Words to the Wise Wednesday

The LLCC Student Success office has undergone significant changes over the past few years, so it is the office’s goal that colleagues across campus get to better know the who, what, when, where and why of Student Success. Over the next few months, they will be bringing you “Words to the Wise Wednesdays.” This week, they continue with the focus on the “who” and introduce four more members of the Student Success team.

Who

Laurie Clemons, student success coach (Dec. 5, 1994)

Laurie ClemonsLaurie is the student success coach for degree-seeking students in Workforce Institute programs, criminal justice and students with accommodations. Workforce Institute programs include majors such as automotive, culinary, lineman and related programs. Laurie received her bachelor’s degree in management from University of Illinois Springfield. She has worked in higher education for 26 years in the offices of registration and student success. Laurie is the club advisor for the Black Student Union, serves as African-American History Month Committee chair and also serves on the Technical Review Committee and Enrollment Management Team. When not at work, she enjoys fellowship with her church family, shopping and spending time with her sorority sisters, family and friends.

Richard Hayes II, student success coach (Jan. 3, 2000)

Richard HayesRichard is the student success coach for business and accounting students. Richard received his bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois Springfield and his master’s from Capella University. He has worked in higher education for 20 years in student services and student success. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and sons, attending church activities, playing tennis and golf, bike riding and building models.

Claire Heffron-McKinney, LPC, student success coach (Nov. 14, 2005)

Claire Heffron-McKinneyClaire is the student success coach for STEM majors. These are science, engineering and math related majors. Claire received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Blackburn College and her master’s degree in human development counseling from University of Illinois Springfield. She is a certified domestic violence professional and a confidential advisor. Claire has attained special training to confidentially assist students experiencing sexual harassment, intimate partner/domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. She has worked in higher education for 17 years, with 15 years in student success. When not at work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, reading and watching Netflix.

Dr. Melissa Franzen, LCPC, student success coach (July 9, 2012)

Dr. Melissa FranzenMelissa is the student success coach for arts and humanities and students in the Honors Program. Arts and humanities include English, communication, art, music and related majors. Melissa received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and minor in sociology from Illinois College, and a master’s degree in human development counseling: community/clinical mental health from University of Illinois Springfield. She completed her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from Walden University in May 2021. Melissa is a past president and member of ILACADA and a confidential advisor, with special training to confidentially assist students experiencing sexual harassment, intimate partner/domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. She has worked in higher education for eight years in student success. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her son and her friends, and playing games or sitting with a good book.

Student Success

www.llcc.edu/student-success
www.facebook.com/llccstudentsuccess
www.instagram.com/llcc_studentsuccess