EAST PEORIA, Ill. – The tenure of Illinois Central College’s president is nearing its conclusion.
Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey is leaving the role at the end of the month. She steps away from a four decade career in education, with the past nine years at the helm of ICC.
Bruce Budde will take over in an interim role after Quirk-Bailey steps down, until July. The college is conducting a nationwide search, with interviews for a permanent president to begin in February.
Quirk-Bailey says the work is not slowing down in her final few weeks in the role.
“I find myself saying in meetings about issues that are coming up in January, and I’m like ‘Well, I’ll give you my opinion but this isn’t my gig anymore’,” Quirk-Bailey said. “And at the same time, I’m still getting calls to say ‘Hey, can we get this done before you leave?’”
Quirk-Bailey says one of the biggest changes at the college since taking over in 2016 is taking the classroom virtual, which was spurred by COVID. She says that number has more than doubled since COVID, with about 40% of students taking classes online. Quirk-Bailey says that allows for flexibility for those who did not believe higher education was not an option for them.
Quirk-Bailey says some of her biggest accomplishments include the college’s dual-degree program and workforce training programs.
Quirk-Bailey was honored at an event at the college on Tuesday, with a reception for friends and colleagues. Once she retires, Quirk-Bailey plans to spend more time with family.
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