HARRISBURG, Ill. (April 11, 2023) – Southeastern Illinois College President Dr. Jonah Rice was honored at the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Annual Convention in Chicago on March 25.
The HLC holds an awards luncheon each year for peer reviewers recognizing milestone achievements. The commission hires more than 1,500 peer reviewers each year. Some 37, including Rice, were recognized for 15 years of service. Only 28 others have served 20 years or more.
Peer reviewers are on teams assigned to institutions that are similar to theirs in the 19-state service region of the HLC. They evaluate those sister institutions for quality assurance.
The HLC is a third-party to the Federal Government and provides oversight of academic, student, and operational quality at colleges and universities.
Rice has conducted comprehensive visits, special visits for change of control, as well as federal compliance visits at colleges and universities.
“I’ve greatly benefited from the work with the HLC in terms of what I’ve brought to Southeastern Illinois College,” said Rice. “Being a peer reviewer of sister colleges and universities is an honor that allows me to bring new ideas and ways of doing things to SIC. I’m grateful to serve the Commission and my peer institutions. This recognition is just cream on top of a great opportunity.”
About the Higher Learning Commission
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of six regional accreditors in the United States. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the United States. HLC is as an institutional accreditor, accrediting the institution as a whole.
Their mission is to advance the common good through quality assurance of higher education as the leader in equitable, transformative and trusted accreditation in the service of students and member institutions.
About Southeastern Illinois College
Southeastern Illinois College was founded in 1960 and offers more than 50 degree and certificate programs. At $106 per credit hour, SIC boasts one of the lowest tuition rates in the region. More than 70% of students receive some form of financial aid or scholarships. SIC serves 4,100 full and part-time students per year, includes locations in Harrisburg and Carmi, and employs approximately 150 full and part-time employees. For more information, visit www.sic.edu.
