ICC Recognized by Achieving the Dream as a 2025 Leader College
ICC is among just 15 Colleges in the nation to receive this prestigious designation, a testament to its sustained improvements in their student success outcomes.
Illinois Central College (ICC) has been designated a Leader College by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility in their communities.
ICC earned this honor through strategic efforts to enhance student persistence rates—particularly among African American and part-time students—while also closing performance gaps for minority students.
“We are honored to receive this national recognition, which affirms our commitment to student success and economic mobility for Central Illinois.”
Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, ICC President
The College has reduced the equity gap for Hispanic students by nearly 10% and transformed its approach to developmental education, reducing placement in these courses by 66% through innovative strategies designed to eliminate barriers to student success.
Additionally, the College’s programs, such as the IT Workforce Accelerator and the Workforce Equity Initiative, continue to strengthen the regional economy by preparing students for high-demand careers.
Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, President of ICC, said, “At ICC, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to achieve their educational and career goals, and we have worked tirelessly to implement data-driven initiatives that break down barriers to achievement. This designation as a Leader College underscores the transformative impact of our efforts and the dedication of our faculty and staff. By expanding access, fostering equity, and equipping students with the skills they need to thrive, ICC is not just changing the trajectories of individual lives—we are strengthening our entire community.”
As a Leader College, ICC will play an important role in accelerating the adoption of effective practices within the ATD Network and across higher education. Leader Colleges are recognized for the quality of their work in whole-college reform, resulting in increased completion rates for all students. These colleges develop innovative ways to work with peers to share knowledge and facilitate an exchange of ideas about evidence-based reform strategies.
“We are proud to recognize our 2025 Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction for their extraordinary commitment to student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “These colleges exemplify excellence within the ATD Network, achieving measurable gains in student outcomes and fostering impactful change within their institutions and communities. Their dedication to using data-informed approaches to create meaningful opportunities for students and their communities serves as a powerful example for all institutions of higher education and especially for those in the ATD Network.”