State of the College: JJC Announces Plans for New Campus in Grundy County

Joliet Junior College State of the College | February 4, 2026

Article Summary: During his State of the College address, Joliet Junior College (JJC) President Dr. Clyne Namuo announced the college is finalizing the acquisition of land for a new campus in Morris. The expansion aims to support the growing industrial and economic needs of Grundy County.

JJC Expansion Key Points:

• Location: The college is acquiring 20 acres located one mile north of State Route 47 and one mile north of Interstate 80 in Morris.

• Timeline: The timeline is currently described as “aspirational,” with a target to occupy the new campus by August 2028.

• Economic Drivers: The expansion is a response to significant job growth in Grundy County, including investments by Costco, Proctor & Gamble, and clean energy stations.

JOLIET — Joliet Junior College is set to expand its physical footprint with a new campus in Grundy County, President Dr. Clyne Namuo announced on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Speaking during the annual State of the College address, Namuo revealed that the college is close to finalizing the acquisition of 20 acres in Morris. The site is located one mile north of State Route 47 and one mile north of Interstate 80.

Namuo detailed the economic data driving the decision to expand, noting that job growth in Grundy County is currently double the national average. He cited major industrial developments as key motivators for the college’s increased presence, including a Costco distribution center, a Proctor & Gamble distribution center, and significant energy infrastructure such as the Dresden and Braidwood clean energy stations.

“JJC will do more in Grundy County and we look forward to what that more looks like,” Namuo said.

While the project is still in the planning phase, Namuo presented a timeline that he described as “aspirational.” The college aims to occupy the new facility by August 2028.

This potential expansion follows a history of capital improvements for the college. Namuo reviewed the institution’s 2008 master facilities plan, which resulted in approximately $200 million in projects, including the Campus Center, a science expansion, and the Health Professions Complex. He committed to carefully prioritizing future projects as the college considers its next 10-year plan.