Finding Direction Through Community: Chandler Phemister Builds His Future at JALC
Published on April 15, 2026
When Chandler Phemister of Marion enrolled at John A. Logan College, he did not have a clear plan.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do or what I wanted to study,” he said. “John A. seemed like a good place to start figuring that out.”
Like many students, Phemister chose community college as a starting point, somewhere he could explore his options without added pressure. What he found was more than convenience or affordability. He found a place that allowed him to grow.
Now preparing to graduate this spring, Phemister will earn both an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science, a reflection of the path he built through exploration.
He began studying history, later switched to anthropology and even considered geology along the way. That flexibility gave him the space to explore his interests and better understand what he wanted for his future.
But his experience at John A. Logan College was shaped as much outside the classroom as it was inside it.
During his first semester, Phemister mostly attended class and went home.
“I was just doing homework and not really involved, and it got kind of boring,” he said.
That changed when he started attending campus events, often encouraged by a faculty member who invited students to participate beyond the classroom. Those early experiences led to something more.
Phemister became involved in Student Senate and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, where he began working closely with students, faculty and administrators on projects across campus.
“It was really cool to work with people who make big decisions at the college and be part of those projects,” he said.
Through those opportunities, he developed relationships and found a stronger sense of purpose.
“Getting involved helped me meet people, build connections and find a support system,” Phemister said. “It made me a more successful student.”
One of the most impactful connections he made was with Adrienne Barkley, advisor for Phi Theta Kappa and co-advisor for Student Senate. Her support helped him feel comfortable stepping into new experiences early on.
“After talking to her, I felt like I belonged,” he said.
That sense of belonging became a defining part of his time at JALC and shaped how he views community college.
“The community part of community college is huge,” Phemister said. “It’s easier to connect with people here.”
Smaller class sizes and a more interactive learning environment also played a role in his experience. Instead of large lecture halls, Phemister found himself in classrooms where he could engage with instructors, ask questions and build meaningful connections.
Over time, those experiences helped him gain something he did not have when he first arrived.
Direction.
“Because of John A. Logan, I know more what I like doing and what I want to do as a career,” he said.
Now preparing to graduate this spring, Phemister plans to continue his education and pursue a bachelor’s degree. His long-term goal brings him back to where his journey began.
He hopes to return to John A. Logan College one day, this time in a professional role, helping students find their own path.
“I’d love to come back and work here and help students along their educational journey,” he said.
For someone who started college without a plan, Phemister leaves with something far more valuable. A clear sense of direction and a community that helped him find it.