Welcome to Academic Affairs at John A. Logan College. Our division is dedicated to fostering student success through high-quality instruction, innovative programs, and meaningful learning experiences that respond to the needs of our community. We are proud to support faculty excellence, promote continuous improvement, and create pathways that empower every student to achieve their goals. Together, we are building a culture of learning that transforms lives and strengthens our region. We invite you to charge into your future with confidence, and please reach out to our office for academic assistance or support at 618-985-2828 ext. 8181.
Dr. Nathan Arnett is a first-generation college graduate and a proud alumnus of John A. Logan College (Class of 1996). He earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Murray State University in 1999, followed by a Master of Music from Southern Illinois University in 2002, with an emphasis in Opera and Musical Theatre Performance and Direction. In 2021, he completed his Doctor of Education in Organizational Management from Oakland City University.
Before transitioning to academic leadership, Dr. Arnett enjoyed a successful career as a music professor and performer. His professional performance credits include Walt Disney World, The Beechwood Theatre Company, The McLeod Summer Playhouse, The Diamond Circle Melodrama, and The Ohio Light Opera, where he appeared on an original cast recording. As Choral Director at JALC, he led student ensembles on high-profile performances at Walt Disney World Resorts, the Lincoln Library and Museum in Springfield, IL, the Statue of Liberty in New York City, Universal Studios in Hollywood, and international cruise tours to Alaska, the Caribbean, and Canada. In 2009, he was named JALC’s “Faculty of the Year.”
Dr. Arnett later served as Assistant Dean and Dean of Arts & Sciences before assuming his current role as Assistant Provost of Academic Affairs. His administrative work is informed by his doctoral research, which explored how physical learning environments influence educational experiences and outcomes. Drawing from his background in theater design, he remains deeply interested in how space shapes learning and engagement in the classroom.
Beyond campus, Dr. Arnett enjoys supporting the artistic, athletic, and creative endeavors of his family. He is a lifelong resident of southern Illinois and a passionate advocate for the transformative power of community colleges.
Academic Affairs Staff
Cathrine Hoekstra, M.A., Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs
Dr. Cathrine Hoekstra earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration with a specialization in Higher Education. She also holds a Master of Arts in Literature and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Hoekstra understands the impact of higher education and is passionate about creating opportunities for faculty and students to succeed. She began her career in higher education as an adjunct faculty member at John A. Logan College and has since served in a variety of roles, including Perkins Coordinator, Assistant Dean of Career and Technical Education, and currently, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs.
In her current role, Dr. Hoekstra provides leadership and support for adjunct faculty across the College while advancing the strategic initiatives of the Academic Affairs Division. She oversees adjunct faculty development initiatives and scheduling, supports curriculum development, continuous improvement, and collaborates with faculty liaisons to strengthen the College’s dual credit partnerships. Her professional interests include faculty development, adjunct faculty support, and building collaborative relationships that enhance teaching and learning.
A lifelong Southern Illinois resident, Dr. Hoekstra is a proud alumna of both John A. Logan College and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She credits the College with helping shape both her academic and personal journey. She is a military spouse, married to her husband, Sam, and together they raise three children. Her experiences as a student, educator, administrator, wife, and mother continue to shape her commitment to serving students, faculty, and the communities the College supports.
Joseph Dethrow, Dean of Arts and Sciences
Joseph Dethrow began his higher education journey at an Illinois community college before transferring to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education (2002) and a Master of Science in Mathematics (2004). As an undergraduate, he was named Outstanding Senior in Mathematics, completed student teaching at Belleville Township High School West, and presented on linear programming at the 2002 Mathematical Association of America’s MathFest. His graduate research focused on constrained optimization in cancer chemotherapy, and he earned the R. N. Pendergrass Graduate Student Award.
With nearly 19 years as a mathematics faculty member, including more than 6 years as Department Chair of Business, Computer Science, and Mathematics, Joseph led efforts to assess student learning, co-chaired the Illinois Articulation Initiative GECC Math Panel, and served on the Illinois Mathematical Association of Community Colleges’ board and curriculum committee.
Now Dean of Arts and Sciences, Joseph works closely with faculty to foster a supportive learning environment and remains actively involved in assessing and improving student outcomes.
Scott Wernsman, MBA, Dean of Career and Technical Education and Workforce Training
Scott Wernsman is the Dean of Career & Technical Education and Workforce Training. He is a graduate of Kaskaskia College and also holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Lindenwood University. He started his career in secondary education before transitioning to higher education, where he has worked for the past twenty years. He spent one year in financial services as a financial advisor.
Wernsman has worked for the last twelve years at John A. Logan College, first as the Perkins Coordinator before transitioning into the Director of Dual Credit. During his time as the Director of Dual Credit, reimbursable hours increased by 73 percent. He also directed the program’s national accreditation process and formed dual credit cohorts with local high schools. Before becoming the Dean of CTE and Workforce Training, Wernsman was the Associate Dean of Career & Technical Education, where he worked with multiple grants that assisted CTE students in overcoming financial barriers. Wernsman is focused on collaboration with local educational and business leaders that will allow for an increase in training and upskilling.
A lifelong resident of southern Illinois, Wernsman resides in Carterville with his wife Tammy.
Dr. Kristin Yosanovich, Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing
Kristin Yosanovich is the Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing. Dr. Yosanovich holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Ethical Leadership from McKendree University, a Master’s in Nursing Education from the University of Southern Indiana, and a Bachelor’s in Nursing from McKendree University. Dr. Yosanovich is also a proud Kaskaskia College graduate with an Associate Degree in Nursing.
Dr. Yosanovich has been a registered nurse for thirty years and previously worked at the bedside, caring for patients in the intensive care unit. She has 25 years of experience in community college nursing education. She joined the nursing department at John A. Logan in 2017. As a nurse educator, Dr. Yosanovich has built lasting partnerships with area healthcare agencies and is proud to have produced thousands of safe, professional healthcare leaders for our community. The focus of her doctoral project allowed her to work with Southern Illinois Healthcare’s RN Nurse Residency program.
Dr. Yosanovich is a lifelong Southern Illinois resident and lives in Christopher with her husband, Matt. They are the proud parents of two adult children, Cameron and Sydney, and three grandchildren, John Matthew, Logan, and Lyla.
Emily Monti, Director of Academic Programs and Accreditation
Emily Monti serves as the Director of Academic Programs and Accreditation at John A. Logan College. In this role, she provides leadership for academic program development, curriculum processes, institutional accreditation, and continuous quality improvement initiatives. She works collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and external stakeholders to support academic excellence, ensure compliance with state and accrediting requirements, and advance the College’s strategic goals.
Emily oversees curriculum management, program review, catalog development, and accreditation activities, including serving as the College’s Assurance Coordinator for the Higher Learning Commission. She plays a key role in implementing systems and processes that enhance academic operations, support data-informed decision-making, and strengthen student learning and success.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Emily is pursuing a Doctor of Education degree, with research focused on faculty perceptions of academic program review in community colleges. Her interests include accreditation, assessment, curriculum design, strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness in higher education.
Emily is committed to fostering collaborative partnerships that promote innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across the institution.