive actions that will ensure the college stays strong and able to serve this community for the next 65+ years. You are not helpless observers during this time. Many employees have taken cuts in pay, greatly reduced their spending, and changed their practices and priorities to create savings for the institution. Others have made suggestions about how their department can save money. People all over the college are making sacrifices to support raising revenue and cutting costs. I am grateful for that, and ask that all of you find ways you can do so as well. At the very least, do not spread rumors or speak despair and destruction into our situation. How we speak about our work and our institution matters. Staying grounded in facts, focused on solutions, and committed to our students and one another will help us move forward.

I ask that you commit to being patient and to have a bit of trust as we navigate these times. I also ask that you offer solutions when appropriate, and use good judgement in how and where concerns are discussed. I know that's hard, but it is critical that you try. If you uphold your commitments, and I uphold mine, then we will get to the other side of this better than ever before. 

Stay hopeful, assume positive intent, discourage rumors and gossip, focus on facts, and let's make a choice everyday to support one another. 

I appreciate you all and wish you a fantastic end to your week. 

#WeArePSC

The last few days have brought great momentum for the college, and I want to tell you about it. Because  so much of our work  is tied to Project Turnaround, this message is part 1 of this week’s update. Part 2 will follow. These are lengthy, but important, so thank you for taking your time to review. 

January 27, 2026 

This was a really good day. 

The morning began with our daily Project Turnaround meeting, followed by a visit with Dr. Shouba to the Surgical Technology lab in the Health Tech Center. There, our faculty and students guided Senator Patrick Joyce and Representative Anthony DeLuca and their guests through a clinical surgical technology experience. I even had the opportunity to try a laparoscopic surgery simulation. Let’s just say you’re in good hands - with our students. I, on the other hand, still need practice! I remain in awe of what is being taught, and the life-changing impact of a PSC education.

My afternoon included  a productive meeting between Cabinet and union leadership, marking the first of our monthly “meet and confer” sessions. These meetings bring us together to build rapport, strengthen communication, and discuss matters most related to faculty and staff. Several important topics were addressed and questions answered, and both Cabinet and union leaders will continue to share information discussed in those meetings. These sessions will take place monthly, typically on the third or fourth Tuesday, and I encourage you to connect with your union leaders about topics you would like addressed.

The day  continued with excellent news from Deb Havighorst and her team,  who have recently been  breaking fundraising records!  

My day concluded with our Board of Trustees meeting, where for the first time in eight (8) years, the Board approved an increase to tuition and fees. Not only that, but for the first time in recent memory, they passed a multi-year plan for the next three fiscal years. This was a critical step in our Project Turnaround efforts, and I am grateful for the Board’s support, as well as for the work of the shared governance Tuition and Fees Task Force, who provided an incredible recommendation that led to this approval.

The  Taskforce’s full recommendations, including proposed  increases to tuition, general fees, the Allied Health surcharge, and other fees are on the Intranet.

Communications

I continue to think carefully about how best to communicate with you all. Improving clarity, using diverse formats, and finding ways to connect to the emotions you may be experiencing are all front of mind for me. I am meeting with our Marketing and Communications team and listening to your feedback on how you prefer to receive information and what you need to hear.

Communication does not only flow from the President’s Office. Union leaders, managers, administrators, and shared governance committees also provide important information across the campus. Moving forward, I am deploying a strategy to increase communications from our weekly management group meetings, particularly for the benefit of hard working frontline staff, who may not feel they are as looped in to what is being discussed. I will also host another all-college meeting before the midterm to share updates and provide an opportunity to connect in person. Be on the lookout for more information on this.

I encourage you to continue visiting the Project Turnaround intranet site, where  you can submit questions, review updated FAQ’s, access messages, and find reports and resources related to our financial stabilization efforts.

Enrollment and Budget Planning

This afternoon,the Finance Team and Institutional Effectiveness department presented a new budget process to the management group. Managers and administrators will be sharing this information with faculty and staff in the coming days and weeks. 

