Lake Land Magazine Fall 2022

LAKE LAND

COLLEGE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mike Sullivan, Chair, Mattoon

Gary Cadwell, Vice Chair, Mode

Tom Wright, Secretary, Dieterich

Kevin Curtis, Trustee, Mattoon

Doris Reynolds, Trustee, Mattoon

Dave Storm, Trustee, Effingham

Denise Walk, Trustee, Teutopolis

Maggie Kelly, Student Trustee, Strasburg

LAKE LAND COLLEGE CABINET

Josh Bullock, President

Jean Anne Highland, Chief of Staff

Valerie Lynch, Vice President for Student Services

Greg Nuxoll, Vice President for Business Services

Ikemefuna Nwosu, Vice President for Academic Services

LAKE LAND COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT

Lake Land College creates and continuously improves an affordable, accessible and effective learning environment for the lifelong educational needs of the diverse communities we serve.

We fulfill this mission through:

s University transfer education

s General education

s Technical & career education

s Workforce development

s Community & continuing education

s Intellectual & cultural programs

s Support Services

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Lake Land College is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment that promotes equal opportunity and affirmative action and that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. It is the policy of Lake Land College not to engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital or civil union status, veteran status, sexual orientation or any basis of discrimination precluded by applicable federal and state statutes. This policy applies to admission and access to and participation, treatment and employment in the College’s programs, activities, and services. The following campus office is assigned the responsibility for ensuring compliance with this policy as well as federal and state statutes and regulations concerning affirmative action and equal access: Office of the Director of Human Resources, 217-234-5210 / Human Resources Office. Complaint forms and procedures for filing can be obtained through Counseling Services or Human Resources. In addition, these offices will maintain current copies of appropriate laws, regulations, and policies.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Lake Land College is committed to developing and maintaining an environment for students, employees and college community that embraces and actively supports diversity, equity and inclusion. We aspire to be an institution where the quality of education and work environment are enhanced and enriched by an inclusive campus community that encourages multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas.

THE LAKE LAND COLLEGE MAGAZINE is published for the residents of Lake Land College District #517 by Marketing & Public Relations at Lake Land College, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon, IL 61938. For inquiries, contact Marketing & Public Relations at 217-234-5215. Views and opinions expressed by individuals in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Lake Land College.

STRATEGIC PLAN FOCUS AREAS & GOAL STATEMENTS

FOCUS AREA 1

Student Equity & Success - Teaching & Learning

GOAL STATEMENTS

A. Provide effective and innovative instruction for traditional and non-traditional students.

B. Offer programs, multiple modalities and flexible schedules that meet student and community demand for a 21ST century workforce.

FOCUS AREA 2

Student Equity & Success – Processes & Student Support

GOAL STATEMENTS

A. Improve retention, persistence and completion.

B. Close equity gaps and support student access and affordability.

FOCUS AREA 3

Institutional & Employee Excellence

GOAL STATEMENTS

A. Invest strategically in personnel, facilities, technology and equipment.

B. Support and engage employees through enhanced communication and inclusive practices.

FOCUS AREA 4

Partnerships to Enhance Student Success

GOAL STATEMENTS

A. Advance relationships among education, community and workforce partners to support job readiness, local industry and workforce development.

B. Strengthen and continually support transfer options and career pathways.

View the entire Strategic Planning brochure at lakelandcollege.edu/ AboutUs/StrategicPlan or scan this QR code.

IN FALL 2021,

the college launched a Strategic Planning process that was deliberately inclusive of the college’s internal and external stakeholders.

The college began the process by publishing a Trend Analysis Report, which provides a summary of key research on state, national and global trends affecting higher education, and an overview of the college’s district demographics. The Trend Analysis Report was then used as the basis for conducting a uniform survey and focus group sessions with internal and external stakeholders, resulting in more than 1,200 stakeholders providing valuable feedback, including students, employees, K-12 leaders, and community, business and industry partners.

