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Blackburn names Dr. Mark Biermann as 18th president

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CARLINVILLE, IL – The Blackburn College Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Dr. Mark Biermann has been named the next President of Blackburn College. He succeeds Provost Dr. John McClusky, who has served Blackburn as Interim President since December. Dr. Biermann will assume office on August 15, 2020.

Mike Smiley ‘71, chairman of the Blackburn College Board of Trustees, cited Biermann’s exceptional administrative and academic background as well as his demonstrated enthusiasm for Blackburn’s unique student-managed Work Program among the reasons he emerged as the best possible candidate to lead Blackburn at this key moment in the College’s history.

“Dr. Biermann’s proven leadership and educational experience is the perfect fit for Blackburn,” said Smiley. “We believe he is the right person to help shape the College’s future and we welcome him and his family to the Blackburn community.”

The selection of Dr. Biermann concludes a national search that formally launched in January 2020. A dedicated search committee consisting of 10 trustees, 4 staff, 4 faculty, and the Student Marshall spent countless hours reviewing information and interviewing an extremely competitive pool of qualified candidates. 

“Blackburn’s unique educational model and values resonated with all applicants, especially Dr. Biermann, in a profound way,” Smiley said.

“I believe that Blackburn is a national leader in what is probably the single most important area for a college or university: social mobility,” Dr. Biermann said. “Blackburn not only aspires to but is clearly succeeding in providing a distinctive and innovative model for higher education in America.” 

He continued, “I am humbled and honored by the privilege of serving as the next President of Blackburn College. Higher education and society more broadly must embrace the current opportunity to oppose and eliminate systemic racism and discrimination in all forms. Blackburn is uniquely positioned to address these issues with its focus on diversity, inclusion, and equity, and its singular commitment to lifting its students and communities through personal attention and outreach. Blackburn’s story needs to be shared and I look forward to supporting this work as we begin a new chapter for this remarkable institution.”   

Dr. Biermann has spent his entire professional career in higher education, holding a range of positions at a number of different colleges and universities. Biermann currently serves as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Valparaiso University in Indiana, responsible for all academic programs, student affairs, retention and student success, diversity and inclusion, innovation, and institutional effectiveness. Since 2014, he has led the effort to study, develop, and launch a comprehensive retention strategy, leading to first-to-second year retention improvements of 4.7% year to year in 2019. Biermann also worked closely with Valparaiso’s leadership in order to develop and implement a financial model that strengthens Valparaiso for long-term flourishing, including a $250 million comprehensive campaign.

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Prior to Valpo, Dr. Biermann has been an assistant or associate professor of physics at Whitworth College, Buena Vista University, Houghton College, and the United States Naval Academy, where he first earned tenure. Biermann served as Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Eastern Kentucky University and the inaugural dean of the School of Natural and Applied Sciences at Taylor University, leading the development and implementation of the administrative structures of this new School. He then served as the Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Wartburg College.

Dr. Biermann earned a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Optics from the University of Rochester. Biermann is married to the former Lois Ann Aude of Waterloo, NY, who also earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Optics at the University of Rochester. Together they are raising two daughters, Grace and Hope. The entire family is looking forward to joining Blackburn and the Carlinville community.

“As we look to the future at Blackburn College, the Board of Trustees are grateful for the commitment and leadership of Provost John McClusky,” Smiley said. “Dr. McClusky has been with Blackburn since 2015 and we thank him for his service, deftly guiding the college during this period of transition and its response to a global pandemic.”  

Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, co-educational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, IL. One of nine federally-recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn has the only student-managed Work Program in the nation providing an opportunity to develop critical skills and build a resume along with their degrees. In September 2019, U.S. News & World Report recognized Blackburn College as one of the top 10 best Liberal Arts Colleges in the Nation for Social Mobility. The Center for Education & the Workforce at Georgetown University ranked Blackburn as a top performer for Earnings-Price Return – 209% (#1 in IL, #10 in U.S.) and Net Price (#1 in IL; #11 in U.S.). The Washington Monthly twice ranked Blackburn as the best baccalaureate college in Illinois.

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Blackburn receives $4.8 million grant from IDCEO

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Funding Supports the Construction of a New Indoor Athletic Facility to Enhance the Blackburn Student Experience and Expand Community Engagement

CARLINVILLE, IL –  Blackburn College has been awarded a $4.8 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. Blackburn will utilize the funding to help create and construct the College’s new $6+ million indoor athletic practice facility, which broke ground in May.

With over 40,000 square feet of space, the building project is part of a comprehensive effort to provide Blackburn students and the community greater access to expanded athletic and recreational facilities. Announced earlier this year, the Winning Together campaign for athletics and enrollment aims to build a critical new chapter of the College’s legacy. The efforts will better meet Blackburn’s needs, providing essential space for existing NCAA Division III athletic programs to increase the number of athletes recruited but also allow for an expansion of the athletic offerings. For the entire campus community, the new facility will provide a space for intramural and recreational opportunities and instruction related to academic programs, including physical education and sports management.

Perhaps more importantly, the new facility will increase access to athletic facilities for Carlinville and Macoupin County. Blackburn’s current facilities are already in continual use for campus needs, making it challenging to offer space for community use. The new building will provide space for new opportunities for the surrounding communities, including youth sports, summer camps, and facilitating large gatherings.

