Lincoln College in Illinois to close after 157 years due to COVID impact

LINCOLN — Lincoln College has notified the Illinois Board of Higher Education and Higher Learning Commission of permanent closure, effective May 13, according to a news release from the school. The Board of Trustees has voted to cease all academic programming at the end of the spring semester.

“Lincoln College has been serving students from across the globe for more than 157 years,” said David Gerlach, president of Lincoln College in the press release. “The loss of history, careers and a community of students and alumni is immense.”

Students and faculty were told of the closing during meetings Wednesday afternoon.

The institution, named for President Abraham Lincoln, experienced record-breaking student enrollment in fall 2019, with residence halls at maximum capacity. However, the coronavirus pandemic dramatically impacted recruitment and fundraising efforts, sporting events, and all campus life activities, according to the news release. The economic burdens initiated by the pandemic required large investments in technology and campus safety measures, as well as a significant drop in enrollment with students choosing to postpone college or take a leave of absence, which impacted the institution’s financial position.

.

Lincoln College's enrollment was 967 students, including those seeking bachelor's degrees.

Officials said the institution has worked to strengthen its financial position through fundraising campaigns, selling assets, consolidating employee positions, and exploring alternatives for the leased building in Normal. The efforts did not create long-term viability for Lincoln College in the face of the pandemic.

The college encouraged students and staff to review the frequently asked questions section on the college's website regarding the closure process. Academic support and transitional services will be available to students through the remainder of the semester.

“Though we are experiencing undeniable grief and sadness, we find comfort in knowing Lincoln College has served generations of alumni who have undoubtedly impacted our world,” Gerlach said.

In a joint statement, state Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason, and state Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, said Lincoln College's closure was devastating news for the local community.

"We both have had close family and friends who attended and graduated from Lincoln College, so we know just how special Lincoln is to its students and alumni," the statement read. “Our hearts go out to all of the lives that have been abruptly disrupted by this announcement. We promise to do everything within our power to help with the transition process for the students, faculty members, and staff impacted by the closure.”

Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch said the city plans to reach out to the state in hopes of help in what to do next.

“I was greatly saddened to hear about the announcement of Lincoln College’s impending closure. For more than 157 years, Lincoln College has been a pillar of our community and the education industry, proudly serving Lincoln residents as well as those who have traveled from afar. While the untimely announcement is sad, I am confident that the Lincoln College Board of Trustees took every possible action to avoid this devastating decision," wrote Welch on his Mayor Facebook page.

"As you can imagine, an announcement such as this impacts not only the faculty, staff and students but also the local businesses who serve the Lincoln College community. While it may take some time to realize the effects to the local economy, we must take immediate action to help those who have been individually impacted. That is why, this evening, I have reached out to several of our partners at the state and local level to discuss options. We will know more in the days to come but rest assured that we are all committed to doing everything within our power to help.”

David W. Tretter, president of the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities, said it was a sad day for a historical institution in central Illinois.

"It's a shame given the legacy of the institution, the graduates, the importance of its place in the community and as an employer," Tretter said. "Unfortunately, it's a by-product of the events of the last few years, including the state budget impasse, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges for college students over the past couple of years."

Lincoln College alumni included Lanphier High School's Kevin Gamble, who went on to play at Iowa and in the NBA; two-time UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes of Hillsboro; World Series champion manager Brian Snitker of the Atlanta Braves and former U.S. Congressman Edward Madigan.

State Journal-Register reporter Steven Spearie contributed.

This article originally appeared on Lincoln Courier: Lincoln College Illinois will close in May due to COVID-19 Impact