EAST PEORIA, Ill. – After nearly 40 years of service in higher education, Illinois Central College President Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey has announced her retirement, effective December 31, 2025.
Quirk-Bailey has served as president of ICC since July 2016 and leaves a legacy of leadership focused on student success, equity, and workforce innovation.
Under Quirk-Bailey’s leadership, ICC has experienced an era of progress. The college has seen increases in enrollment for five consecutive semesters, reduced placement in developmental education by 66 percent without impacting student success, and raised graduation and retention rates. Student services were also expanded and enhanced to better support students.
Quirk-Bailey championed the creation of nationally recognized workforce programs that strengthen the regional economy, including the Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI), the IT Workforce Accelerator, and the first prison education program in the country funded by federal Pell grants. Since its beginnings, the WEI program has lifted more than 1,200 individuals out of poverty, with participants seeing an average increase of nearly $33,000 in annual wages.
“It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve ICC and this community,” Quirk-Bailey said. “The work we have accomplished together has laid a strong foundation for the future, and I’m confident ICC will continue to change lives and strengthen our region for years to come.”
The ICC Board of Trustees will conduct a national search for the College’s next president.
“Dr. Quirk-Bailey’s positive impact on Illinois Central College-and on the thousands of students and families whose lives have been changed through education-cannot be overstated,” ICC Board of Trustees Chair Cindy Byrd said. “She has led with vision, diligence, and an unwavering focus on student success. On behalf of the Board, we thank Dr. Quirk-Bailey for her extraordinary service and look forward to honoring her significant contributions to ICC and the greater community.”
Comments