“We pride ourselves on offering a high-quality experience for all Blackburn students,” said Kim Camara-Harvey, Athletic Director at Blackburn College. This project will mark one of the most significant investments Blackburn has made into its athletic facilities, and the new building will be the only practice space of its kind for midwestern NCAA Division III schools. “The grant and the state-of-the-art building will further elevate our abilities to support student-athletes, connect with the surrounding communities, and enhance the profile of the College.”

Located on the north end of campus and will feature a 200 x 120-foot turf field, retractable batting cages, a golf performance center with simulators, and a putting and chipping green. New locker rooms, coaching offices, and athletic training space in the facility will serve as the home base for Blackburn’s golf, softball, baseball, and soccer programs, as well as for the College’s newly established men’s and women’s wrestling teams, which are slated to begin competition during the 2023-2024 season.

In addition to the new building, the $7.7 million campaign will modernize this historic Dawes-Woodward Complex. Constructed in 1913, it is a living monument to the students who built it brick-by-brick as part of the school’s unique Work Program. The Dawes project – which will include a new basketball and volleyball court, roof replacement, HVAC upgrades, and a revitalized entryway – will relieve the pressure off Dawes and allow it to continue serving as an integral part of campus life. Winning Together will also transform the tennis courts into a racquet, pickleball and outdoor basketball complex.

“The vital role athletics plays in attracting new students to Blackburn – and keeping them here – cannot be overstated,” said Glen Krupica, Winning Together Campaign Manager. “While these enhancements will help our dedicated coaching staff build and strengthen athletic teams, they also enhance the experience for our Work Program and academics. Student-athletes are more invested in Blackburn, with higher GPAs, retention, and graduation rates, and, for every volleyball player or golfer we recruit, we are also recruiting an artist, a business major, or a future educator.”

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For more information regarding the Winning Together campaign, please visit blackburn.edu/winningtogether.

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Applications open for Golden Apple’s scholars and accelerators

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Aspiring teachers encouraged to apply to programs aimed at addressing Illinois’ teacher shortage crisis 

ILLINOIS – Golden Apple, a non-profit committed to preparing, supporting and mentoring aspiring teachers, is now accepting applications for both its Accelerators and Scholars programs. Golden Apple seeks to provide a pathway for aspiring educators to enter the profession through these programs and fill crucial open teaching positions across the state. 

Illinois faces an ongoing teacher shortage crisis, leading to classrooms lacking the highly-effective, well-qualified educators our students deserve. According to the 2022 – 2023 Educator Shortage Report from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents, 79% of school districts statewide reported having a teacher shortage problem in 2022, with more than 2700 open teacher, special education, and support staff positions remaining unfilled or filled with someone less than qualified. The teacher shortage crisis leads to teacher burnout, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of educators in areas such as bilingual and special education and STEM.

“Opening applications for our Scholars and Accelerators programs is always an exciting time for Golden Apple, but it’s particularly meaningful this year as we look to welcome the largest classes of Scholars and Accelerators in our history,” said Golden Apple President Alan Mather. “There are so many people out there looking for a way to make a difference in the lives of future generations who just need a path to get into the classroom. Golden Apple’s Scholars and Accelerators programs provide that path, and we encourage all of those interested in teaching to apply. We look forward to hearing from inspiring future teachers from all across our state!”

The Accelerators program is a 15-month teacher residency and licensure program that expedites the preparation of highly-effective teachers in areas-of-need throughout the state. Geared toward career changers with a bachelor’s degree and current college students not already on a teaching path, program participants take courses at a partner university, receive instruction from established educators, and work with mentors who provide ongoing support throughout the school year and into their first years of teaching. Accelerators receive a $10,000 stipend and have their University-based licensure tuition and fees funded by the program. 

The Scholars program focuses on teacher preparation and tuition assistance for high school seniors as well as freshman and sophomore college students in Illinois who have the determination and drive to teach. Scholars receive up to $23,000 in financial assistance, extensive classroom teaching experience, academic and social-emotional support, job placement assistance and mentoring from Golden Apple’s award-winning teaching faculty. Throughout the history of the program, 53% of Golden Apple Scholars have been Scholars of color and 97% of Scholars find employment within 90 days of graduation.

To learn more and apply for either the Accelerators or Scholars program, interested parties can visit www.goldenapple.org/accelerators and www.goldenapple.org/scholars

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Blackburn department of music and theatre presents “Almost, Maine” starting Sept. 29

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CARLINVILLE, IL — The Blackburn College Department of Music & Theatre will present their fall production “Almost, Maine” in Bothwell Auditorium on Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30, at 7 pm. A third performance is scheduled for Sunday, October 1 at 2 pm. Tickets are $10 to the public and free to any Blackburn students, faculty and staff. The play is produced by Blackburn’s Department of Music and Theatre and will be directed by Dr. Collin Vorbeck, Professor of Theatre. 

Vorbeck explained, “Almost, Maine is one of the most popular plays produced by colleges and universities over the past decade. Students will perform a series of nine different yet interconnected scenes about friendship, comfort, love, and relationships.”  He continued, “I encourage everyone to join us and celebrate the different ways we make connections with each other through the stories shared by these characters in a fictional small town not too dissimilar from Carlinville.”

If you would like tickets or additional information, please email theatre@blackburn.edu.

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