Each semester, LLCC tests its emergency alert system called LLCC ALERT. LLCC ALERT allows the college to communicate with you by text, phone and email in an emergency, as well as for severe weather and other closures. Current employees and students are automatically enrolled in LLCC ALERT.
The next test will take place today, Aug. 26, at approximately 11 a.m. You will receive a test message from LLCC ALERT.
We encourage you to visit www.llcc.edu/alert and log in with your LLCC username and password to check your current contact information and manage how you receive emergency notifications. LLCC ALERT uses the information about you currently stored in the college’s Colleague system, and this information may need updating. Please add your office phone number if it is not listed, and make any other revisions needed.
For assistance, please contact the IT Service Desk at 217-786-2555 or helpdesk@llcc.edu.
Note: Updating your contact information in LLCC ALERT will NOT update that information in Colleague. To update your information in Colleague, please contact LLCC Human Resources.
Yogesh “Yogi” Chauhan began work on Monday as LLCC’s new application developer. He started out in the field of information technology by developing his own e-commerce business in India. He later studied marketing at the University of Tampa and earned a master’s degree in information systems from Illinois State University. Most recently, he worked as a web developer for McKenzie Wagner Inc. in Champaign.
Julie Brennan has been an adjunct instructor at LLCC since 2019 and is now our new assistant professor of computer science. She is the owner of J Mank Design and previously worked at SOI Dept. of Innovation and Technology, King Technology Inc. and State Farm. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education/computer science at Butler University and a master’s degree in computer science form University of Illinois Springfield. Julie can be reached at 
Dr. Justin Cobb has joined LLCC as assistant professor of anatomy & physiology. He previously served as an instructor of natural sciences at John Wood Community College, taught at Frank High School and worked as a researcher at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a master’s degree in biomedical sciences as well as a Ph.D. in neuroscience from University of Mississippi Medical Center. Justin can be reached at 
Kimberly Conover, instructor of nursing, comes to the college with experience working in multiple units at Passavant Area Hospital, including ICCU, Med-Surg. and PACU. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from MacMurray and her master’s degree in nursing with a nurse educator specialization from Benedictine University.
Marcie Leonard is an alum of LLCC’s ADN program and now an assistant professor of nursing at the college. She completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing with a nurse executive focus and a master’s in business administration from Benedictine University. She is board certified as a nurse executive leader. Marcie recently worked as director of nursing operations for Hope Learning Academy, as a nurse manager in cardiology at Memorial Medical Center and as a critical care/post anesthesia care registered nurse. She also worked as adjunct faculty at Blackburn College and as a nursing tutor at LLCC. Marcie can be reached at 
Derek Matlock is the new air conditioning, refrigeration and heating instructor in LLCC’s Workforce Institute. After 16 years as a cabinet, countertop and furniture maker, he went to night school at Lake Land College to become an HVACR technician. He is a certified HVAC professional with over 12 years of experience in the field. Derek reached the rank of journeyman in Local 317.
Ann Neilson has joined LLCC as an assistant professor of diagnostic medical sonography. She has a master’s degree in health services administration. The past 10 years she has worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur and for a local company providing ultrasound services to the women in Lincoln Correctional Facility. Prior to that, she developed and taught in a hospital-based diagnostic medical sonography program in Jacksonville, Florida. Ann can be reached at 
Dr. David Park, assistant professor of microbiology, comes to LLCC with experience as a faculty member at Ferrum College. He completed his undergraduate work at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a major in molecular and cellular biology, and earned Ph.D. in biophysics and computational biology from Ferrum College.
Travis Rath joins the college as an instructor of nursing. He started out as an LPN and then earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from MacMurray College and graduated from McKendree University with a master’s degree in nursing education. He worked as a school nurse for Chatham Elementary School, and prior to that, worked on a med-surg floor at Memorial Medical Center. He also has nursing experience in longterm care and in a doctor’s office. Travis can be reached at 
Angie Hardesty-Smith is also a new nursing instructor at LLCC. She started her career at Memorial Medical Center in the ICU and has worked at Mason District Hospital in Havana for the last 30 years in a variety of roles — ICU, ED, case management, community health and employee health. She earn an associate degree from Spoon River Community College, an RN through Graham Hospital School Nursing and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from SIU-Edwardsville, Springfield Campus. Angie can be reached at 
Deborah Tomko, assistant professor of nursing, is joining LLCC after earning a master’s degree in education. She served many years in nurse anesthesia, providing anesthesia services for all specialties of surgery and obstetrics. Deborah can be reached at 
The annual Convocation to kick off the 2021-22 academic year is being held today, Aug. 20, at 9 a.m. in Cass Gym. Seating will be spaced and masks will be required. There will not be a breakfast this year, but bottled water will be available. If unable to attend in person, Convocation is being livestreamed so that you can still participate (link sent in email from LLCC News).