Office of the President

June, 2026

Message From the President

Dear Campus Community,

I hope you are finding time this summer to rest, recharge, and enjoy a well-deserved break. With the summer semester in full swing and preparations underway for the fall, it is easy for the days to feel full and fast-moving. I encourage you, wherever possible, to step back and take advantage of these summer weeks to restore your energy before what promises to be a busy and productive fall term.

As we approach the new fiscal year, we have received confirmation that our state budget allocation will remain flat compared to last year. While this provides a measure of stability in an otherwise challenging fiscal environment, we also face the loss of key funding sources, including the PATH grant. This reality underscores the importance of continued financial discipline alongside thoughtful innovation. The Cabinet remains focused on identifying strategies to strengthen and diversify revenue streams, including the development of new academic and workforce programs aligned with regional needs.

Our campus transformation efforts continue to progress at a steady pace. Work has resumed on the main entrance, and we are pleased that several offices and the Brewer Gymnasium have been cleared for reopening. As with any active construction environment, some temporary disruptions—including space relocations—may occur. We remain committed to minimizing inconvenience and communicating updates clearly and promptly.

Construction of the Career and Technical Center (CTC) continues to advance, with HVAC installation expected mid-semester and the automotive program buildout to follow. These investments represent an important step forward in expanding hands-on, workforce-aligned learning opportunities for our students and strengthening our role in regional economic development.

Additional facilities work is also underway, including ongoing maintenance of the campus pond, landscaping improvements, and a thoughtful update to our memorial recognition practices. Moving forward, traditional tree-side plaques will be replaced with a more flexible, accessible system featuring engraved bricks along a new pathway and installations outside the Conference Center, ensuring lasting recognition in a shared, visible space.

The Facilities Master Plan (FMP) has been presented to the Board of Trustees and will guide campus development over the next decade, extending through our 70th anniversary. In July, the Cabinet will convene for a retreat to further align the FMP with our long-range strategic plan and Higher Learning Commission expectations. We will also be advancing strategic plan updates following the Fourth of July break to ensure continued alignment across institutional priorities. Look for details to come out of Institutional Effectiveness Office as we plan for our next 5 year Strategic Long Range Plan The new plan will go in to development this fall and expected to begin July 1, 2027.

At the state level, the Community College Baccalaureate (CCB) initiative did not advance; however, the President’s Council continues to advocate for future progress. Locally, we remain committed to expanding opportunities for adult learners and restoring critical funding sources such as the PATH grant.

We will also continue to strengthen Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and Competency-Based Education (CBE) pathways. Along with expanded online, cohort-based, and weekend programming, these initiatives are central to improving access, flexibility, and career advancement opportunities for our students.

As part of our ongoing advocacy efforts, I encourage you to review the recent ICCB Economic Impact Study and accompanying infographic, which highlight the significant contributions our college makes to the regional economy. This data will be an important resource as we continue outreach and engagement with stakeholders.

In support of improved campus communication, we are updating the Policy and Procedures page on our website and continuing a broader review of shared governance structures into the next academic year. Cabinet and Logan Leadership updates will continue to be shared with the campus community, and we are working toward a more centralized archive for institutional records to improve transparency and access.

Across all divisions, we continue to emphasize the importance of clear, consistent communication. Faculty and staff are encouraged to share updates within their teams and help ensure accurate information flows throughout the institution. Feedback on communication gaps is always welcome and will inform ongoing improvements.

In closing, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to our recent Juneteenth celebration. The event was well attended and featured meaningful programming and strong community engagement. Special thanks to Cordy Love, Human Resources, and all staff who supported its planning and execution. As we move further into the summer months, I remain grateful for the dedication of our faculty and staff. The work underway across campus—from facilities improvements and academic innovation to governance and workforce planning—positions us well for the year ahead and beyond.

Regards, 
Kirk Overstreet, PhD. 

President, John A. Logan College

Things You Need to Know from the Cabinet

Dr. Stephanie Cheny Harford, Provost Update
HLC Accreditation Preparation Workshop

A team of college representatives—Stephanie Chaney Hartford, Kirk Overstreet, Susan LaPanne, Emily Monti, Carolyn Skouby, Jordan Mays, Jennifer Fuller, and Rachel Sveda-Webb—recently participated in the Higher Learning Commission’s virtual workshop, “Collaborating on Quality: Preparing for a Comprehensive Evaluation,” held on June 9 and June 16, 2026.

