The LLCC Board of Trustees welcomed a new member at its March meeting on Wednesday night. Mark Holaway of Jacksonville fills a vacancy created by the retirement of longtime trustee Craig Findley.

Holaway is a middle school social studies teacher in Jacksonville School District 117. “I am passionate about the mission of community colleges, and I am proud that my first education after high school in my hometown of Union, Mo., was my community college education,” said Holaway. “I am also grateful for Lincoln Land Community College, which is such a valuable resource to West Central Illinois.”

Holaway was among a number of candidates who applied to serve as the trustee representing subdistrict 6 of the LLCC district, which covers all or parts of 15 counties.

“We were impressed with Mark’s understanding of community colleges along with his commitment to education and the opportunities it provides,” said Ken Elmore, LLCC board chair. “We welcome him to the Board as we work to transform lives and strengthen our communities through learning.”

Holaway is a graduate of Walden University with a master’s degree in educational leadership. He earned his teacher’s certificate at the University of Illinois Springfield, a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and an associate degree from East Central College. He also attended LLCC when bridging from a career in retail management to education. He is active as a member of the Governor Duncan Mansion Board in Jacksonville and the UIS College of Education and Human Services Alumni Council.

Holaway’s term on the LLCC Board of Trustees will run through April of 2023. Findley, also of Jacksonville, was the longest-serving trustee of the college. He served a total of 23 years, with three terms as chair and two terms each as vice chair and secretary of the Board.