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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3Representatives wish to congratulate Dr. Jonah Rice on his
4retirement after dedicating three decades of his life to the
5field of higher education and leaving an indelible mark on
6Southeastern Illinois College (SIC); and
 
7    WHEREAS, Dr. Rice began his journey in 1990 as a junior
8faculty member, and his commitment to SIC has been steadfast;
9he played a pivotal role in establishing the college's theatre
10program and coached multiple national championship speech and
11debate teams; over the years, he progressed through various
12roles, serving as chair for the Humanities Division and
13eventually assuming the mantle of interim president in 2009;
14and
 
15    WHEREAS, Dr. Rice is a true product of SIC and Southern
16Illinois; his educational journey began after graduating from
17Carrier Mills High School; he earned an Associate of Arts from
18SIC before furthering his studies at Bradley University,
19Central Michigan University, and Regent University,
20culminating in a Ph.D.; and
 
21    WHEREAS, Dr. Rice's influence extended beyond the
22classroom as a distinguished coach for the nationally renowned

 

 

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1SIC Forensic Falcons speech program; he also played a crucial
2role in steering the college through successful
3reaccreditations with the Higher Learning Commission, further
4solidifying SIC's reputation for academic excellence; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Dr. Rice's leadership and advocacy garnered
6widespread recognition throughout his tenure; he served as
7president of the Illinois Community College Presidents Council
8and received accolades such as the Advocacy Award from the
9Illinois Community College Trustees Association; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Dr. Rice's steadfast guidance ensured SIC's
11resilience and continued growth despite facing numerous
12challenges, including the 2012 Leap Day Tornado, the historic
13budget impasse of 2016-2017, the dropping district population,
14losses in the local economy, and a pandemic; his strategic
15vision, coupled with his ability to forge meaningful
16partnerships, resulted in transformative initiatives,
17including the establishment of the Ella Elizabeth Hise Museum
18of Regional Art on the Harrisburg campus and a new Stanford D.
19Williams Career and Training Center in Carmi; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Dr. Rice also spearheaded the establishment of
21several innovative programs that have enriched the academic
22landscape of SIC, including biofuels, outdoor recreation,
23outfitter wildlife management, and powersports technology;

 

 

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1additionally, he played a pivotal role in the development of
2new campus teams, including bowling, archery, and esports,
3catering to diverse student interests; and
 
4    WHEREAS, Dr. Rice's impact at SIC is defined by his
5resolute dedication to the institution's mission and his
6profound impact on countless students, faculty, and staff; as
7he embarks on a new chapter, he leaves behind a legacy of
8servant leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to
9educational excellence; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Dr. Rice cherishes time with his wife, Megin, and
11their three adult children; he looks forward to pursuing
12personal interests, including writing, woodworking, cabin
13rental, consulting, and possibly even venturing into politics,
14all while cherishing the memories and lessons learned during
15his tenure at Southeastern Illinois College; therefore, be it
 
16    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
17HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
18we congratulate Dr. Jonah Rice on his retirement after
19dedicating three decades of his life to the field of higher
20education and leaving an indelible mark on Southeastern
21Illinois College; and be it further
 
22    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be

 

 

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1presented to Dr. Rice as a symbol of our respect and esteem.