This two-day training focused on preparing institutions for comprehensive accreditation reviews by strengthening understanding of the evaluation process, including the Assurance Argument, evidence collection, federal compliance, and effective use of prior review feedback. The second session emphasized moving from planning to action, with guidance on writing evidence-based narratives, organizing documentation, and developing a strategic reaffirmation plan that engages stakeholders across the institution.

Overall, the team found the workshop to be highly affirming. The strategies and recommendations provided by HLC closely align with the College’s existing processes, confirming that preparation for the comprehensive site evaluation scheduled for February 14–15, 2028, is well on track.

Dr. Susan LaPanne, CFO Update

The Board conducted the FY 2027 Budget Hearing on June 23rd and approved the Budget at the regularly scheduled meeting that immediately followed. Moving forward, please submit all requisitions for the current fiscal year (FY2026) as quickly as possible, but no later than the end of July. Also, please remember to be very careful about the correct fiscal year assigned to an expense.

The vendor who provides bookstore services to our students has changed from eCampus to Barnes and Noble Collegiate.  While Business Services, IT, and Academics are preparing for this change by completing the backroom work that needs to be done in advance, an implementation team meets each Tuesday to address the various tasks.  Communications with the faculty and students are coming up next, as their Implementation guides us with what they have found is helpful in implementations elsewhere.  Student ordering is currently scheduled to open on July 18, and we will send a communication to ensure everyone is aware.

Dr. Nathan Arnett, Academic Affairs Update

Academic Affairs is pleased to welcome Renee Lacy, current Instructor of Medical Assisting, to the position of Assistant Dean of Health Sciences.

Adult & Alternative Learning Programs

Logan Academy (GED) will be hosting its commencement ceremony this Thursday, June 25th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Conference Center.

Kara Bevis, Business Office Updates

Kemper CPA Group, the external auditors, will conduct fieldwork on campus the weeks of September 14 and 21. They will not be on campus in July as in past years. They will request documents and meet with various individuals during that time, so any traditional July requests will now occur in September.

Scott Elliott, ITC Update

This summer has been a season of professional development and recognition for the Information Technology team.

• Three IT staff members, along with seven colleagues from across the College, attended the Jenzabar Annual Meeting, where participants focused on best practices for implementing the new Jenzabar Web Finance interface.
• One IT staff member attended the EDUCAUSE Artificial Intelligence Summit, which explored emerging AI technologies in higher education, including implementation strategies, governance considerations, and potential risks.
• Three IT staff members attended InfoComm 2026, where John A. Logan College received three Higher Ed AV Gold Awards for the Nursing Education Facility Technology Plan:
  • Best AV-over-IP Project
  • Best Classroom Installation – New Build
  • Best Interdepartmental Collaboration

Congratulations to the Classroom Technology and Network Infrastructure teams for their outstanding contributions to this award-winning project.

Jennifer Fuller, Legislative Affairs Update

Legislative Affairs:

• The Illinois General Assembly has adjourned its spring session, passing a budget but leaving several key higher education priorities unresolved, including the exclusion of PATH Grant funding for FY27. 
• Community college baccalaureate (HB 5319) did not receive a final vote but remains active for continued advocacy with legislative stakeholders. 
• Several higher education and workforce-related bills—including student safety, reverse transfer, and workforce training measures—passed both chambers and are now awaiting the Governor’s action. 
• At the federal level, Workforce Pell implementation is approaching, alongside new guidance on student aid fraud prevention and proposed grant regulation updates currently open for public comment.
• Our Administrative Procedure Manual is still in the review/revision stage. You can view the most recent updates on the website.

Stephaie Harner, HR Updates

• Benefit Choice is wrapping up. Contact Jessica Force with questions
• Healthcare taskforce is still ongoing, will meet over the summer and into the fall. The total increase came out at 35%, but the college pushed it down to 15%. Looking for an alternative situation to begin in Jan.

