JJC, Dr. Namuo Host Eighth Annual State of the College Address

Joliet Junior College (JJC) held its annual State of the College address on Tuesday, marking President Dr. Clyne Namuo’s second address and the eighth for the College. Dr. Namuo opened the event by reaffirming the institution’s core values and its unwavering commitment to student outcomes and overall well-being.

“At JJC, we value the diversity of the students who walk these halls. We care deeply about the equitable outcomes of our students and are committed to creating and maintaining inclusive spaces,” said Dr. Namuo. “Because at JJC, we honor all aspects of our students’ identities.”

Watch the 2024 State of the College

JJC Reaches Beyond  

For the first time publicly, Namuo introduced the Crawford Honors College, a specialized academic track within JJC designed for high-achieving students. The program was made possible thanks to Dr. Curtis J. and Mrs. Gina Crawford, who made a generous gift of $1.79 million to the JJC Foundation.

“This initiative has the ability to neutralize the stigma of community colleges by addressing the needs of the district’s top academic performers,” Namuo said. “By supporting these high-achieving students, JJC spans the academic range and provides a solid foundation for their future.”

Set to open in fall 2025, the Crawford Honors College will offer full and partial academic scholarships, dedicated work and study spaces in the JJC Library, faculty advising and mentorship, early course selection and small class sizes.

Dr. Namuo highlighted the overwhelming success of the 12x12x12 dual credit initiative, a program designed to allow over 40,000 eligible high school students in the College’s district to earn 12 college credit hours for $12 per credit by the 12th grade.

“Participation in dual credit is a leading measure of both college access and success,” said Namuo. “Of the nearly 10,000 students who graduate from high school in our district each year, one-third choose not to pursue further education. Those are the students we are after. If they take dual credit courses with JJC, they are more likely to continue their education with us or elsewhere. By introducing 12x12x12, JJC is drastically impacting college-going rates across our region.”

This initiative reduces the number of credit hours needed, lowers costs and most importantly, closes achievement gaps by providing historically underrepresented students with early exposure to college coursework.

For fall 2024, 12x12x12 saw several firsts:

• Six additional school districts and vocational centers were added to the list of those offering 12x12x12 courses.
• Freshmen and sophomores can now enroll, contributing to a 45% increase in dual credit hours taken in the JJC district since 2022.
• 12x12x12 program completers received $500 scholarships from the JJC Foundation, with 186 scholarships awarded in total for 2024.

JJC is also extending its reach beyond high school with the Future Wolves program, an outreach initiative aimed at building relationships with K-5 students within Community College District 525. For the first time this summer, JJC hosted students from Joliet Public School District 86 and Troy Community Consolidated District 30-C on campus to experience JJC firsthand.

“This program ensures that all students, especially those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, begin to establish their familiarity with their local community colleges early on,” said Namuo. “Doing so encourages aspirational goals, academic readiness and can ultimately build a pathway to prosperity that can change lives for generations.”

The Future of Student Support at JJC

Dr. Namuo announced several new and enhanced student support programs and campus features for the institution’s 15,000+ currently enrolled students.

Acknowledging the importance of mental health, Namuo introduced a new mental health and wellness facility planned for the lower level of J-Building on Main Campus. This facility will feature five mental health professionals equipped to offer holistic care and support to students and staff.

“This support is integral to our functions as human beings, leading us to lead happier, more productive lives when supporting mind, body and soul,” said Namuo. “Ultimately, it leads to a better college and workplace for all.”

In April 2024, JJC earned the Hispanic-Serving Institution designation, reflecting the College’s growth to 33% Hispanic students in 2024 — a 22% increase since 2004 and a 10% increase since 2014. This designation allows JJC to pursue additional funds to further strengthen and enhance the multifaceted programs that have supported these students so far.

Capturing JJC’s Past, Looking to the Future

Namuo also revealed the latest installation of Roots and Branches, the College’s storytelling campaign. Over video, alumna and current Morris resident and business owner Michelle Xydakis recounted her journey from studying criminal justice at JJC to ultimately becoming a small business and restaurant owner.

The many stories Roots and Branches tells highlight the significance of JJC’s past and present, connecting generations of students, employees, alumni, trustees and community members. Michelle’s story alluded to the great things to come in Grundy County as the College continues to explore its enhanced presence there.

Namuo closed the presentation by imploring the audience to share the progress and ambitious agenda of the nation’s first community college.

“When they ask you about JJC, please bring them to our campuses, tell them about what we do, and explain to them that JJC is college.”

For media inquiries, please contact communications & media manager, Katherine Smith at katherine.smith@jjc.edu or by phone at 815-280-2844.