This new approach is significant as it closely aligns with and integrates the strategic plan in ways we have not done before. It is highly data driven using sophisticated enrollment forecasting from Institutional Effectiveness. It is an exciting time for data nerds and for those excited about our future! 

In addition, current and prospective students can still register for 12-week and second  eight-week courses, so please encourage your students accordingly. A message was sent to students last night with instructions on how to register. 

Next Steps

Please spend some time reviewing the Project Turnaround Master Working Document located on the intranet site to see what phase of planning we are in, and what actions are being taken during that particular phase. We are currently in Phase II, which begins on page 4 of the document. 

We will continue sharing weekly communications to keep you updated on new developments. However, to answer the question “what is going on and what is our focus,” you can always reference the master working document at any time to answer that question.

Thank you for all you do, and have a great rest of your week Pioneers!

#WeArePSC,

Colleagues,

We want to share a brief update as we continue our work through Project Turnaround and remain focused on the College’s financial stability.

• The project team and management team continues to review and make recommendations to the Cabinet about a number of cost saving measures. These include but are not limited to reviewing and revising contracts and vendor agreements for immediate savings, and monitoring spending on a daily and weekly basis to manage cash flows. 

• The project team continues to monitor and encourage increased revenue opportunities through the grant management team, state legislative, and county-level  lobbying efforts.

• The Cabinet and President continue to discuss additional management and administrative furloughs well as strategic personnel reductions.

• During Tuesday’s Board of Trustees meeting, President Anthony will present the recommendations of the Tuition and Fees Task Force to the Board and members of the community in attendance. This is the first time since 2017-2018 that the college will consider a tuition and fees increase, and this recommendation is a vital component in our overall efforts to stabilize and grow the PSC budget.
  
  

• Credit hour and head count enrollment continues to climb. The number of new and returning students is higher year-over-year as we start the new semester. Enrollment and Advising staff continue to recruit and enroll students into late start classes. Continued enrollment growth is a key factor in our turnaround efforts..
  
  

• Human Resources will be increasing communication related to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Please be on the lookout for additional information and available resources.
  
  

• Cash flow remains steady as tuition revenue collection has begun, and as additional property tax revenue is deposited. The College is still awaiting approximately 30 percent of county property tax revenue which is arriving weekly.
  
  

• The Project Turnaround team continues to meet every Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. Updates will continue to be shared on the intranet. Please check the intranet for communications updates and/or to submit questions or feedback to the team.
  
  

Thank you for your continued patience, professionalism, and engagement as we move this important work forward.

Colleagues,

Happy New Year and welcome to the Spring 2026 semester. I hope you were able to rest during the break and spend time with those who matter most.

I want to thank each of you for your continued dedication to Prairie State College and for the work you do each day to support our students. Last semester was difficult, and I recognize the toll it has taken across the College.

Last week, I met with several groups, including faculty and managers, to discuss where we are, what work remains, and how we will continue moving forward to serve our students and our community.

As we begin the semester, I want to share a brief update on Project Turnaround and where we stand as an institution.

Property Tax Update
Right before the holidays, the College received its first property tax payment from Cook County. We are still awaiting approximately 30 percent of the total amount, which we expect to receive soon. This progress is important; however, the timing and full receipt of these funds remain critical to our overall financial stability.

Cash Flow and Spending
We are not out of the woods. We will continue to manage spending and monitor staffing as part of our responsibility to carefully oversee the College’s resources. These decisions are not taken lightly and reflect the realities we are currently navigating.

Our divisions are smaller, and some staff members have been impacted more directly than others. I ask that we continue to lead with patience, kindness, and support for our colleagues as we move through this period of transition.

