Rend Lake College

Rend Lake College stands as a beacon of accessible higher education in Southern Illinois, with a rich history rooted in a commitment to community development. Initially established in 1955 as Mt. Vernon Community College, its founding was a direct response to the need for local post-secondary opportunities. The institution evolved significantly following the pivotal Junior College Act of 1965, leading to its official renaming as Rend Lake College in December 1966 and beginning operations from the Mt. Vernon Township High School in 1967.

Fueled by strong community support, evident in a voter-approved $3.1 million bond issue in 1967, Rend Lake College quickly transitioned to its own expansive 350-acre campus near Ina, Illinois. This strategic location, nestled between Interstate 57 and Rend Lake, facilitated growth and accessibility. The groundbreaking for its permanent home in March 1969 coincided with a significant milestone: the college received its initial accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, affirming its quality and dedication to academic excellence from its early years.

Today, Rend Lake College is particularly known for its robust applied science and vocational programs, designed to meet the demands of modern industries. The 22,300 square feet Applied Science Center, opened in 2005, is a testament to this focus, housing specialized programs such as Agricultural Business, Heavy Equipment, and Diesel Technology. Furthermore, the college is home to a state-of-the-art 20,000 square feet Coal Mining Training Center, established with over $2.6 million in grant funding, which began welcoming students in 2009. These facilities, alongside off-campus extensions like the Rend Lake College MarketPlace and the Murphy-Wall Pinckneyville Campus, ensure students gain practical, career-ready skills in a supportive learning environment.