HARRISBURG – Southeastern Illinois College bids a heartfelt farewell to longtime Board Chair Dr. Patrick York, who retired this month after 18 years of dedicated service to the college and community.
Dr. York, a respected veterinarian and co-owner of Harrisburg Veterinary Clinic, was first elected to the SIC Board of Trustees in 2007 and was named chair the following year. Since then, he has been a steadfast advocate for student success, workforce development, and community engagement.
“Dr. York has been a passionate and visionary leader who helped steer SIC through both growth and challenges,” said Dr. Jonah Rice, former SIC President. “His service has made a lasting impact on our students, faculty, and region.”
Current President Dr. Karen Weiss added, “Dr. York’s leadership has shaped SIC in so many positive ways. He led with integrity, vision, and a deep belief in the power of community college education. His legacy will be felt for years to come.”
As Chair of the Board for much of his tenure, Dr. York played a critical role in major institutional accomplishments, including the groundbreaking of the new Stanford D. Williams Career & Training Center in Carmi, a regional hub for career and technical education. He was also instrumental in the launch of the Saluki Step Ahead program partnership with SIU Carbondale, helping SIC students more easily transition into four-year degree programs.
A proud father of six, Dr. York had the unique honor of personally handing each of his children their SIC diplomas during his time on the board. His unwavering belief in the value of community college education extended well beyond his family—Dr. York is a Falcon Society Lifetime Member and a Dream Maker Society member with the SIC Foundation, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the college’s future.
Dr. York’s final board meeting took place in March, marking the end of an era at SIC. His legacy of leadership, generosity, and Falcon pride will continue to inspire.
“Serving on the SIC Board has been one of the great privileges of my life,” said Dr. York. “This college is a pillar of opportunity in our region, and I’m proud to have been part of its mission for nearly two decades.”
Dr. York was honored with a private retirement dinner on April 15, surrounded by family and SIC colleagues, celebrating his nearly two decades of leadership and lasting contributions to the college.
