HARRISBURG (SIC NEWS) — Former Southeastern Illinois College President Dr. Jonah Rice has been appointed by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker to serve on the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.
Dr. Rice brings more than 35 years of experience in education and public service, including his time as president of Southeastern Illinois College from 2009 to 2024. Under his leadership, SIC earned multiple national Aspen Prize nominations for excellence in education.
“I’m so appreciative to be appointed by Gov. JB Pritzker to the seven-member Illinois State Board of Education,” said Dr. Rice. “The Illinois K-12 system is one of the best in the country, and I look forward to working with State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders as well as the rest of the Board as we fulfill the mission of ISBE: ‘Provide each and every child with safe and healthy learning conditions, great educators, and equitable opportunities by practicing data-informed stewardship of resources and policy development, all done in partnership with educators, families, and stakeholders.’”
Quoting Thomas Jefferson, Rice added, “Mass education is vital for American democracy. Self-government requires an educated public to prevent tyranny and to succeed as a country. In that vein of thinking, I’m proud to serve this great state’s public education system.”
In addition to leading a successful community college, Dr. Rice served as chair of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents and as a member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s Strategic Planning Committee. In 2019, he was honored with the Illinois Community College Trustees Association’s Advocacy Award. He has also taught at various universities and worked as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission in Chicago.
Currently, Dr. Rice continues to contribute to education and the arts, serving on the boards of the Ella Elizabeth Hise Regional Art Museum and the Southeastern Illinois College Foundation.
“Dr. Rice has been a dedicated advocate for education at every level,” said Dr. Karen Weiss, current president of Southeastern Illinois College. “His deep knowledge, experience, and passion for public education will be a tremendous asset to the board and ultimately to students and families across Illinois.”
SIC Board Chair Dr. Pat York echoed that sentiment.
“We are proud to see Dr. Rice continue his service to education in such an important role,” York said. “His appointment reflects the high level of respect he has earned statewide, and we know he will represent our region and the entire Illinois education system with integrity and insight.”
Dr. Rice earned an Associate in Arts from Southeastern Illinois College, a Bachelor of Science from Bradley University, a Master of Arts from Central Michigan University, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Regent University.