The new plan creates a roadmap to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of higher education and positions Lake Land College as a leader in providing relevant, quality training and education that meets the needs of students and businesses through flexible, just-in-time programming.

“Thank you to our community partners, staff and students who completed the survey and participated in one or more focus group sessions!” Chief Of Staff Jean Anne Highland said.

-BULLOCK

The Strategic Plan also reinforces the college’s commitment to its mission of creating and continuously improving an affordable, accessible and effective learning environment for the lifelong educational needs of the diverse communities we serve.

The Strategic Plan Survey Report and the Focus Group Summary Analysis, along with the Trend Analysis Report, provided an environmental scan that the college leadership meticulously analyzed to create the FY 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.

We thank you for your support and hope you will take advantage of opportunities to be involved in the Lake Land College Strategic Plan as we move forward with new partnerships and opportunities that positively impact the individuals in our communities.

UPDATES FROM THE PRESIDENT

Stay up-to-date on Lake Land College and strategic planning information by signing up to receive monthly updates from Dr. Josh Bullock by scanning this QR code and completing a brief form.

INSTAGRAM

Follow Dr. Bullock on Instagram at @LakerPrez for a peek behind the curtain of the President's Life!

"THE NEW PLAN CREATES A ROADMAP TO NAVIGATE THE RAPIDLY CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND... MEETS THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS AND BUSINESSES."

JUST YEARS AFTER GRADUATING

from the Emergency Medical Services program at Lake Land College, Arrow Ambulance Service paramedic, Ryan Holdrieth has reached his career goal. He is now saving lives and transporting patients as a flight paramedic.

Holdrieth said it was the strong reputation of Lake Land’s EMS program that led him to the college in the first place.

“There is so much to learn and so much to do,” Holdrieth said. “I fell in love with the medicine and the challenge. There’s always something you can do to become better or improve upon.

“This program has a pretty strong reputation for producing medics of a high enough educational caliber to be applicable to becoming a flight paramedic,”

Holdrieth said. “Several of my mentors came from Lake Land’s program and are also partners in flight with me now.” Holdrieth went on to praise the education he received at Lake Land, and credited the program’s structure with helping to provide him a solid foundation for his career.

“I recommend to all of the students that I teach who want to move to the paramedic level to come to Lake Land’s program,” Holdrieth said.

“Lake Land’s program is stressful, but so is the job. The instructors use the stress as a surgical instrument to hone your skills in an effort to better prepare the student for the reality of the career. That, among many other things they do, makes it incredibly difficult to not be successful once you’ve transitioned to a functioning medic in the field.”

To learn more about how you can enroll, visit the Lake Land College EMS program page at lakelandcollege.edu. Look for the Academics Menu and select Academic Areas of Study, then Health & Public Services or scan here.

EMS PROGRAM DEBUTS NEW AMBULANCE SIMULATOR

As part of the EMS and Paramedic programs at Lake Land, students are now able to experience the functions and operation of an ambulance within the classroom with the Ambulance Simulator.

“All the students who use it love it,” EMS Instructor Jeremy Gracey said of the simulator.

“It adds a lot of realism to the coursework and lets us get the students into a real ambulance setting rather quickly.”

EMS student Jacob Beam also expressed enthusiasm for the experience the simulator offers.

SCAN TO WATCH HOLDRIETH'S FULL INTERVIEW.

“It’s set up just like a real ambulance, so it makes so much more sense to just do a process rather than it being hypothetical,” Beam said. “Lake Land has one of the best EMS and Paramedic programs in the area, so for anyone even slightly interested, I’d say absolutely give it a shot.”

"LAKE LAND’S PROGRAM IS STRESSFUL, BUT SO IS THE JOB. THE INSTRUCTORS USE THE STRESS AS A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT TO HONE YOUR SKILLS IN AN EFFORT TO BETTER PREPARE THE STUDENT FOR THE REALITY OF THE CAREER."

