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Illinois Central College Names Derrell Carter as Chief of Staff to Drive Strategic Initiatives

by Amanda Lewis

East Peoria, IL (01/17/2025) — Illinois Central College (ICC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Derrell Carter as Chief of Staff, a new role designed to lead the implementation of the College's strategic plan, foster institutional effectiveness, and advance critical initiatives to maximize student success. Carter brings over 25 years of senior leadership experience in higher education and business, with a track record of transformative achievements in strategic planning, enrollment management, and institutional advancement.

"Derrell Carter's proven leadership and strategic expertise will be instrumental in aligning our operational planning and institutional initiatives with the College's strategic goals," said ICC President Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey. "His ability to foster relationships, champion innovation, and drive data-informed decisions will help us maximize outcomes for both our students and our community. We are confident that under his guidance, ICC will reach new heights in changing the trajectory of lives in Central Illinois."

In his most recent role as Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, Carter spearheaded strategic initiatives that increased enrollment, improved marketing outcomes, and enhanced institutional visibility. Carter also served as Associate Vice President of Communications and Institutional Advancement at Triton College in River Grove, Illinois, where he built strategic partnerships and secured substantial external funding to support institutional goals.

As Chief of Staff at ICC, Carter will oversee key areas including institutional research, planning, accreditation, assessment, and change and project management. He will also act as a chief strategy advisor and liaison to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment of the College's strategic initiatives with its goal of empowering individuals in Central Illinois through educational and economic opportunities.

"I am honored to join Illinois Central College at such an exciting time," said Carter. "I look forward to working alongside President Quirk-Bailey and the dedicated ICC community to build on the College's strong foundation and advance its mission of student success and community impact."

Carter holds a bachelor's degree in public relations and master's degrees in media communications and finance from Webster University, additional master's degrees in business administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and political management from George Washington University, and an Education Specialist in Leadership degree from the American College of Education. He is also pursuing a Doctor of Education in Leadership degree from the American College of Education.

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Illinois Central College is a two-year community college with campuses in East Peoria, Peoria and Pekin, Illinois, providing a high-quality, affordable education to prepare students to enter the workforce or to transfer to a four-year institution. ICC is the 2020 awardee of the National Community College Charles Kennedy Equity Award from ACCT, a 2022 EDA Good Job Challenge Institution, and the Lead College for the state of Illinois' Workforce Equity Initiative. ICC also conducts original research in agricultural fields, including water quality and soil conservation. For more information, visit icc.edu.

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