Staci Shafer – Foundation Updates

• Deaconess Illinois Medical Center has committed a $45,000 gift to support the purchase of 12 new hospital beds for the Nursing Program. Through a partnership with Pocket Nurse, the College received a 50% discount on the equipment, significantly reducing the overall project cost. Deaconess is providing funding to cover the remaining balance. The new beds will replace outdated manual crank beds and provide students with hands-on training using equipment commonly found in today’s healthcare facilities. 
• The John A. Logan College Foundation continues to support student success and workforce development initiatives across campus. Most recently, the Foundation approved a $45,355 investment toward the purchase of a new auto body lift for the Auto Body Program. This equipment will enhance hands-on training opportunities for students and help ensure they are learning with industry-standard technology.

Dr. Jordan Mays, IR Updates

• Enrollment is up 10% from last summer, and credit hours are up 8.6%
• Adult Basic Ed. and Workforce Development Credit Hours are up.

Dr. Steve O’Keefe, Marketing and Communications Updates

• Planning period for Fall registration promotions is underway.
• The College will participate in the Du Quoin State Fair again this year. A sign-up sheet will be sent out in early August.

Jeremy Sargent, Construction Update

• West Lobby Expansion (Logan Hall): Construction has resumed, and the gymnasium has reopened.
• CTC Project: This project is on track.  We expect the HVAC building to wrap up in late August.
• B Wing 3rd Floor Nursing: The project is marching on and should be completed in late spring 2027.
• Other Campus Projects: Construction efforts across campus continue to advance on schedule.

Greg Starrick, Athletics Updates

• Logan Fitness recently hosted the 19^th annual TriFesta with 77 participants.
• The Logan Fitness Junior Lifeguard camp had 33 participants.
• There are 520 students registered in Logan Fitness classes this summer, up from 495 last year.
• Logan Fitness currently has 1,919 active community memberships, up 14% from last year.

Chief Ron Webb, Department of Public Safety Update

JALC Department of Public Safety (DPS) Security Officers completed Illinois-certified self-defense and defense-of-others training last week.  The newest JALC DPS Police Officer attended Illinois law enforcement training last week and will attend de-escalation training this week. JALC Police Officers conducted patrols of JALC properties to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and visitors. JALC Campus Safety Officers and Interns conducted regular inspections and maintenance of AEDs, fire extinguishers, emergency fire blankets, and emergency eye wash stations.

News Around Campus

JALC Surgical Technology Program Earns National Accreditation

John A. Logan College officials announced that the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Surgical Technology has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. 

The accreditation, which will remain in effect until any future status changes are approved by CAAHEP, recognizes the college’s commitment to providing high-quality health professions education. 

John A. Logan College assumed responsibility for the Surgical Technology program from the Southern Illinois College Common Market in 2024 and opened new state-of-the-art classrooms and labs on its Carterville campus later that year. 

Provost Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford said the milestone reflects the work of the program’s faculty and staff. “We are proud to have received initial accreditation from CAAHEP, following ARC/STSA’s recommendation, for our Surgical Technology Program,” Hartford said. “This achievement demonstrates that our program meets nationally recognized standards of excellence and prepares students with the knowledge, clinical experience, and professional competencies needed to succeed in today’s healthcare environment. Accreditation not only validates the strength of our curriculum and instruction, but also ensures our graduates are equipped to meet certification requirements and contribute meaningfully to patient care and the regional workforce.” 

Program Director and instructor Jennifer Jordan was recognized for her leadership in guiding the program through the rigorous accreditation process. Dr. Kristin Yosanovich, Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing, was also credited for strategic leadership instrumental in achieving the milestone. 

Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who assist surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses during procedures in hospitals, surgery centers, and private clinics. Their responsibilities include preparing the operating room, ensuring instruments and equipment are ready and functioning, maintaining sterile conditions, and assisting the surgical team throughout procedures. 

“Being a surgical technologist requires expertise, adaptability, and teamwork,” Hartford said. “This accreditation ensures that our graduates are well-prepared to provide safe, high-quality care in a dynamic operating room environment.” 

Images Around Campus and Beyond