LLCC Open House to be held Feb. 19

The words Open House and smiling student.Prospective students interested in starting or restarting college or training for a new career are invited to visit LLCC for a campus open house on Monday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event will be held at LLCC’s Springfield campus, and at Outreach Centers in Jacksonville, Litchfield and Taylorville.

“Start here at LLCC, whether you are looking to earn a degree or train for a hands-on career,” says LLCC President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D. “I invite you to join us at this event to explore majors, our low cost and personalized services that help students reach their goals.”

Visitors can speak with faculty and staff, view exhibits, tour select areas of campus, learn about the basics of college and choosing a major, and apply for admission.

Registration for the event is encouraged and available at www.llcc.edu/open-house or by calling 217-786-2292.

In the news

Dr. Natasha Casey, assistant professor of communication, recently guest co-edited a special issue of the Journal of Media Literacy.  The article, “Media and Information Literacy: Enriching the Teacher/Librarian Dialogue” is available online.

Still searching for a new year’s resolution? Sheridan Lane, director, culinary program and operations, offers some inspiration in this week’s Epicuriosity 101 column in the State Journal-Register, “Hello, 2024: Eat your veggies.”

In the news: LLCC Receives U.S. Department of Energy grant

LLCC was one of only four Illinois community colleges in the state chosen to share in a $3 million Department of Energy grant to develop more green energy jobs. Dr. Nancy Sweet, dean of LLCC Workforce Institute, spoke to WICS Newschannel 20 on Jan. 5, 2024. Dr. Sweet explained LLCC will be using their portion of the grant to meet the needs of local manufacturers by providing mobile training equipment to expand the availability of LLCC’s industrial maintenance certificate in the communities we serve. The effort is a collaboration of the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) and the four community colleges.

In the news

Jolene Lamb, director, LLCC Community Education, wrote the Dec. 26 essay in the Illinois Times, “New year, new opportunities, new you.”

Chad Jones, professor of exercise and sports science and head women’s basketball coach, authored the Dec. 24 essay in the State Journal-Register, “The importance of sport and fitness.”

Ty Bergman, adjunct instructor culinary and special events consultant, wrote this week’s Epicuriosity 101 column in the State Journal-Register, “A coffee tradition.” Over winter recess, Jay Kitterman, culinary and special events consultant, turned his Dec. 27 Epicuriosity 101 column over to Charlyn Fargo Ware, who wrote “Favorite cookbooks.” Joshua Dineen, chef specialist, wrote the Dec. 20 Epicuriosity 101 column, “Favorite French side dishes for the holidays.”

In the news

Patty Mendoza, director, adult education and literacy, was interviewed by WICS yesterday. She discussed the $400,000 granted by the Illinois Community College Board and how LLCC will be creating and expanding bridge programs and providing support services for adult education students.

Sheridan Lane, director, culinary program and operations, wrote “Mocktails are for celebrating” for this week’s Epicuriosity 101 column in the State Journal-Register.

LLCC names new women’s volleyball coach

Kellee PhillipsLLCC has named Kellee Phillips as its new head women’s volleyball coach. She replaces Hannah Werth, who will be stepping away from coaching.

Originally from Coal City, Phillips had an extensive playing career in club volleyball for UNO and the historic powerhouse Sports Performance. She also played four years as a UIS Prairie Star in Springfield.

Phillips has coaching experience from the club realm as well as high school. She previously coached and ran the Sacred Heart-Griffin volleyball program for two seasons (2022-2023).

“We’re very excited to have Kellee as the new head coach for the program,” says Ron Riggle, athletic director at LLCC. “She embodies what our volleyball program represents, and we are excited to see what she does this coming season.”

“I am thrilled to be a Logger and grateful for this amazing opportunity,” adds Phillips. “I’m excited to help my players reach their full potential on and off the court, as well as all of our student athletes at Lincoln Land!”

LLCC Foundation announces 2023-2024 scholarship recipients

The LLCC Foundation has announced the recipients of over 370 scholarships totaling more than $880,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year. The LLCC Foundation awards scholarships every year thanks to the support and generosity of individuals, community businesses and organizations.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the application period for LLCC Foundation scholarships is open through Feb. 15. For the online application, frequently asked questions, helpful scholarship resources and more, visit https://llccfoundation.org/scholarships.

View scholarship recipients listed alphabetically in hometown order followed by the scholarship they received.

In the news

Dr. Cynthia Maskey, dean, health professions, was interviewed yesterday by WICS/Fox Illinois about the shortage of health care workers and the opportunities for students in the field.