Lincoln Christian University Scaling Back Operations and Going Mostly Virtual

“When you have two of your three higher education institutions report closing or downsizing within 45 days, that’s definitely going to have an impact”

Posted by Mike LaChance Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 08:00am 1 Comment

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This is the second school named for Lincoln that’s been in the news lately. Last week we found out that Lincoln College is closing. And they’re both in the same area.

NPR Illinois reports:

Lincoln mayor: Community will survive the ‘devastating blow’ of college closure

The mayor of Lincoln said Thursday the loss of Lincoln College is a “devastating blow” to the Logan County community.

After 157 years, the college will close in May at the end of the school, while nearby Lincoln Christian University is reducing its footprint by going mostly virtual, said Mayor Tracy Welch.

“When you have two of your three higher education institutions report closing or downsizing within 45 days, that’s definitely going to have an impact,” said Welch, adding, for now, he wants to focus on Lincoln College’s employees and students

“Looking to pull in some economic development type of activities, whether that be opportunities for employment elsewhere, some benefits, whatever we may be able to come up with. So, some transitional items,” said Welch.

The mayor said he already has begun discussions with area lawmakers and economic development officials on how to come back from the closure.

“I think Lincoln will certainly survive. We’re a community and we will come back from this loss like we have others in the past. It may take us some time,” said Welch.

The campus is in a good location, he said, and would be attractive for another use, though he’s not yet aware of the college’s plans to deal with the land.

“The college in the past couple years put in a solar farm and they’ve got a lot of dorm space. I think the possibilities are not to say endless, but there’s a lot of possibilities,” said Welch.

He said the recreation center that could have multiple uses, and he wants to make sure the world-renowned Lincoln Heritage Museum continues to operate. It has been part of the college budget until now.