Southeastern Illinois College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Karen Weiss as its seventh president. Dr. Weiss brings over 25 years of experience in higher education to her new role and has been a dedicated member of the SIC family since 1993, when she first joined the college as a part-time adjunct instructor in communications.
Dr. Weiss’s academic credentials are impressive, including a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Higher Education from Oakland City University. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Communications and a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication with a minor in Public Relations, both from Illinois State University. Her commitment to academic excellence and student success has been evident throughout her career, particularly during her tenure as Vice President of Academic Affairs at SIC, where she played a pivotal role in overseeing academic programs and maintaining accreditation standards.
In addition to her academic and administrative roles, Dr. Weiss has been actively involved in professional and community organizations. She is a current member of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents (ICCCP) and has previously served as President of the Chief Academic Officers Group for Illinois Community Colleges. Her community involvement includes being an active member of the Harrisburg Rotary Club, serving multiple terms on the Norris City-Omaha-Enfield School Board, and participating in various local initiatives such as the Enfield Mule Days Association and the Carmi Chamber of Commerce, where she once served as President of the Board of Directors.
In her new role as president, Dr. Weiss aims to continue strengthening SIC’s fiscal sustainability, promoting accountable learning, and keeping the college firmly student-focused.
“I am eager to engage with the community to share my vision and work together to realize our collective potential for Southeastern Illinois College,” said Dr. Weiss
To provide an opportunity for students, faculty, and community members to meet Dr. Weiss and learn more about her vision, SIC will be hosting two Meet & Greet sessions. These informal come-and-go events will take place Sept. 3 from 5-7 p.m. at Morello’s Restaurant in Harrisburg and Sept. 19 from 5-7 p.m. at the Carmi City Council Room.
Dr. Pat York, Chair of the Board of Trustees at SIC, said, “We are excited to have Dr. Weiss lead Southeastern Illinois College into the future. Her extensive experience and passion for education will undoubtedly benefit both our students and the broader community.”
For more information about the Meet & Greet events, please contact Kathy Volkening, SIC Executive Assistant to the President and Board, at [email protected] or 618-252-5400, ext. 2101.
About Southeastern Illinois College
SIC was founded in 1960 and offers more than 50 degree and certificate programs. At $110 per credit hour, SIC boasts one of the lowest tuition rates in the region. More than 80% of students receive some form of financial aid or scholarships. SIC serves nearly 4,000 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 sic.edu.