-HOLDRIETH

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY KICKS OFF NEW PARTNERSHIP

To celebrate Lake Land College’s new partnership, representatives from Kubota and the National Coalition of Certification Centers participated in a ribbon-cutting event Tuesday, October 4.

Pictured are Manager of Educational Partnerships for Kubota Jeff Wagley, Vice President for Business Services Greg Nuxoll, Ag Power Technology Instructor Woody Reinhart, Kubota Corporate Leadership Midwest Division Matt Dugan, Division Chair Agriculture/Agriculture Instructor Ryan Orrick, Vice President for Academic Services Ike Nwosu and Lake Land College President Josh Bullock.

STUDENTS IN THE DIESEL & AG POWER TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

at Lake Land College now have the option to earn up to eight Kubota Tech Certifications via Kubota equipment and principles incorporated into the existing Diesel & Ag Power courses.

"Kubota is excited to partner with Lake Land College. Over the last 40 years, Lake Land College has built a reputation for producing the industries finest diesel technicians in the region. The relationships Lake Land College has established with local equipment dealers has allowed internship programs to thrive, setting up graduates for a successful future as a diesel technician.

Having the Kubota Tech program at Lake Land College will provide our dealers with a tremendous resource for hiring early career diesel technicians.”Jeff Wagley, manager of educational partnerships for Kubota, said.

certifications through the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3). The student will also have completed the Kubota Registered Level Technician, the first step in eventually becoming a Kubota Master Technician.

NC3 is a value-driven organization and the future model for Career and Technical Education, creating highly-skilled, job-ready professionals through a growing network of educational partners and global industry leaders.

Through Kubota, technicians will have the opportunity to work with sponsoring dealerships and participate in internship programs. Technicians working at a Kubota dealership are provided guidance from experienced Kubota technicians learning how to repair equipment correctly and efficiently.

-REINHART

Graduates of the program will also have the opportunity for careers as Kubota technicians in dealerships around the country. The program provides job placement, excellent earning potential, great benefits and the opportunity to work as a Kubota technician.

SCAN TO HEAR FROM CURRENT STUDENTS WHO ARE ENROLLED IN THE DIESEL & AG POWER TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

As participants in the program, students will train on a range of diesel and ag power equipment brands, including Kubota, to develop the skills and techniques they will need to provide multifaceted employment opportunities to employers such as Kubota.

After the students have successfully completed the courses, they will have earned eight industry recognized portable, stackable

Graduates will be using their newly acquired knowledge and skills to provide Kubota dealers and Kubota customers value. The Kubota Tech program empowers technicians to be the best in the industry.

To learn more about how you can enroll, visit the Lake Land College Diesel & Ag Power Technology program page at lakelandcollege.edu. Look for the Academics Menu and select Academic Areas of Study, then Agriculture or scan here.

"THIS PARTNERSHIP GIVES STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE WITH KUBOTA EQUIPMENT... AND PROVIDE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES."

SCAN TO WATCH DENNIS' FULL INTERVIEW.

TYRONE DENNIS,

Laker Nation Class of 1999, returned to Lake Land as a guest speaker, sharing what he has learned during his path from student athlete to retired police officer and gang expert.

“I really want to stress to these students that you can do anything you put your mind to,” Dennis said. “No matter what your background is or where you came from, you can be successful.”

As a graduate of the Criminal Justice program at Lake Land, Dennis initially came to Lake Land to play basketball, not knowing that his time at the college would significantly alter his life’s trajectory.

a space in which police officers, citizens, city officials, those who have had prior run-ins with law enforcement and others can gather and discuss how to improve citizen and police relations.

“Life is nothing but a dream,” Dennis said. “The decisions you make, the path that you take, that’s all up to you.”

-DENNIS

Having spent 16 and a half years working as a police officer in Atlanta, Georgia specializing in gangs and guns, Dennis retired as Atlanta Police Department’s most decorated officer.

