Guiding Illinois Central College into the Future

Illinois Central College is conducting a national search for its next president to succeed Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, who will retire on December 31, 2025.

The Board of Trustees is committed to selecting a leader who will honor ICC’s mission to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality learning opportunities that inspire and empower students to achieve their educational and career goals.

The search is being facilitated by  RH Perry & Associates, a nationally recognized higher education executive search firm. Throughout the process, we will invite participation and input from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader community.

We’ll post regular updates to provide:

• Key milestones in the search process
• Opportunities for engagement
• Announcements of candidate visits
• The final selection of our next president 

News & Updates

• August 2025: Presidential Search Website Launched
• September 2025: Community Survey and Focus Groups Announced
• September 2025: Presidential Leadership Profile Published

Search Timeline

Phase 1: Listening and Input (September 2025)

• Community survey and focus group sessions
• Development of presidential leadership profile

Phase 2: Recruitment (September – November 2025)

• National advertising of the position
• Active candidate recruitment

Phase 3: Screening and Interviews (December 2025 – February 2026)

• Search committee reviews applications
• Confidential semifinalist interviews

Phase 4: Finalist Visits (March 2026)

• Public forums with finalists on campus
• Community feedback collected

Phase 5: Selection & Announcement (March 2026)

• Board of Trustees selects next president
• Public announcement of the next president

Discover Illinois Central College

About ICC

• Our Mission & Vision
• Academic Programs
• Student Success Stories
• One ICC Strategic Plan Fiscal Year 2024-28

ICC by the Numbers

• Essential Facts
• Budget & Financial Reporting
• Accreditation