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Alani Frederick is serving as the new Associate Dean of Nursing and Allied Health for Illinois Eastern Community Colleges.
A native of Akron, Ohio, Frederick comes to the district from Ivy Tech Community College at Sellersburg, Ind., where she was a nursing instructor for three years, serving the last two in a leadership role.
鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to becoming part of the OCC community,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he colleges have been warm and welcoming. There is a family atmosphere here with the faculty and staff and you see a bond among the students too. I鈥檓 looking forward to becoming a member of the family and being a part of that atmosphere.鈥
In her new position, Frederick will provide leadership for the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Frontier Community, Lincoln Trail, Olney Central and Wabash Valley colleges. She also will oversee the Radiography Program at OCC.
Frederick earned an associate鈥檚 degree in nursing at Ivy Tech and received her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees from Western Governors University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree from Northern Kentucky University.
Before joining Ivy Tech, Frederick was employed for nine years as a nurse, with specialized training in cardiac stepdown nursing. She worked in multiple departments at Baptist Health Floyd Hospital in New Albany, Ind., where she served as a nurse educator.
As a faculty member at Ivy Tech, Frederick continued to hold staff nurse positions and volunteered at a free clinic.
Frederick鈥檚 own journey into the nursing profession began in her early 20s when a friend suggested they enroll together in nursing courses.
鈥淪he pulled out a brochure from the local community college,鈥 Frederick recalled. 鈥淪he said, 鈥業鈥檓 going to sign up for the nursing program, why don鈥檛 you come too?鈥欌
Frederick, who was working as a waitress at the time, quickly agreed.
鈥淚 signed up, and she didn鈥檛,鈥 said Frederick, who discovered a passion for nursing as she interacted with patients.
鈥淚t proves that you can go into a good job that pays well and learn how to take care of people,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hat is a beautiful thing.鈥
Today, Frederick enjoys passing on her knowledge and sharing her excitement for nursing. She is looking forward to interacting with students at all four colleges in the IECC District.
鈥淚 love the students, watching them work through problems and how to care for a person,鈥 she said.
Frederick assumes her new position as nursing programs across the nation prepare for the implementation of a new NCLEX exam in 2023. Frederick, along with faculty, will be working to address the changes.
鈥淲e as a faculty group have to ensure our students are ready,鈥 she said. 鈥淲e want to produce graduates that are prepared for the workforce.鈥
As Associate Dean, Frederick also plans to place an emphasis on student satisfaction.
鈥淲e want successful and happy graduates who will tell others how great IECC is,鈥 she said. 鈥淚n talking with our students, many said they picked the college they are attending based on the reputation of the program in the community.鈥
In the future, Frederick also wants to strengthen ties with local communities.
鈥淲e have a fabulous program,鈥 she said. 鈥淲e want to make sure we are working to increase our community support. The students and their employers are happy, and we want to continue to grow that positivity within the community.鈥
Frederick鈥檚 husband, Adam, is from Flora and the family recently relocated to the area with their two children, Calliope, 7, and 10-month-old Ophelia.