He is now the director of school safety for Rockwood School District in St. Louis County as well as runs his own consulting business as a gang expert specializing in gang investigations. Dennis also launched and actively participates in Clippers and Cops,

Dennis went on to share that it was his criminal justice instructor, Ken Greider, who talked to him about possibly pursuing a career in the FBI, which Dennis said was something that had never occurred to him.

“The reason I love being at Lake Land and telling my story is because everything that I’ve been able to accomplish started at Lake Land,” Dennis said. “Lake Land helped lay the foundation for me to take my career to where it went.”

To learn more about how you can enroll, visit the Lake Land College Criminal Justice program page at lakelandcollege.edu. Look for the Academics Menu and select Academic Areas of Study, then Health & Public Services or scan here.

"LAKE LAND HELPED LAY THE FOUNDATION FOR ME TO TAKE MY CAREER TO WHERE IT WENT."

Dennis (#11) and his fellow 1998-1999 Lakers Men's Basketball team members.

START YOUR EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY TODAY WITH LAKE LAND COLLEGE

Whether you attended college before or thought it wasn't for you, we know everyone's journey is different. Our goal is to provide a seamless transition for you no matter where you are in your unique path.

YOU MAY BE:

s Enrolling as a first time student or first generation college student;

s Finishing a certificate or degree because you now have time;

s Looking to “skill up” for your job or seeking a promotion by finishing or starting a degree or certificate;

s Wanting to take a few courses and then transfer on to get a bachelor’s degree; or

s Utilizing tuition reimbursement from your employer to further your education.

Small class sizes allow you to collaborate, be creative and learn from others. Hands-on learning labs give you the opportunity for real-world training for the workforce. If your goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree, academic counselors are available to help you through the process of transferring to a university.

We will help you reach your goals! If you're ready to start your journey, reach out today!

CONTACT

Brittany Aiken Community Outreach Coordinator

baitken4566@lakelandcollege.edu 217-234-5429

CASSANDRA EILERS SAW

A NEED

for mental health professionals when she chose to pursue a career in this field. Today she has earned her Licensed Social Work certification and is a therapist for Memorial Behavioral Health in Taylorville.

“I wanted to be the person for someone else that I needed when I was going through my mental health struggles,” Eilers said. “I saw that there is an intense need in this field as well, so I wanted to pursue a career helping people this way.”

Eilers returned to Lake Land College after being laid off from her job. Though she had taken classes a few times before, this time Eilers was determined to make the best of her educational journey.

“I like to call it a series of unfortunate events that ended up being fortunate for me,” Eilers said. “I had been to college before and not done very well, but I decided this time I would take part in everything I could.” Eilers did indeed take part in many different clubs and groups including being president of the Human Services Club, participating in TRIO, being a Student Ambassador and more.

She was also awarded the Non-traditional Student of the Year award (right) as well as the Social Services Student award.

“I didn’t fully realize until I saw that multiple instructors had nominated me for Nontraditional Student of the Year, that I had so many people supporting me and backing me up,” Eilers said. “I fully support anyone going to Lake Land because it is super clear to me how much they want you to do well.”

Eilers also had some words of wisdom to pass along regarding her college experience.

“You can go to school without knowing what you want to be when you grow up, because school is there to help you learn,” Eilers said. “During my first speech, I got up there and ugly cried. I now seek out speaking engagements. If I can do that, then you can achieve your goals and more.”

To learn more about how you can enroll, visit the Lake Land College Social Work program page at lakelandcollege.edu. Look for the Academics Menu and select Academic Areas of Study, then Humanities and Social Sciences or scan here.

Eilers (far left) with fellow nominees for Non-traditional Student of the Year in 2016.