Interim Chief Finance Officer | Christina Williams
As shared previously, Christina Williams will serve as Interim Chief Financial Officer effective January 5, 2026, through June 30, 2026. She will report to Dr. Anita Moore-Bohannon and me, and her role is focused on maintaining continuity, strengthening financial oversight, and supporting the ongoing work of Project Turnaround during this critical period.

Revenue and Enrollment
Revenue remains our primary challenge, and while there is still work to be done, we are moving in the right direction. Enrollment for the Spring 2026 semester is up, with a 12 percent increase in credit hours and a 22 percent increase in new and returning students. These data matter, and reflect the collective work happening across campus to recruit, retain, and serve our students.

Shared Responsibility
I want to be clear about how decisions are being made as we move through Project Turnaround. While Dr. Moore-Bohannon has been appointed to lead this work as project manager, no single individual is making decisions in isolation. The Cabinet and I are collectively engaged in these discussions, and I am regularly consulting internal and external stakeholders and the Board of Trustees. All directives, decisions, and actions are reviewed and ultimately approved by me.

None of this work is easy, and it carries weight for all involved. We share responsibility for the path forward and for the work required to move the College through this period of financial challenge.

This semester begins with cautious optimism, steady progress, and a clear understanding of the work still ahead. Thank you for your resilience, professionalism, and continued commitment to the Prairie State College community, our students, and each other.

I wish you a successful start to the Spring 2026 semester!

#WeArePSC

Dr. Michael D. Anthony

President

Colleagues -

The last few weeks have taken a significant toll on many of us, and these past several days have been particularly challenging for our campus. With another wave of personnel reductions, the magnitude of these changes is being felt across the College. I feel the weight of this moment and understand how this uncertainty may be affecting you and your teams. 

The seriousness of what we are navigating cannot be overstated. These decisions are extremely difficult, but they are necessary to protect the long-term financial health of the institution and to preserve our ability to continue fulfilling our mission. I remain encouraged by your strength and by your dedication to our students, our community, and to one another.

While the college will continue to implement cost reduction strategies in the spring term, please note that there are no further personnel reductions scheduled for the remainder of this calendar year.

Leaders in the affected departments were briefed as soon as it was appropriate to do so and are working through the immediate needs of their areas. They, too, are processing the impact of these changes. Please continue to show grace to one another as we navigate the next steps together.

As a reminder, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available should you or someone on your team need confidential support. We are also continuing to identify additional resources to support you during this transition. 

I want to acknowledge the service of those who will no longer be at the College. Each of them has made valuable contributions to the institution and to our students. They have left an indelible mark and lasting impact on this campus, and they will be missed.

Thank you for your resilience during this period of transition.

Dr. Michael D. Anthony

President

Campus Community - 

I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your patience, dedication and understanding during this period of significant transition. I recognize that the timing of this transition is not easy, but it is unfortunately necessary for our future. As we continue moving through our organizational restructuring, I want to remind you that reductions and spending controls will continue until we bring our expenses in line with our revenue.   

As personnel reductions have begun, effective immediately, there will be interim reporting lines for a few critical areas.

Facilities: Executive Director Robert Graham

Nursing: Dean Andy Binanti (Temporary)

Student Affairs Diversity Programs: Vice President Anita Moore-Bohannon

Student Success Center: Dean Jaime Miller

These changes increase uncertainty, and I do not take lightly the weight that this places on each of you and the community. All decisions are guided by a commitment to immediate and long-term stability and sustainability for PSC, and the continued success of our students.

Change of this magnitude is never easy, and yet each of you has continued to support our students, each other and the mission of PSC with compassion. As stated previously, I remain committed to sharing updates weekly or as soon as they become available. If you have questions or need assistance, I encourage you to reach out to Human Resources or directly to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support at 800-456-6327.

Thank you again for your patience and commitment as we navigate this difficult time.

PSC Students,

I am so excited to welcome you to the Spring 2026 semester at Prairie State College. I am Dr. Michael D. Anthony, and I serve as your President at PSC. If this is your first semester with us, we are honored that you chose PSC to begin or continue your academic journey. To our returning students, welcome back! I look forward to an excellent semester ahead.

