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Coles Together Angela Griffin, President & CEO 400 Airport Road Mattoon, Illinois 61938 Ph: (217)258-5627 or (217)348-5627 - Fax:( 217)235-9492 Email: angela@colestogether.com
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Education
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Eastern Illinois University |
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Eastern Illinois University is one of seven residential public universities in the state of Illinois, located in Charleston, a rural community of 20,000 that lies 50 miles south of Champaign and 125 miles east of St. Louis. In a little less than a century, EIU has emerged as an outstanding academic institution with a growing reputation as a center for excellence in undergraduate and graduate education. Its admission standards and its graduation and retention rates are the second highest among public universities in Illinois (after the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign). |
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Chartered as a teacher’s college in 1895, the University has developed into a multi-purpose, public university offering superior undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities in liberal arts and professional studies. At Eastern, all efforts are focused on providing a relatively small number of highly motivated students with quality, affordable educational experiences in a safe, nurturing environment usually found at private liberal arts institutions. Senior faculty teach the vast majority of freshmen and sophomore courses, and small classes promote student learning and satisfaction with the EIU experience. |
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The University’s academic reputation is nationally recognized. The College Research Group of Concord, Massachusetts, lists Eastern in the top 25 percent among 1,500 four-year colleges, and Kiplinger’s Magazine ranks EIU in the top 100 of all public universities. Simon and Schuster’s Top American Colleges places Eastern in the company of the nation’s best colleges and universities. EIU offers 45 major courses of undergraduate study and a comprehensive range of master’s degree programs. Degrees are offered through the Colleges of Business and Applied Sciences; Arts and Humanities; Education and Professional Studies; Sciences; and the Board of Trustees degree program. A distinguished faculty of more than 600 full-time, part-time and adjunct members includes several Fullbright scholars and two endowed chairs; among all faculty, nearly 74 percent have earned doctorates or other appropriate terminal degrees. While many faculty have achieved prominence in research and publication, Eastern remains primarily a teaching institution. The academic presence is marked by a spirit of caring in which students are encouraged to grow both as scholars and as persons. |
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More than 10,500 students, about 78 percent of whom are full-time undergraduates, attend EIU each fall and spring semester. Approximately 3,500 students attend one of the four summer sessions. EIU is big enough to offer quality programming, yet small enough to offer personal attention. Although the University attracts many international and out-of-state students, most EIU students are Illinois residents, with nearly all of the state’s 102 counties represented in its student body. With more than 75,000 alumni, Eastern graduates have made significant contributions to Illinois and the nation in virtually every field of endeavor. |
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With 22 men’s and women’s varsity teams, EIU competes at the NCAA Division IAA in football and at the I level in all other sports. University athletes provide an immense source of pride and enjoyment for the entire region. EIU is a major cultural resource for Charleston, Mattoon, and surrounding communities. A broad range of music, dance and dramatic presentations, art exhibitions and lectures is available on campus. The Tarble Arts Center attracts more than 25,000 visitors a year. With more than 1,600 full-time employees and a payroll of nearly $50 million, the University is the largest employer in Coles County. |
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The University campus is located on 320 acres and consists of 72 buildings, including 12 residence halls and 17 apartment buildings. The University also owns wooded tracts near Charleston, which are used for nature study and life science research. University residence halls and dining services are designed to provide for the student’s education outside of the classroom. The basic philosophy is the development of the total student. |
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Lake Land College serves all or part of 15 counties in East Central Illinois including Effingham.
The main campus is located at the intersection of I-57 and U.S. Route 45, south of Mattoon, Illinois, with a permanent extension center, the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology, in Effingham
The College offers 81 technical degrees and certificate programs leading to a career and 45 pre-baccalaureate programs that permit a student to transfer. The College’s membership in the Illinois Articulation Initiative provides ease of transfer for students attending any participating university.
Bio-Technology Program
Starting the fall of 2002, students at Lake Land College can get hands-on laboratory experience in an effort to gain employment in fields like cancer research and other life science careers. A new biotechnology program designed by staff at the college is expected to allow at least 15 college students to begin the laboratory-based courses. The associate in science degree allows employment opportunities for graduates not transferring to a four-year university. Jobs for graduates with a two-year degree could pay a salary of $25,000 annually, but jobs for graduates with a four-year degree could pay between $40,000 and $60,000 annually.
Pre-School and Private Schools
Coles County offers a variety of pre-schools and private schools.
Excellence in Education
Coles Together is working with the public schools, Lake Land College, Eastern Illinois University and Coles County's Chambers of Commerce to develop programs that are designed to enhance our educational system. One such program that has evolved is the "mentoring program" that has been initiated at Mattoon High School. The Charleston High School is also currently developing a mentoring program. In addition, the local telephone company has offered an educational telephone network "Homework Hotline."
