Lincoln College to sell Normal campus as part of “reinvestment plan”

Posted on October 1, 2015

By Joe Ragusa

NORMAL – Lincoln College has announced plans to sell its campus in Normal and then lease back the main academic building.

The college announced Thursday that it’s going to eliminate one-year certification programs in cosmetology, esthetics, teacher training and massage therapy at the Normal campus and expand its Accelerated Bridge to Education program. The college is also going to eliminate its residence halls but it will try to lease back some residential housing.

Staffing will be realigned at the two campuses to reflect the new direction, according to a news release. 13 staff positions will be eliminated and four will be transferred to the campus in Lincoln at the end of the academic year.

Lincoln College President David Gerlach said the plans are part of a $7.6 million, 12 year reinvestment plan aimed at turning Lincoln College into Lincoln University. Gerlach said the college will add at least 12 additional baccalaureate degrees and a few master’s degree programs.

The college will also explore a move from the NJCAA to four-year college athletics.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].

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