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 In 1929, Lincoln College became a two-year college
offering associate degrees and began reshaping its mission.
President David Gerlach said for many years, Lincoln College was a
private college of choice for those who needed an opportunity for a
solid start. In 2015, when President Gerlach came to interview at
Lincoln College, he presented what they had done at the college he
worked with in New York. It was a two-year college that was
converted to a baccalaureate college.
Gerlach said he found it odd that bachelor's degrees are being
offered at the Bloomington Normal Campus. He said the school should
bring bachelor's degrees down to Lincoln because it was the most
expensive two-year college, but as a four-year college would be very
comparable at the public level and would position Lincoln College as
the lowest priced private college. This suggestion helped him get
hired.
Gerlach said when he was hired, Lincoln College was trying to be
"all things to all people" and he felt that staying a private
two-year college should have changed years ago.
When he became president the college had significant debt, but that
debt is decreasing as the college has trimmed and cut back.
The college received a $2.25 million Title III grant from the
federal government to strengthen tutoring, academics, and support
for students.
One former student who originally had a rough start at Lincoln
College is now a CEO of a company in Chicago, and recently gave $2 M
to the school, and also promised a matching pledge of up to $100,000
dollars.
A comprehensive campaign to raise money for Lincoln College began in
2014 with a fundraising goal of $6 M. That goal was increased to $8
M. Over $5 M has been raised so far.
The college now plans to sell the Normal campus and more emphasis is
being placed on the Lincoln campus.
One student said scholarships provided for any newcomer were a huge
help in paying for school. The school offers a wide variety of
scholarships paid out of endowment funds. Donors are essential to
the scholarships offered.
State Farm recently committed $100,000 for scholarships to support
adults working on their baccalaureate degrees.
The economic impact of the college in Logan County is $41 M. Gerlach
said by 2021, it will be $51 M.
Lincoln College offers students the personal attention they may not
get at bigger schools. Advisors said they focus on a seamless
process for students, point students toward resources they may need,
and help students reach their potential.
The Academic Success Center helps students become more independent
learners by offering one-on-one tutoring by appointment and study
groups. Tutoring Supervisor Tami Goodrich said they see about sixty
to seventy percent of students in the center who may need a little
extra help with their academic studies.
At Creekside Environmental Center students in science courses do
field work in a hands-on outdoor laboratory.
For traditional students, 10 majors and five minors have been added
to the four-year degree program, with several more fields of
interest planned in coming years. There are now more bachelor degree
students than associate degree students.
Students on a recent television commercial for the school say, "I
found my future" at Lincoln College.
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As the school has expanded its mission, student life
has also been enhanced.
The college also recently announced a move to the National
Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), which will bring
four-year athletics.
Last year the college purchased and renovated what were privately
owned apartment buildings located along the college’s north edge.
The Lynx Village was opened this fall as student housing, offering
single room suites with living rooms.
Having been gifted the old St. Clara's Manor, the college will
provide off-campus apartments for upper classmen when remodeling is
completed.
A shuttle bus will operate to get students from the new housing to
campus and back. The college already runs a shuttle bus around town
for students to shop and go to the movie theater.
Gerlach said Lincoln College is working to engage with the
community. The school is hoping there will be more internships in
businesses in the community.
Currently, students are doing community service. Last fall, one
group raked leaves for residents surrounding the campus and a group
of athletes helped Guzzardo's deliver Thanksgiving meals to
families. Others are volunteering at the Humane Society and nursing
homes.
A community member at the college update meeting said she noticed a
positive turnaround in how the community feels about Lincoln
College.
This year, the college has experienced an enrollment growth of 21
percent at the Lincoln campus and 27 percent for the Accelerated
Bridge Education program.
Gerlach said master's degrees may be offered in a year or two, and
doctorate degrees may possibly be offered within 10 years.
Gerlach said the need to transform into a baccalaureate campus and
expand the mission is a must for the college to be able to thrive.
The future looks bright and the school will continue to grow.
Gerlach said it is the renaissance of Lincoln University started
many years ago by Abraham Lincoln's friends.
[Angela Reiners/Jim Youngquist]
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