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INA, Ill. (October 2, 2025) — º£½ÇÊÓƵ welcomed community college trustees and administrators from across the southeast region to the RLC MarketPlace in Mt. Vernon for the  (ICCTA) Southeast Region Trustees meeting on September 30.

^{2025 ICCTA Southeast Region Trustees posed for a photo in the S.I. Manufacturing Academy at the RLC MarketPlace Campus.}

The evening opened with remarks from ICCTA Southeast Regional Chair Ron Daniels. Attendees then heard from RLC President Lori Ragland and Director of the Southern Illinois Manufacturing Academy (SIMA), Chris Sink, who both highlighted the academy’s mission to strengthen the regional workforce by connecting students with training opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

ICCTA Southeast Chair Ron Daniels providing opening remarks.

RLC President Lori Ragland presenting updates on SIMA.

Director of the S.I. Manufacturing Academy Chris Sink presenting updates on SIMA.

ICCTA Executive Director Jim Reed providing legislative updates to attendees.

ICCTA Executive Director Jim Reed provided an update on legislative issues affecting higher education across Illinois, offering insight into policy developments and advocacy efforts. Chair Daniels then closed the agenda with final remarks before participants were guided on a facility tour of the MarketPlace campus, featuring the Southern Illinois Manufacturing Academy

About the Southeast Region

The ICCTA Southeast Region is composed of community colleges in Southern Illinois, including º£½ÇÊÓƵ, Southeastern Illinois College, Shawnee Community College, and John A. Logan College.