JJC Authorizes Land Buy for Grundy County Expansion, Secures Site in Morris

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | October 15, 2025

Article Summary
The Joliet Junior College (JJC) Board of Trustees has authorized negotiations for a land acquisition to build a new Grundy County campus, culminating a nearly two-year site selection process. The board approved a resolution to pursue a 46-acre parcel of farmland at the southeast corner of Illinois Route 47 and Grandville Road in Morris, a location praised for its accessibility and potential for long-term growth.

JJC Grundy County Expansion Key Points:

• The board passed a resolution authorizing land acquisition negotiations for a new campus.

• The proposed site is a 46-acre property at Route 47 and Grandville Road in Morris.

• The project aims to expand access and workforce development for the growing Grundy County region.

• Nancy Norton, representing the Grundy County Expansion Committee, affirmed the committee’s unanimous support for the selected site.

JOLIET, Il. – Joliet Junior College is moving forward with a significant expansion into Grundy County, with the Board of Trustees voting to authorize land acquisition negotiations for a new campus in Morris.

During its October 15 meeting, the board passed a resolution greenlighting the purchase of a 46-acre site located at the southeast corner of Illinois Route 47 and Grandville Road. The decision marks a major milestone in a process that began in 2023 to better serve the county’s growing population and expanding job market.

“This expansion represents a major investment in the communities in and around Grundy County, investments in access, investments in workforce development, and really the long-term educational and economic vitality of the region,” said JJC President Dr. Clyne Namuo.

Dr. Yolanda Farmer, who has led the expansion effort, presented the site to the board, noting it was unanimously endorsed by the Grundy County Expansion Committee, a group of local stakeholders.

Nancy Norton, speaking on behalf of the committee, highlighted the region’s rapid growth. “We are growing both in population, in jobs, in new businesses,” Norton said. “From a technical economic development perspective, it’s right off the highway. It’s great access, not just for Morris, but it’s great access for kids coming from Minooka and kids coming from Coal City.”

The 46-acre property has been farmed for decades by a local family. While a conceptual rendering was shown, Dr. Farmer emphasized that the college will now enter a “collaborative design phase” with architects and community members. The specific terms of the land purchase, discussed in closed session, will be brought back to the board for final approval in November.