CARMI (SIC NEWS) – Community leaders, educators and residents gathered Tuesday to celebrate the grand opening of the Stanford D. Williams Career and Training Center on Southeastern Illinois College’s Carmi campus.
Located north of the David L. Stanley White County Center, the facility represents the culmination of decades of planning to expand access to career and technical training in the northern region of SIC’s district. A ribbon cutting ceremony led by the Carmi Chamber of Commerce, remarks from college and state leaders, and guided tours welcomed guests into the completed space, which supports programs in welding, commercial driver’s license (CDL), auto/diesel technology, and introductory trades education.
“This project has been a long time in the making,” said Dr. Karen Weiss, SIC President. “It began with an idea over 20 years ago — a vision to bring training opportunities closer to home for our northern district. Today, that vision is reality. This center will provide a practical path forward for our students and a stronger workforce for our region.”
“From welding to automotive technologies, this state-of-the-art facility will set hardworking Illinoisans up for success in high-demand careers,” said Governor JB Pritzker in a statement provided for the event. “Through historic state investments, we’re creating regional hubs for workforce development and helping Illinoisans access the educational opportunities they need to make a real impact on their workplaces, local economies, and the communities they call home.”
The event also recognized Stanford D. Williams, for whom the center is named. A respected businessman and longtime advocate for vocational education, Williams provided a significant private gift that helped move the project forward. He offered brief remarks at the event, thanking attendees and expressing his appreciation to Dr. Frank Barbre, SIC Board of Trustees Vice Chair, and Lance Barbre, SIC Foundation Executive Finance Committee Member, for their contributions to the project’s success.
In addition to Williams’ contribution, the project was supported by numerous generous partners, including The Absher Charitable Foundation, Campbell Resources, Elastec, Roark Trucking, Martin & Bayley’s CWD Transport, Vibracoustic, White County Board, and Geo. N. Mitchell Drilling Co., Inc. with Chris and Barb Mitchell and family. These donors, recognized at the event and on permanent signage, played a vital role in making the center a reality.
The facility was funded through a combination of state and local support, including more than $4.9 million in Capital Development Board (CDB) funding and a $505,667 donation from Williams. Additional planning and design efforts were led by the CDB.
“This new industrial training facility represents a major investment in the future of skilled trades in Southern Illinois,” said TJ Edwards, Executive Director of the Illinois Capital Development Board, in a statement provided for the event. “The modern space is designed with workforce readiness in mind, with specialized spaces for training and growth. We’re proud to bring this vision to life for the campus community.”
“This center was built during an especially challenging time — from rising costs and supply delays to uncertain funding,” said Dr. Frank Barbre, Vice Chair of the SIC Board of Trustees. “But thanks to the unwavering commitment of our leadership, the dedication of our staff and faculty, and the generosity of our community — especially Stan Williams — the dream became reality. Now that it’s complete, the real work begins: helping students and adults gain the technical skills that lead to good-paying jobs and a stronger local workforce.”
The event included remarks from regional officials and board members, with a slideshow of construction photos highlighting progress since the 2022 groundbreaking. Attendees also received SIC-branded souvenirs and enjoyed refreshments in the seminar room.
Enrollment is now open for fall programs housed at the Williams Center. For more information about training opportunities at Southeastern Illinois College, visit sic.edu or call 618-252-5400.
