2008 - 2009 Catalog
Table of Contents
Calendar
Courses
Programs of Study
General Information
Admissions
Financial Information
Student Services
Academic Information
Educational Programs
Advisory Committees
Board of Trustees

Catalog Archives

History

Parkland College is a public community college established to serve the needs of District 505 in vocational-technical and academic education. The establishment of the college was authorized by the 74th General Assembly in June of 1965 with the passage of House Bill No. 1710, better known as the Public Community College Act. This bill created the guidelines for the formation of such institutions throughout the state of Illinois.

A steering committee composed of 54 citizens and area school officials worked diligently to promote the passage of the approving referendum. The final result of this effort was a college district covering one of the largest geographic areas in the state. It now includes more than 2,908 square miles, contains 55 communities with approximately 244,000 inhabitants, and serves 25 high school districts in 12 counties. The committee envisioned a college that would offer a comprehensive program based on the needs of the communities it would serve. The program would include courses in liberal arts and sciences, general education, continuing education, and courses in occupational, technical, and semi-professional fields.

Parkland College was founded on March 12, 1966, when voters overwhelmingly approved the referendum to establish Junior College District 505. A seven-member board of trustees was elected in April, one month after the college district proposal was approved. The board held its first meeting in May 1966 to organize and establish regular meeting times. Its seven members then set down the principles around which the college would be built. The board is responsible for the adoption and enforcement of all policies needed to manage and govern the college.

Dr. William M. Staerkel assumed his duties as Parkland’s first president in January 1967. That spring, the name Parkland College was adopted by the board. In September 1967, 1,338 students registered for Parkland’s first classes, which were taught in temporary, rented facilities in downtown Champaign.

Construction of the permanent campus began after voters approved a $7.5 million bond referendum in 1968. The permanent campus opened in fall 1973.

The Physical Education Building was completed in January 1976. Parkland’s playing fields, including a 400-meter running track, baseball and softball diamonds, and tennis courts, were completed in 1980. The South Building was completed in January 1983. The A Wing, which contains administrative offices and classrooms, was completed in 1984. Parkland’s Theatre and the William M. Staerkel Planetarium were completed in 1987. The Child Development Center was completed in 1995. The D Wing was completed in January 2002.

The planetarium was named in honor of Parkland’s founding president, William M. Staerkel, who retired in 1987 with the distinguished title of president emeritus. Dr. Paul J. Magelli served as Parkland’s second president from July 1, 1987, to September 14, 1989. After an interim period during which Dr. Robert Poorman directed Parkland, Dr. Zelema Harris became Parkland’s president on July 1, 1990.

Dr. Harris was successful in leading passage of a tax transfer referendum; introducing a team leadership/collaborative style of management; establishing new initiatives such as a retention program; expanding international education; implementing operational planning; and leading support for the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. In addition to her work at Parkland, Dr. Harris served on the board of the American Association of Community Colleges and on the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Dr. Robert Exley served as the fourth president of Parkland College from July 1, 2006 to May 21, 2007. Dr. Tom Ramage was named interim president on June 26, 2007, and president on January 16, 2008..