A new year often brings a fresh start and an opportunity to reflect and set a clear path forward. Even with much happening in our communities and across the country, I encourage you to stay focused on your priorities and the future you are building. The single most important way for you to change yourself, your family, and your community, is by earning critical skills and education - and then using your education to transform the world around you. At PSC, we are here to help you navigate this institution, and provide you with all of the guidance and support you need to achieve your goals.

Each year, Prairie State College continues to change and evolve. As such, you may notice some staff and operational changes across campus as we evaluate our needs and strengthen our ability to serve you - our students. These changes are intentional and guided by our commitment to support your success and enhance the student experience. They are also guided by a desire to ensure PSC stays strong now and for many generations to come.

Please know that PSC remains a place where you belong, where your whole self is valued, and where your success is our shared priority. Our faculty and staff are here to support you along the way, and I encourage you to take advantage of the many resources available to you. We support you academically through advising and tutoring services, but also personally, through mental health counseling, financial support, and our food pantry located in the PEACE Center. The PEACE Center is located in the atrium, adjacent to the Pioneer Cafe on the first floor. Please visit prairiestate.edu/student-services to explore all of the many student services and resources available to you.

Let’s make this semester one of our best. Stay engaged, ask questions, and reach out when you need support. Your success is built through persistence and involvement: PSC belongs to you, and we care deeply about your success.

You are a Pioneer. You are capable. And you are not alone.

I wish you a successful semester, and I look forward to all that you will accomplish!

#WeArePSC

Michael D. Anthony, Ph.D. (he/him/his)

President

What is Project Turnaround?
Project Turnaround is PSC’s financial stabilization effort aimed at reducing the structural deficit, strengthening long-term sustainability, and maintaining a strong student experience.

Why is PSC taking these actions now?
The College is facing significant financial challenges that require immediate and long-term corrective action. These steps support PSC’s ability to serve students and remain fiscally responsible.

How were decisions about reductions made?
Decisions were based on financial need, operational priorities, enrollment trends, and compliance with union contracts and institutional policies.

Staffing and HR

Why were certain positions eliminated?
Position eliminations were part of the broader financial stabilization strategy. Staffing changes reflect areas where work can be consolidated, reduced, or restructured to align with current needs.

Are more layoffs expected?
There are no further personnel reductions scheduled for the remainder of the calendar year. Future decisions will depend on ongoing financial evaluations.

How were employees notified?
Impacted individuals were notified privately and directly by Human Resources and area leadership, consistent with College procedures.

How is workload being covered after the reductions?
Departments are prioritizing essential functions. Some duties are being reassigned or streamlined to maintain the continuation of services.

Student Experience 

Will student services be impacted?
All core student services, including Advising, Career Services, Student Life, and the PEACE Center, will continue to operate without interruption. Temporary adjustments may occur as teams take on new responsibilities.

How are students being informed?
Students receive direct communication through email. Information focuses on the continuation of services and how to reach support areas.

Who should students contact if they need help?
Students may continue using established service email addresses and offices. Updated contact information will be shared as needed. 

Financial Stabilization 

What is driving PSC’s financial deficit?
A combination of delayed property tax receipts, enrollment shifts, rising costs, and long-term structural budget pressures has affected the College’s financial position.

How long will Project Turnaround take?
This is a multi-year effort. Immediate actions are underway, with longer-term initiatives focused on enrollment, revenue growth, and operational efficiencies.

How will PSC communicate progress?
Updates will be shared on the intranet, via campus-wide messages, and through regular Board summaries.

Communication and Questions 

How can employees ask questions about these changes?
Employees may submit questions through the anonymous form linked here. Common themes will be added to the FAQ.

Will the College respond to every submitted question?

Individual responses may not be possible, but all submissions will be reviewed and the FAQs will be updated accordingly.