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

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING CENTER

The Central Illinois landscape has adopted a different look in the 21st century as industrial wind turbines have popped up amongst the corn and soybean fields.

As a high school student in Delavan, Illinois, Dakota Carter watched an industrial wind farm with 200-foot turbines crop up just outside his hometown.

“I was always fascinated by renewable energy,” said Dakota. “I love having a job that makes the world a cleaner place.”

The pathway to Dakota’s job came through Heartland’s Renewable Energy program. Today, he is the Site Supervisor of Rail Splitter Wind Farm, owned by EDP Renewables North America. He began working with the company as an intern, an opportunity he learned about when the hiring manager of the company came to talk to one of his classes at Heartland.

Anchored by the State Farm Electric Vehicle Lab, Heartland’s Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) represents a new era for the College. It’s an era that matches the College’s strong transfer-based programs with additional degrees and certificates designed to develop hands-on skills.

SERVING OUR STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY

Dakota Carter ('17)

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

HCC President Cornille at the AMC ribbon cutting with board chair Becky Ropp and Governor JB Pritzker.

AGRICULTURE COMPLEX

Since opening in January of 2024, the Heartland Community College Agriculture Complex has been a popular spot.

Since the Agriculture Complex opened, the facilities have served as a premier community center for agriculture, hosting many ag educational and industry groups. Professional organizations, FFA and 4-H clubs, and area agribusiness leaders all booked spaces during a busy first summer in the complex.

The Complex will develop even more over the next few years as a food forest and test plots are planted to not only provide instructional opportunities, but to nourish the natural environment of the campus.

Most importantly, the complex supports Heartland’s expansion of ag education with three new degree programs and multiple certificate programs, which lead to rapid employment in the agriculture industry.

With two million acres focused on agriculture in Heartland Community College District 540, there is a need to maintain a workforce pipeline in these fields. As students from various backgrounds learn about the possibilities in ag specialization, they open new pathways toward careers in our community.

Lauren Monk

STUDENT PROFILE

Lauren Monk hit the ground running as a college student. In her two years at Heartland, she has not only dug deep into her studies, but also found time to be an active member of the Professional Agriculture Student organization (PAS), served as a student ambassador, and led the student Collegiate Farm Bureau Club (formerly known as the Agriculture Club).

Finding the place to start her college career took a little more time.

Lauren was heavily involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter at Heyworth High School. She knew she wanted to study agriculture in college but wasn’t sure what was the best fit. After visiting four-year institutions in Illinois and out of state, she signed up for a prospective student tour of the main campus at Heartland.

“Coming from a graduating class of 60 people, the thought of not knowing anyone was terrifying,” Lauren said. “During my tour at Heartland, I listened to a student talk about her experiences and made my decision that day. Between the small class sizes and having the opportunity to know my instructors, I have loved it.”

Throughout her time at Heartland, Lauren has represented the College not only as a student ambassador but also as a student speaker at events such as the Agriculture Complex ribbon cutting. She has also spoken to numerous high school FFA and 4-H students about college and following their passion during recruitment events.

“Lauren has been such a wonderful student leader here at Heartland Community College and we are so grateful for all she has done,” said Associate Dean of Career and Technical Education, Kortney Watts. “She is always looking for ways to get the youth and fellow students in our area more excited and involved within the agriculture community. I believe that through the rest of her college career, we can continue to expect amazing things from Lauren.”

Lauren also competed in State and National PAS competitions. She placed as a national runner-up in both Agriculture Education and Agriculture Education Career Planning, and was a member of the Heartland PAS College Bowl team that competed at the National Conference.

Between semesters, Lauren made the most of her summer with an internship at the McLean County 4-H Extension office and assisted with the McLean County Fair.

In her freshman year, Lauren was one of only 55 students across the U.S. and Canada to be named a GROWMARK Scholar.

In the fall of 2024, Lauren was honored with the Emerging Leader in Agriculture Award from the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes a young professional, high school, or college student engaged in non-production agriculture who has served to improve agriculture through civic and community activities.

With an associate degree (and a welding certificate) in hand, Lauren plans on finishing her bachelor’s at Illinois State University in Agriculture Communications.

As with the Agriculture Complex, the AMC opened for instruction in January of 2024. The facility supports the 18 expanded degree or certificate programs in Industrial Technology that the College has added since 2019.

Manufacturing generates $2 billion in economic output in McLean County. The skills students gain in Robotics, Automation, Fabrication, Machine Tool Technology, and other Industrial Technology certificate programs are vital for today’s manufacturing workforce.

