Louisiana college tour gets green light from Prairie State board

Prairie State College’s TRIO program will proceed with their spring break trip as planned after the board of trustees approved funding for it during their Feb. 25 meeting. 

The board originally rejected funding for the trip. But in an unanimous vote, the board approved the original $78,750 contract with GL Travel.

The Education Talent Search program, an initiative under the TRIO program that encourages local and middle high schoolers to attend college, will sponsor the trip — a three-day college tour across Louisiana. The tour is set to take place in late March.

Institutions on the tour include Xavier University of Louisiana, Dillard University, Louisiana State University, Tulane University, Southern University, and Loyola University.

“The TRIO Educational Talent Search program is making a tangible difference in the lives of students from traditionally underserved communities,” Dr. Bernard Little, vice president of student affairs and diversity, said in a statement. “By connecting these students with vital resources and transformative experiences, the program fosters a pathway to high school graduation and college enrollment.” 

Prairie State leadership also doubled on commitments to ensure students of various racial, economic, and cultural backgrounds have access to higher education.

“We are uniquely suited to serve communities that may have traditionally not had the opportunity or resources to access higher education, and we take great pride in this. We will continue to be intentional in supporting all of our students,” said Prairie State President Michael D. Anthony in a statement, “and creating supports where needed to ensure equitable student success outcomes, regardless of a student’s personal circumstance or identity.”

Official business

The automotive curriculum is going electric after the board approved the purchase of electric vehicle infrastructure and instruction tools from Aidex. The $34,557 investment, according to the agenda, includes an EV electronics station, systems panel trainer, and motor generator panel. 

Last year, the Illinois Community College Board awarded Prairie State College a $525,000 grant to jumpstart its electric vehicle curriculum through the Rev Up EV! Community College Initiative. 

The initiative provided grants to community colleges statewide to “promote the development and growth of training programs that prepare individuals for careers in EV technology and EV-specific advanced manufacturing fields,” according to the ICCB website.

The college’s dental hygiene simulation lab will also see upgrades with the approved purchase of 21 new computers, totaling $17,190.81. Additionally, the math and science department will acquire new lab equipment valued at $58,101. 

The board approved an unexpected payment of $39,611.77 to Calumet City Plumbing for the repair of a water main break that occurred in a parking lot near a dock near the building’s southwest corner. According to Anthony, unexpected expenses like this come out of the college’s bond fund. 

The board voted to appoint Antigone Kokalias as the new director of nursing. Kokalias is currently a faculty member at Loyola University Chicago where she oversees students in its baccalaureate nursing program. 

The board honored senior accountant Cheron Ricks with Prairie State College’s Pioneer Award for exceptional service. Little commended Ricks for “going above and beyond” while managing multiple state and federal grants for the college and supporting students as they navigate their college experience. The college can always count on her leadership navigating complex issues and her volunteerism at school events, Little said.

“[Ricks’] always there, and if she’s not there, we go and get her,” Little said. “Her spirit permeates the college.” Ricks accepted the award surrounded by her family, bouquets in hand. This was her first Pioneer Award in her 18 years at the college, she said.