Kaskaskia College

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Kaskaskia College is the oldest community college in the U.S. state of Illinois and serves 11,500 students. The college provides accredited degree programs in Arts, Science, General Studies, and 18 other vocational Associate degree programs. Currently presided by James C. Underwood, the college originated in 1940, as the first Community College in the state established under the Junior College Act. Prior Presidents include: Alice Mumaw-Jacobs, Dr. Paul Blowers, and Oscar Corbell (original founder). It is located adjacent Centralia.

College History & Mission: On September 9, 1940, Centralia Township Junior College began its operation as the first tax-supported junior college in the state of Illinois, established by a vote of the people. Oscar Corbell and the Centralia Township High School Board of Education saw a great need for higher education opportunities within the area. Mr. Corbell worked closely with the Board of Education and area legislators, and under his leadership, they launched the movement for a local junior college that would operate in conjunction with the local high school. Corbell, a local attorney, wrote the State Bill that would later become known as the Illinois Public Junior College Act of 1937.

Twenty-six years later on July 1, 1966, under the new Public Junior College Act, House Bill 1710, the district expanded and the College became known as Kaskaskia College District 501 - the first college under the new law. In 1966 Kaskaskia College gained Institutional Profile, prepared for the accreditation process, and the Board of Trustees made a promise and mission-statement to the people of this district: “The College will provide educational opportunities which will enable individuals to earn a livelihood in their chosen careers, make valuable use of time, and render a service to society, particularly the community in which they live. It will never cease to be a part of the philosophy of the College to increase the number and kind of offerings to meet the needs of an increased enrollment in a changing society.