Heartland Community College
1500 West Raab Road
Normal, Illinois 61761-9446
Phone: 309-268-8000

Heartland Community College
1500 West Raab Road
Normal, Illinois 61761-9446
Phone: 309-268-8000

Our work as leaders at Heartland is to help ensure that the College is a resource for our community as a whole and for individuals who are seeking to improve their lives through education.  

The most fulfilling element of this work is to witness Heartland's impact on the lives of students who bring their talent and efforts forward for our entire community.   

We strive to break down the barriers to access education and remove the opportunity gaps that exist within our district. 

The College's emphasis on affordability allows students to pursue their educational aspirations without the burden of excessive debt, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their path to success.

In the classroom, we must give our students the tools they need to succeed. That means making sure we offer quality instruction that prepares students for the next step they take, whether that be to a 4-year institution or direct entry into the workforce.

In January 2024, Heartland opened two new facilities dedicated to serving our students and the community in new and innovative ways. The Agriculture Complex supports nine degree or certificate programs connected to the third-largest employment field in the area. These facilities provide new opportunities for students looking to learn skills in crop science, agribusiness, regenerative agriculture, precision agriculture, and other fields of study. 

Heartland’s Advanced Manufacturing Center is anchored by the State Farm Electric Vehicle Lab, the first of its kind at any community college in the Midwest. The center also houses learning space for robotics, HVAC, renewable energy, electronics, digital media, and other programs that offer the hands-on training required for today’s skilled workforce.

The programs supported by both of these facilities open new options and possibilities for Heartland students. Certificate programs connected to agriculture or advanced manufacturing lead to rapid employment or help those already in the workplace “upskill” to the next level. Most importantly, students can gain these skills in stackable credentials while advancing toward a 2-year degree, which can transfer to another public university in the state of Illinois.

New facilities and programs can only go so far in advancing our mission to promote student success. The faculty and staff at Heartland are some of the finest professionals in higher education, and they play a vital role in our students’ success. Due to those efforts, Heartland has posted record numbers of students completing our programs.

To support these dedicated professionals, the College has invested in our employees and created more internal grant opportunities to help our faculty explore innovative teaching methods.

We’ve been able to move forward with these investments and the capital improvements because the College’s fiscal strategy has remained solid. We have maintained a level tax rate and have kept a healthy reserve fund in alignment with the Board of Trustees fiscal policy.

In this Community Update, you will learn about how the community college experience has impacted our students, past and present. We share their stories not only to illustrate the work we aspire to every day at Heartland, but also because we could not be more proud of what these individuals have achieved. Thank you for reading and for supporting your community college.

FROM THE PRESIDENT & CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Back to top

In fact, Josh has now moved from the role of student to mentor.

After attaining his associate degree, Josh continued his education studying at Illinois State University where he also became involved in their student government. As he was completing his Bachelor of Applied Science degree at ISU, he decided to run for public office, looking to fill a vacancy on Heartland’s Board of Trustees. Elected in 2021, he became a full member of the Board.

With Josh’s unique experience as a previous Student Trustee, he has been a particularly valuable resource for the students who serve in that role each year. And he passes along the benefit of his experience.

“While not every student hangs around campus after graduation as long as I have, [I tell them] please know that every student who walks out these doors at Heartland at the end of their program is better for it,” Josh said.

Today, he serves as Director of Constituent Outreach for the office of State Senator Dave Koehler (IL-46).

He credits his community college experience as the launching pad for his many achievements.

“I have my dream job in my field of choice because of what I learned at Heartland,” he said. “But more importantly, I found confidence, some self-worth, and some self-love.”

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

“From the first day I set my feet on (the Heartland) campus I felt home.”

BOARD OF TRUSTEE SPOTLIGHT

Josh Crockett ('19), District 540 Trustee

Dr. Keith Cornille, HCC President and Becky Ropp, HCC Board of Trustees Chair

Josh Crockett, HCC Board of Trustees Secretary, with Board Member Mary Campbell

- Josh Crockett -

Our work as leaders at Heartland is to help ensure that the College is a resource for our community as a whole and for individuals who are seeking to improve their lives through education.  

The most fulfilling element of this work is to witness Heartland's impact on the lives of students who bring their talent and efforts forward for our entire community.   

We strive to break down the barriers to access education  and remove the opportunity gaps that exist within our district. 

The College's emphasis on affordability allows students to pursue their educational aspirations without the burden of excessive debt, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their path to success.

In the classroom, we must give our students the tools they need to succeed. That means making sure we offer quality instruction that prepares students for the next step they take, whether that be to a 4-year institution or direct entry into the workforce.

In January 2024, Heartland opened two new facilities dedicated to serving our students and the community in new and innovative ways. The Agriculture Complex supports nine degree or certificate programs connected to the third-largest employment field in the area. These facilities provide new opportunities for students looking to learn skills in crop science, agribusiness, regenerative agriculture, precision agriculture, and other fields of study. 

Heartland’s Advanced Manufacturing Center is anchored by the State Farm Electric Vehicle Lab, the first of its kind at any community college in the Midwest. The center also houses learning space for robotics, HVAC, renewable energy, electronics, digital media, and other programs that offer the hands-on training required for today’s skilled workforce.

The programs supported by both of these facilities open new options and possibilities for Heartland students. Certificate programs connected to agriculture or advanced manufacturing lead to rapid employment or help those already in the workplace “upskill” to the next level. Most importantly, students can gain these skills in stackable credentials while advancing toward a 2-year degree, which can transfer to another public university in the state of Illinois.

