Electric vehicles signal new career opportunities for IVCC automotive technology students 

On Tuesday, the Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees accepted a $45,000 bid from Schimmer Chevrolet, Mendota, to furnish two used Chevrolet Bolts. The purchase is fully funded by a REV UP EV grant from the Illinois Community College Board.  

The electric vehicle (EV) models will launch the program’s electric fleet so students can train to service, diagnose and repair those vehicles.  

“Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, graduates can earn an EV certification, which will make them marketable as multifaceted technicians who are able to maintain traditional and electric vehicles,” said Rebecca Zamora, dean of the Workforce Development Division.  

During her monthly report, President Dr. Tracy Morris noted that summer enrollment increased 13.33 percent in headcount and 19.46 percent in credit hours compared to summer 2024.  With two months before the new semester begins, fall enrollment is also slightly ahead of last year, she added. 

In other action, the Board: 

• Authorized the renewal of subscriptions for administrative, academic, and registration computer operating systems and website hosting services, including: Ellucian Colleague at $456,157; Ellucian Payment Center at $29,744; Ellucian Colleague Insights at $13,250; Modern Campus Lumens Pro at $32,377; Modern Campus Omni Content Management System at $35,199.94; Slate at $50,000; Brightspace at a total of $130,851.69 over three years, and Zoom virtual meeting software at $33,500. 
• Renewed all property, casualty, and liability insurance coverages with the same carriers. 
• Approved an extension to the security services contract with Allied Universal for three years, through June 30, 2028. 
• Authorized the appointments of Dr. Dale Young, theater instructor, and Kirsten Kasperski, accounting instructor / program coordinator. 
• Learned of the appointment of Kim Herout as administrative assistant in the Natural Sciences and Business Division, and Del Baracani as first-shift custodian, and the retirement of physical science laboratory instructor Larry Ault in August 2026.