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Illinois Central College Names Michael Unes as Vice President of Institutional Advancement

by Amanda Lewis

East Peoria, IL (06/03/2024) — Illinois Central College (ICC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Unes as its new Vice President of Institutional Advancement. Unes brings over 25 years of distinguished leadership experience in public service, fundraising, and non-profit operations to his new role.

In his capacity as Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Unes will spearhead fundraising efforts for the College. His primary objective will be to advance the College's mission of excellence in teaching, educational programming, technology, innovative initiatives, and facilities to positively impact lives in the community.

Unes joins ICC following a successful tenure as Vice President at UnityPoint Health/Carle Health, where he was instrumental in leading fundraising and philanthropic endeavors across the region, including overseeing a $30 million capital campaign to establish a children's hospital focusing on mental and behavioral health outcomes.

"Mike Unes brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to Illinois Central College," said Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, President of ICC. "His strategic vision, leadership skills, and commitment to community engagement make him an ideal fit for this role. We are confident that under his guidance, ICC will reach new heights in changing the trajectory of lives in the Central Illinois community."

Prior to his role at UnityPoint Health, Unes served as a State Representative for the 91st District in the Illinois General Assembly, where he earned bi-partisan respect for his legislative accomplishments and commitment to serving his constituents. He also served as a city councilman for the City of East Peoria.

"My commitment to Illinois Central College aligns seamlessly with its mission," said Unes. "I am excited to leverage my experience and passion for philanthropy to enhance fundraising efforts and support the College's growth and development."

Unes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Bradley University. He currently serves as a board member for Wildlife Prairie Park, is the immediate past board president for the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce, and formerly served on the boards of the Itoo Society and Pediatric Resource Center.

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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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