Bolstered trades programming adds more options for those looking for a solid income and job security. The new HVAC-R Lab houses instruction in residential and industrial heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment that requires specialized knowledge. Students can complete the HVAC-R Installer Microcertificate in as little as one semester and move on to the workforce, or continue toward an associate degree in Industrial Technology.

- Lauren Monk

The Electric Vehicle (EV) and Energy Storage programs, and the EV Lab that supports them, received a great deal of publicity since the AMC opened. A visit from the governor, combined with an industry that has garnered a lot of attention, has generated tremendous interest for Heartland not only in Central Illinois, but worldwide.

In addition to these programs are other instructional opportunities being provided throughout the cutting-edge facility.

- Dakota Carter 

As his career in the wind industry advanced, Dakota kept in touch with one of his instructors, Chris Miller, which has been a mutually beneficial relationship. Dakota has been able to provide an industry perspective for those working on the curriculum of the Heartland program, and in turn, he has been able to connect with students who are looking for jobs in the industry after completing the program.

Dakota has praise for his former instructor.

“Chris is always trying to improve the program to help students get better jobs and have a better chance of advancing once they are in the field.”

The opportunity is certainly there for anyone looking to develop skills for the renewable energy industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows wind turbine service technician as one of the fastest-growing jobs over the next decade. Solar photovoltaic installers are also near the top of that list.

Dakota says the occupational outlook for those looking to join him in the renewable energy industry and build up their skills is strong.

“If you enjoy critical thinking and are always looking to improve,” he said, “You can go far in this industry.”

Before coming to Heartland, Dakota completed a Bachelor of Business Administration at Robert Morris University. After graduating with that degree, he sought entry into the renewable energy industry. He enrolled in a certificate program at Heartland to increase his knowledge specific to renewable energy systems like wind and solar. Ultimately, he earned certificates at Heartland in Electrical Systems Technology, Building Environmental Controls, and Sustainable Energy Systems.

“Heartland gave me the skills I needed to not just get a job in my chosen field, but to advance as well,” Dakota said. “The program was very hands-on and beginner-friendly. Just like everything else in life, you get out of it what you put into it. There was always room to go above and beyond and learn more.”

29,500 square feet of learning space supports instruction in plant and animal science, soil analysis, precision planting, drone technology, agribusiness, and other coursework. The McLean County Farm Bureau Agricultural Lab has a flexible use design that accommodates everything from large machinery and live animals to agribusiness conferences.

29,500 square feet of learning space supports instruction in plant and animal science, soil analysis, precision planting, drone technology, agribusiness, and other coursework. The McLean County Farm Bureau Agricultural Lab has a flexible use design that accommodates everything from large machinery and live animals to agribusiness conferences.

Since the Agriculture Complex opened, the facilities have served as a premier community center for agriculture, hosting many ag educational and industry groups. Professional organizations, FFA and 4-H clubs, and area agribusiness leaders all booked spaces during a busy first summer in the complex.

The Complex will develop even more over the next few years as a food forest and test plots are planted to not only provide instructional opportunities, but to nourish the natural environment of the campus.

Most importantly, the complex supports Heartland’s expansion of ag education with three new degree programs and multiple certificate programs, which lead to rapid employment in the agriculture industry.

With two million acres focused on agriculture in Heartland Community College District 540, there is a need to maintain a workforce pipeline in these fields. As students from various backgrounds learn about the possibilities in ag specialization, they open new pathways toward careers in our community.

Lauren Monk hit the ground running as a college student. In her two years at Heartland, she has not only dug deep into her studies, but also found time to be an active member of the Professional Agriculture Student organization (PAS), served as a student ambassador, and led the student Collegiate Farm Bureau Club (formerly known as the Agriculture Club).

Finding the place to start her college career took a little more time.

Lauren was heavily involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter at Heyworth High School. She knew she wanted to study agriculture in college but wasn’t sure what was the best fit. After visiting four-year institutions in Illinois and out of state, she signed up for a prospective student tour of the main campus at Heartland.

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Lauren also competed in State and National PAS competitions. She placed as a national runner-up in both Agriculture Education and Agriculture Education Career Planning, and was a member of the Heartland PAS College Bowl team that competed at the National Conference.

Between semesters, Lauren made the most of her summer with an internship at the McLean County 4-H Extension office and assisted with the McLean County Fair.

In her freshman year, Lauren was one of only 55 students across the U.S. and Canada to be named a GROWMARK Scholar.

In the fall of 2024, Lauren was honored with the Emerging Leader in Agriculture Award from the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes a young professional, high school, or college student engaged in non-production agriculture who has served to improve agriculture through civic and community activities.

With an associate degree (and a welding certificate) in hand, Lauren plans on finishing her bachelor’s at Illinois State University in Agriculture Communications.

