Rend Lake College

Rend Lake College stands as a cornerstone of practical, career-focused education in Southern Illinois, dedicated to empowering its students for success in the regional workforce. What began as a local initiative to bring post-secondary education closer to home has evolved into a dynamic institution known for its hands-on approach and direct impact on community development.

The college's journey began in 1955 as Mt. Vernon Community College, an ambitious endeavor by High School District No. 201 to offer university-like curriculum to local students. The landscape of Illinois higher education transformed with the Junior College Act of 1965, born from the Illinois Board of Higher Education's master plan. This pivotal legislation led to the official renaming and organization of Rend Lake College on December 20, 1966. Starting in 1967 from the facilities of Mt. Vernon Township High School, the college quickly grew, securing a dedicated 350-acre campus near Ina, Illinois, and achieving its first accreditation just two years later.

Today, Rend Lake College is celebrated for its robust academic strengths, particularly in vocational and applied sciences. The 22,300 square feet Applied Science Center, opened in 2005, houses vital programs like Agricultural Business, Production, and Mechanics, along with Heavy Equipment and Diesel Technology. Further solidifying its commitment to regional industry, the 20,000 square feet Coal Mining Training Center, a state-of-the-art facility opened in 2009, offers crucial training, supported by significant state and federal grants. These facilities provide students with invaluable real-world experience, preparing them for high-demand careers.

Beyond its Ina campus, Rend Lake College extends its reach with off-campus sites such as the Rend Lake College MarketPlace in Mt. Vernon and the Rend Lake College Murphy-Wall Pinckneyville Campus, both added in 2002. These expansions underscore the college's ongoing dedication to making quality education accessible and responsive to the evolving needs of its diverse student body and the broader Southern Illinois community.