"I FULLY SUPPORT ANYONE GOING TO LAKE LAND BECAUSE IT IS SUPER CLEAR TO ME HOW MUCH THEY WANT YOU TO DO WELL." -EILERS

LAKE LAND COLLEGE AREAS OF STUDY

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture Transfer Agriculture Business Agriculture Production & Management Crop Production

Diesel & Ag Power Technology Horticulture John Deere Tech Livestock Production Pre-Veterinary Medicine

ARCHITECTURAL & CONSTRUCTION

Building Construction Technology CET/Advanced Technical Studies

Civil Engineering Technology Computer Aided Design Geospatial Technology HVAC+R

Residential Wiring Surveying with GIS BUSINESS Business Management Accounting Business Electronic Marketing Entrepreneurship

Management Marketing Professional Sales

Business Office Professionals

Court Reporting and Captioning

Medical Coding & Health Information

Medical Coding Specialist Medical Transcriptionist Office Assistant

Office Manager Office Receptionist Office Support Specialist

EDUCATION

Business Education

Child & Family Services Early Childhood Care & Education

Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Health Education Mathematics Education Nanny Child Care Provider Paraprofessional Educator Physical Education Secondary EducationBiology Secondary EducationChemistry Secondary EducationPhysics Social Science Education Special Education

HEALTH & PUBLIC SERVICES Health Services Associate Degree Nurse Basic Nurse Assistant Dental Hygiene Emergency Medical Services Massage Therapy Medical Assistant

Paramedical Services Physical Therapist Assistant Practical Nursing

Public Services Cosmetology Cosmetology Teacher Crime Scene Technician Criminal Justice Leadership

Esthetics Human Services Law Enforcement Operations

HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES Art

Broadcast Announcing Broadcast Communication Communication Studies Criminal Justice Economics English History Liberal Studies Political Science Psychology Radio Broadcasting Sociology/Social Work TV Field-Studio Production

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Computer Systems Computer Technician Desktop Publishing

IT – Computer Applications Specialist

IT – Computer Game Development

IT – Digital Media Specialist

IT – Graphic Design

IT – Network Administration

IT – Programming

IT – Web Design

MANUFACTURING

Applied Engineering Technology Electronic Control Technician Electronics Engineering Technology Industrial Maintenance

Manufacturing Skills Mechanical-Electrical Technology Production Technician Programmable Logic Controllers

Renewable Energy Robotic & Automated Manufacturing Sustainable Energy Welding

MATH & SCIENCE

Bioscience Non-Teaching Chemistry Clinical Laboratory Science Conservation Earth Science Engineering Science Environmental Science Mathematics Physics

Pre-Chiropractic Pre-Dental Pre-Engineering Pre-Medicine

Pre-Nursing: BSN Transfer Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy

TRANSPORTATION

Auto Mechanic Automotive Technology Commercial Truck Driver Training

NEED HELP DECIDING?

Contact Counseling Services at counsel@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5232 or look for the Explore Careers icon at lakelandcollege.edu.

TAKE A CLASS IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

Lake Land College is near you. Take a course at one of our regional extension centers in Effingham, Marshall or Pana!

SPRING CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 9! Get started online by visiting lakelandcollege.edu/schedules and discover what classes are available in your community!

TAKE A LOOK UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES TO VISIT CAMPUS

LAKER VISIT DAYS

s December 2, 2022

s February 20, 2023

s March 24, 2023

s June 15, 2023

OPEN HOUSE EVENTS

s AGRICULTURE - March 4, 2023

s BROADCAST COMMUNICATION - March 24, 2023

s MATH & SCIENCE - March 31, 2023

TAKE A CAMPUS TOUR

s Schedule a campus tour with Counseling Services.

s Experience the Virtual Tour at lakelandcollege.edu.

Scan here to register for one of our events or schedule your campus tour today at LAKELANDCOLLEGE.EDU/VISIT or 217-234-5253.

EFFINGHAM

MARSHALL

PANA

1204 Network Centre Blvd. 217-540-3555

EASTERN REGION CENTER 224 South Sixth St. 217-826-8490

WESTERN REGION CENTER

600 East First St. 217-562-5000

LAKE LAND COLLEGE s 217-234-5253 15