For more than 100 years, Methodist College has provided a supportive learning environment that gives future healthcare administrators, social workers, medical assistants and nurses the tools needed to take on the health challenges of tomorrow. The college is committed to continuing to lead the region in developing local clinical expertise to improve the wellbeing of families and individuals across the region and beyond. To support continuity in student programming and experience, the organization is naming a new interim Chancellor, Kayla Banks, PhD, RN, NEA-BC. The current chancellor, Laurie Shanderson, PhD, FACHE, submitted her resignation. Dr. Banks has committed to supporting Methodist College for the next academic year to offer consistency while a search moves forward for a permanent Chancellor to drive forward the mission of the College into the future.
“We have a clear vision for the future of Methodist College and our incoming and outgoing leadership are aligned in that approach,” Jerry Bell, EdD, Methodist College Board chair said. “We’ve established a robust strategy to propel the institution forward and we know Dr. Banks will help us continue toward those efforts while offering her unique perspective and experience to support the experience of students.”
Methodist College continues to see excellent graduation rates with an 81% NCLEX-RN Pass Rate for the baccalaureate nursing program in 2022. The Methodist College Board and faculty are focused on bringing an exemplary academic foundation combined with unique hands-on training and talented teaching to ensure the success of each student. The college integrated into the Carle Health system in April of this year alongside several clinical facilities in the Greater Peoria area. Dr. Banks, the board and faculty will help steward the institution through this transition and ensure students receive consistent, exceptional training to deliver high-value, compassionate healthcare upon graduation.
Dr. Banks is a clinical instructor and was the founding Executive Director at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine. She currently leads multiple, large Carle Health Champaign-Urbana service areas including Women’s, Children’s and Diagnostic Services and has served in a variety of leadership roles since joining the healthcare system in 2010.
“At a time when local healthcare continues to evolve, supporting the next generation of administrators and clinicians is critical to ensuring our communities have the expertise needed to thrive,” Dr. Banks said. “The Methodist College Board has a strong vision for the future of the institution and I am so excited to be a part of this dedicated team of faculty and team members who are changing students’ lives every day.”
As a teaching institution, Carle Health takes the responsibility to prepare the next generation of healthcare clinicians very seriously. Carle Health and the Methodist College Board are steadfast in the commitment to growing the impact of Methodist College, helping more people find fulfilling careers in healthcare.
No other positions in the institution are affected by this transition and students will not experience any changes in their programming or course work. Dr. Shanderson held the role with Methodist College for nearly three years.
Learn more about the degrees and programs offered at Methodist College.