By Blake Haas

LINCOLN – After 157 years, Lincoln College is closing at the beginning of May due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a cyberattack.

The Board of Trustees has informed the Illinois Board of Higher Education and Higher Learning Commission of permanent closure, effective May 12, 2022.

“The loss of history, careers, and a community of students and alumni is immense,” Lincoln College President David Gerlach said.

Despite record enrollment in the fall of 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic noted a “significant drop in enrollment,” hindering the colleges’ success.

In addition, the college was a victim of a cyberattack in Dec. 2021.

“(The cyberattack) thwarted admissions activities and hindered access to all institutional data, creating an unclear picture for Fall 2022 enrollment projections,” the school said in a release. “All systems required for recruitment, retention, and fundraising efforts were inoperable.”

According to the school, the cyberattack was fully restored in March of this year.

“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,” President Gerlach added.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].