Oakton Community College Drops 'Community' From Name In Rebrand

DES PLAINES, IL — Signs and banners with the new name of Oakton Community College have begun to be installed around the school's campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie ahead of its official name change later this month.

With the start of its spring 2023 semester on Jan. 17, the college will drop the word "community" from its name and become "Oakton College." The rebrand will also include a modernized logo and new college seal.

The name change was first discussed by Oakton's board of trustees in 2019 during the college's 50th anniversary year. Trustees approved the transition in August 2021.

“As a College, our mission is to empower and transform students in our diverse communities by providing quality and accessible learning opportunities to all,” Joianne Smith, Oakton's president, said in a release. “As we evaluated who we are as an institution and who we want to be in the future, we determined this evolution more fully encompasses the life-changing impact of an Oakton education.”

The new name will not change Oakton's educational offerings. The open-access community college will continue to offer associate degrees, certificates, adult and continuing education programs, a high school diploma and programs for English language learners.

Updates to the school's website are scheduled to go live on Jan. 17. Oakton representatives said some signs on campus with the old name will remain in place for the time begin, citing the school's commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility.

According to school representatives, Oakton's updated logo features a slight color variation in its stylized oak leaves to add depth and better represent the college's commitment to diversity.

The first graduating class of Oakton College will be honored during spring commencement in May.

Earlier: Oakton Community College Board Chair Suggests Name Change