In Spring 2014, the college enrolled 16,375 students.[4] Every year, 48,000 students enroll in the college's academic programs and in non-credit programs.
Joliet Junior College was founded in 1901 by J. Stanley Brown, Superintendent of Joliet Township High School, and William Rainey Harper, President of the University of Chicago. Brown, who came to Joliet in 1893, first served as the principal of the high school. Throughout his time in Joliet, Brown became a well-known supporter of higher education, and would often encourage his students to attend college after graduation. Many students did not attend college because it was too expensive.[5] Brown consulted his friend, Harper, and together they created Joliet Junior College. Classes took place at Joliet Township High School. The first class was made up of six students in 1901.[6]
In 1916, the name of the institution was formalized. In 1917, Joliet Junior College received accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Joliet Junior College's student newspaper, The Blazer, was first published in October 1929. Before The Blazer, college bulletins were reported in the high school paper.[7]
Joliet Junior College moved to its current location, at 1215 Houbolt Road in Joliet, in September 1969. The building at this location became fully operational in 1974.[8] Joliet Junior College's first president, Elmer Rowley,[9] was instrumental in establishing this new building and location.
Today, Joliet Junior College has additional sites in Romeoville, Morris, and Frankfort, all in Illinois.
The 2002 Joliet Wolves football team won the junior college national championship. The football program was eliminated in 2011 after 62 years of play due to budget cuts and to allow the school to be in compliance with Title IX.[10]
NJCAA Division III Baseball National Championship, 2012,[12] 2008,[13] 1994[14]
In 2017 JJC opened a new facility called the Event Center which is home to the athletic department and is used for special events and graduation ceremonies.