“Lauren has been such a wonderful student leader here at Heartland Community College and we are so grateful for all she has done,” said Associate Dean of Career and Technical Education, Kortney Watts. “She is always looking for ways to get the youth and fellow students in our area more excited and involved within the agriculture community. I believe that through the rest of her college career, we can continue to expect amazing things from Lauren.”

Lauren also competed in State and National PAS competitions. She placed as a national runner-up in both Agriculture Education and Agriculture Education Career Planning, and was a member of the Heartland PAS College Bowl team that competed at the National Conference.

Between semesters, Lauren made the most of her summer with an internship at the McLean County 4-H Extension office and assisted with the McLean County Fair.

In her freshman year, Lauren was one of only 55 students across the U.S. and Canada to be named a GROWMARK Scholar.

In the fall of 2024, Lauren was honored with the Emerging Leader in Agriculture Award from the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes a young professional, high school, or college student engaged in non-production agriculture who has served to improve agriculture through civic and community activities.

With an associate degree (and a welding certificate) in hand, Lauren plans on finishing her bachelor’s at Illinois State University in Agriculture Communications.

Back to top

Anchored by the State Farm Electric Vehicle Lab, Heartland’s Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) represents a new era for the College. It’s an era that matches the College’s strong transfer-based programs with additional degrees and certificates designed to develop hands-on skills.

The Electric Vehicle (EV) and Energy Storage programs, and the EV Lab that supports them, received a great deal of publicity since the AMC opened. A visit from the governor, combined with an industry that has garnered a lot of attention, has generated tremendous interest for Heartland not only in Central Illinois, but worldwide.

In addition to these programs are other instructional opportunities being provided throughout the cutting-edge facility.

Manufacturing generates $2 billion in economic output in McLean County. The skills students gain in Robotics, Automation, Fabrication, Machine Tool Technology, and other Industrial Technology certificate programs are vital for today’s manufacturing workforce.

Bolstered trades programming adds more options for those looking for a solid income and job security. The new HVAC-R Lab houses instruction in residential and industrial heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment that requires specialized knowledge. Students can complete the HVAC-R Installer Microcertificate in as little as one semester and move on to the workforce, or continue toward an associate degree in Industrial Technology.

Heartland’s Renewable Energy programs have been in place for more than a decade. With the rise of solar and wind farms in Central Illinois, the need for solar installers, wind turbine technicians, energy auditors, site assessors, and other positions has grown. It is part of Heartland’s mission to utilize the College’s resources to promote a sustainable future. With programs such as these, the College is helping individuals gain the skills that will move them into a sustainable career.

- Dakota Carter -

The Central Illinois landscape has adopted a different look in the 21st century as industrial wind turbines have popped up amongst the corn and soybean fields.

As a high school student in Delavan, Illinois, Dakota Carter watched an industrial wind farm with 200-foot turbines crop up just outside his hometown.

“I was always fascinated by renewable energy,” said Dakota. “I love having a job that makes the world a cleaner place.”

The pathway to Dakota’s job came through Heartland’s Renewable Energy program. Today, he is the Site Supervisor of Rail Splitter Wind Farm, owned by EDP Renewables North America. He began working with the company as an intern, an opportunity he learned about when the hiring manager of the company came to talk to one of his classes at Heartland.

Before coming to Heartland, Dakota completed a Bachelor of Business Administration at Robert Morris University. After graduating with that degree, he sought entry into the renewable energy industry. He enrolled in a certificate program at Heartland to increase his knowledge specific to renewable energy systems like wind and solar. Ultimately, he earned certificates at Heartland in Electrical Systems Technology, Building Environmental Controls, and Sustainable Energy Systems.

“Heartland gave me the skills I needed to not just get a job in my chosen field, but to advance as well,” Dakota said. “The program was very hands-on and beginner-friendly. Just like everything else in life, you get out of it what you put into it. There was always room to go above and beyond and learn more.”

As his career in the wind industry advanced, Dakota kept in touch with one of his instructors, Chris Miller, which has been a mutually beneficial relationship. Dakota has been able to provide an industry perspective for those working on the curriculum of the Heartland program, and in turn, he has been able to connect with students who are looking for jobs in the industry after completing the program.

Dakota has praise for his former instructor.

“Chris is always trying to improve the program to help students get better jobs and have a better chance of advancing once they are in the field.”

The opportunity is certainly there for anyone looking to develop skills for the renewable energy industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows wind turbine service technician as one of the fastest-growing jobs over the next decade. Solar photovoltaic installers are also near the top of that list.

Dakota says the occupational outlook for those looking to join him in the renewable energy industry and build up their skills is strong.

“If you enjoy critical thinking and are always looking to improve,” he said, “You can go far in this industry.”

Back to top