At Joliet Junior College (JJC)—recognized as the first public community college in the United States—education is more than a classroom experience. It’s a bridge to opportunity, connection, and lifelong growth. Under the leadership of Dr. Clyne G.H. Namuo, the College’s 10th president, JJC is introducing innovative programs that serve students of all ages and backgrounds, including initiatives that directly support kids, families, and the broader community.
Dr. Namuo is committed to embedding JJC into the community it serves and creating educational pathways with lasting generational impact. His vision focuses on inclusivity, academic excellence, and civic engagement. With an academic background in higher education strategy, information systems, and marketing, he brings both experience and heart to his leadership. He also serves on several local boards, including the Will County Center for Economic Development, Greater Joliet Area YMCA, Grundy Economic Development Council, and Will County Habitat for Humanity.
Programs like Future Wolves introduce young learners to college early. An outreach initiative aimed at building relationships with K-5 students within the college’s seven-county district, this week-long summer camp invites students to explore subjects like art, science, and sports in a fun, hands-on environment. More than 100 children have participated so far, supported by a $50,000 grant from Constellation Energy. Inspired by this outreach, JJC created the Mobile Planetarium—an inflatable, traveling dome set up in elementary school gyms. To date, over 8,000 students and teachers have experienced its immersive educational shows.
“We want to make college feel accessible to every child,” said Dr. Namuo. “It’s about creating pathways, not obstacles.”
The 12x12x12 Dual Credit initiative offers high school students a powerful head start by allowing them to take college-level courses in the comfort of their high school. Participants can earn up to 12 college credits, at $12 per credit hour, by 12th grade — significantly reducing both the time and cost of a college education. Especially impactful for first-generation and underserved students, the program combines dual credit coursework with advising and support to build confidence and college readiness.
In April 2024, JJC was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) as Hispanic enrollment reached 33%. This allows the college to pursue federal funding to expand scholarships, academic support, and culturally responsive services for Hispanic and Latinx students.
Opening this fall, the Crawford Honors College—made possible by a generous grant from Dr.Curtis and Mrs. Gina Crawford—will welcome its first 26 students. The program offers financial coverage, honors-level curriculum, research opportunities, priority advising, study abroad options, and a vibrant community of scholars.
Workforce development is also a major priority. The Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI), funded by $850,000 in grants, offers training in high-demand careers like commercial truck driving and EKG technology—complete with stipends, transportation, and supplies. The After 22 Program serves neurodiverse adults with vocational classes such as Art & Entrepreneurship and Around the World Cooking, helping students gain confidence, independence, and practical skills.
The college also earned an IDEAS Grant to create a study abroad experience for veterinary and environmental science students exploring global conservation through the “One Health” approach.
What’s ahead? Expansion westward into Grundy County in the city of Morris, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, and stronger high school partnerships to the east to extend dual credit programs—eventually seeing high schoolers graduate with associate degrees.
When asked what he hopes to ultimately be known for, Dr. Namuo said: “I want to make sure I leave JJC better than I found it. I want to uplift a generation, and higher education is a strong vehicle for that.”