New facilities and programs can only go so far in advancing our mission to promote student success. The faculty and staff at Heartland are some of the finest professionals in higher education, and they play a vital role in our students’ success. Due to those efforts, Heartland has posted record numbers of students completing our programs.

To support these dedicated professionals, the College has invested in our employees and created more internal grant opportunities to help our faculty explore innovative teaching methods.

We’ve been able to move forward with these investments and the capital improvements because the College’s fiscal strategy has remained solid. We have maintained a level tax rate and have kept a healthy reserve fund in alignment with the Board of Trustees fiscal policy.

In this Community Update, you will learn about how the community college experience has impacted our students, past and present. We share their stories not only to illustrate the work we aspire to every day at Heartland, but also because we could not be more proud of what these individuals have achieved. Thank you for reading and for supporting your community college.

When Josh Crockett came to Heartland Community College in 2016, his educational journey, much less his career path, wasn’t quite mapped out.

“I came to campus after being an average high school student. I was completely in the dark with what I was passionate about or what I wanted to do with my life,” said Josh. “My parents said I had to get an associate degree and then I was free to do whatever I wanted.”

Sometimes academic success depends on getting the right support and finding the right fit for the way an individual learns. Heartland’s smaller class sizes and faculty involvement were a good fit for Josh.

“I started taking classes and getting involved with student engagement and student government,” he said. “I started feeling inspired about what could be for my life and my future.”

That inspiration led Josh to run for the office of Heartland Student Body President. He was selected to serve that important role in student government, and after completing his term as Student Government Association (SGA) President, he was selected as Heartland’s Student Trustee.

The Student Trustee holds privileges of Board of Trustees membership, including the right to make and second motions and attend executive sessions. As a non-voting member, the Student Trustee is not considered in determining a quorum for Board action. However, as a representative of the student body, the role carries a great deal of weight with the rest of the elected body.

“Hearing the student's voice is an integral component of college governance, and the Student Trustee plays an important role in ensuring the needs and priorities of every Heartland Hawk are heard,” said Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille. “When he was a student, Josh had a good understanding of that role and exhibited so much growth as a leader. And we have seen that leadership continue as he continued his path after graduating from Heartland.”

In fact, Josh has now moved from the role of student to mentor.

After attaining his associate degree, Josh continued his education studying at Illinois State University where he also became involved in their student government. As he was completing his Bachelor of Applied Science degree at ISU, he decided to run for public office, looking to fill a vacancy on Heartland’s Board of Trustees. Elected in 2021, he became a full member of the Board.

With Josh’s unique experience as a previous Student Trustee, he has been a particularly valuable resource for the students who serve in that role each year. And he passes along the benefit of his experience.

“While not every student hangs around campus after graduation as long as I have, [I tell them] please know that every student who walks out these doors at Heartland at the end of their program is better for it,” Josh said.

Today, he serves as Director of Constituent Outreach for the office of State Senator Dave Koehler (IL-46).

He credits his community college experience as the launching pad for his many achievements.

“I have my dream job in my field of choice because of what I learned at Heartland,” he said. “But more importantly, I found confidence, some self-worth, and some self-love.” 

With Josh’s unique experience as a previous Student Trustee, he has been a particularly valuable resource for the students who serve in that role each year. And he passes along the benefit of his experience.

“While not every student hangs around campus after graduation as long as I have, [I tell them] please know that every student who walks out these doors at Heartland at the end of their program is better for it,” Josh said.

Today, he serves as Director of Constituent Outreach for the office of State Senator Dave Koehler (IL-46).

He credits his community college experience as the launching pad for his many achievements.

“I have my dream job in my field of choice because of what I learned at Heartland,” he said. “But more importantly, I found confidence, some self-worth, and some self-love.”

When Josh Crockett came to Heartland Community College in 2016, his educational journey, much less his career path, wasn’t quite mapped out.

“I came to campus after being an average high school student. I was completely in the dark with what I was passionate about or what I wanted to do with my life,” said Josh. “My parents said I had to get an associate degree and then I was free to do whatever I wanted.”

Sometimes academic success depends on getting the right support and finding the right fit for the way an individual learns. Heartland’s smaller class sizes and faculty involvement were a good fit for Josh.

“I started taking classes and getting involved with student engagement and student government,” he said. “I started feeling inspired about what could be for my life and my future.”

That inspiration led Josh to run for the office of Heartland Student Body President. He was selected to serve that important role in student government, and after completing his term as Student Government Association (SGA) President, he was selected as Heartland’s Student Trustee.

The Student Trustee holds privileges of Board of Trustees membership, including the right to make and second motions and attend executive sessions. As a non-voting member, the Student Trustee is not considered in determining a quorum for Board action. However, as a representative of the student body, the role carries a great deal of weight with the rest of the elected body.

“Hearing the student's voice is an integral component of college governance, and the Student Trustee plays an important role in ensuring the needs and priorities of every Heartland Hawk are heard,” said Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille. “When he was a student, Josh had a good understanding of that role and exhibited so much growth as a leader. And we have seen that leadership continue as he continued his path after graduating from Heartland.”

Dr. Keith Cornille, Ed.D.

Becky Ropp

HCC Board of Trustees Chair

Dr. Keith Cornille, Ed.D.

President Heartland Community College  

Becky Ropp