Clark State College marked its 60th Annual Charter Night Tuesday, February 22 – the official 60^th anniversary of the College - with a virtual event. Charter Night serves to remind the college and community about the establishment of Clark State’s charter in 1966 to operate as a post-secondary institution in the region and also marks the beginning of Clark State’s Diamond Anniversary celebration.

Clark State Board of Trustees member Sharon Evans presented the prestigious Diversity and Inclusion Award.

Diversity Committee co-chairs Tabitha Parker & Roseann Terbay said Diversity and Inclusion Award winner Kristen Bancroft, medical laboratory technology instructor, exudes the “culture of care” the Clark State threads into its branding and day to day movements/strategic planning.

“Her work champions the ‘small moments’ to assist others, while creating the best student experience, that can often go unnoticed,” they said. “However, when we place all those ‘small moments’ together, we can see how they add up to be the difference in the success of people and programs. Ultimately, Professor Bancroft also frames the beauty of kindness, patience, and love for all those around her – especially those within the frame of rather diverse needs.”

In June of 2019, Bancroft transitioned from the health care industry to begin an entirely new career as an instructor at Clark State.

“During my interview, I discovered the position was going to be far more challenging than anticipated,” she said. “After barely getting my feet wet, we were thrown into a global pandemic, and I had to navigate teaching hands-on labs strictly in an online platform. Because I was challenged to instruct students in a restrictive setting, I had the incredible opportunity to scale and grow our program outside traditional classroom walls. I was open about my frustration, and it helped me remain true to my mission of developing our students into professionals’ worth hiring.”

Academic professionals were also recognized at Charter Night. These professionals perform a wide range of critical functions for the college community and beyond. The Professional Excellence Award celebrates outstanding full-time faculty and adjunct faculty for their professional accomplishments, dedication, and commitment to the College.

2022 Adjunct Professional Excellence Awardees

2022Faculty Professional Excellence Awardees

Each year Clark State honors staff who have gone above and beyond their regular duties to assist our students and customers, our co-workers and community partners and who are continually committed to the success of the College.

2022Staff Professional Excellence Awardees

In addition, 32 employees of Clark State were recognized for their years of service to the college. Faculty and Staff Professional Excellence Awards were also presented.

Clark State’s Charter Night officially launched several 60^th anniversary celebration events planned throughout the year. Area legislators, retirees, members of the Clark State Board of Trustees and Foundation Board of Directors were in attendance for the Charter Night festivities.

Throughout Clark State’s 60 years, the college has received numerous accolades for its achievements in diversity, equity and inclusion, workforce development, community partnerships and outreach, and educational milestones. The economic impact of Clark State on Champaign, Clark, Greene and Logan Counties is in excess of $161 million dollars annually.

While Clark State’s mission remains the same: to engage and empower diverse learners by providing high-quality educational programs and services that emphasize student and community success, the College will continue to keep striving forward.

“As we look back to celebrate 60 years of student and community success, we also need to have a vision for the future,” said Dr. Dawayne Kirkman, vice president of student affairs at Clark State. “Like a diamond, there are many facets to Clark State’s success. Looking to the next 60 years, our partnerships with our students and community will only grow and strengthen.”