Abigail Nicol joined LLCC last week as a human resources associate. Previously, she worked in development for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Abigail earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from University of Illinois Springfield. She can be reached at abigail.nicol@llcc.edu or 217-786-2893.
Taylor Vazquez has joined LLCC as a library specialist. She most recently worked as the circulation supervisor at University of Illinois Springfield Brookens Library where she also worked with reference and instruction. Taylor earned a master’s in library science form University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She can be reached at taylor.vazquez@llcc.edu. Welcome Taylor!
Brooke Greenwood joined LLCC Monday as a nursing skills lab professional, health professions. She completed her education at Culver-Stockton College and has worked at St. John’s Intermediate Care, Concordia Village and Springfield Clinic. Brooke can be reached at brooke.greenwood@llcc.edu or 217-786-2867.
Kay Sill is also a new nursing skills lab professional, health professions at LLCC. She graduated from LLCC’s ADN program, and earned a bachelor’s degree from SIUE and a master’s degree in nursing from Spring Arbor University. Prior to coming to the college, she served as director of nursing at Bright Star Care. Kay can be reached at kay.sill@llcc.edu or 217-786-2871.
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.
Join us in welcoming the following new LLCC faculty members!
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 julie.brennan@llcc.edu or 217-786-2846.
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 justin.cobb@llcc.edu or 217-786-2820.
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 marcie.leonard@llcc.edu or 217-786-2876.
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 ann.neilson@llcc.edu or 217-786-2231.
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 travis.rath@llcc.edu or 217-786-2442.
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 angela.hardesty-smith@llcc.edu or 217-786-2245.
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 deborah.tomko@llcc.edu or 217-786-2314.
Kerry Harden joined LLCC last week as the Academic Innovation and eLearning assistant. She is an LLCC alum and has a bachelor’s degree in business from Robert Morris University. Kerry was in the insurance industry for six years. Before that, she served as a receptionist and event planner for Association Central.
Rick Schnetzler has recently joined LLCC as director, IT support. He comes to the college with nearly 20 years of experience in IT end user support. Most recently, he served as the help desk manager for United Community Bank. Rick has a bachelor’s degree in business with a focus on IT management.
Trenton Eckert has joined LLCC as a research and analytics associate. He graduated from LLCC and also played basketball here. Trenton continued to play basketball for Fontbonne University in St. Louis where he earned a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and a minor in data analytics and is working on a master’s degree in data science. He can be reached at trenton.eckert@llcc.edu or 217-786-2389. Welcome, Trenton!
David Doub has joined LLCC as the chemical hygiene officer and laboratory supervisor. He previously worked in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign COVID lab for a year. David earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Marian University and started work on a master’s degree in infectious disease. He can be reached at david.doub@llcc.edu or 217-786-2817.
Jennifer Davis, an LLCC alum, recently began working as lab coordinator for LLCC. She is currently a master’s degree student in environmental sciences at University of Illinois Springfield and works with marine litter research. She is the 2021 Illinois Ms. Agriculture USA. Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree from UIS in environmental sciences. She can be reached at jennifer.davis@llcc.edu or 217-786-2107.
Dr. Kathy M. Freeman joined LLCC on May 10 as adult education coordinator. She is a native of Chicago and has served as an educator, license school counselor, case manager and private consultant for Chicago Public Schools. She has also served as an instructor at Elgin Community College, Tolten Adult Education Center and the YMCA of Chicago as well as an academic advisor at Malcom X College in Chicago. Dr. Freeman earned a doctorate degree in adult and higher education from Northern Illinois University. She also holds master’s degrees in educational psychology and school counseling as well as a bachelor’s degree in human services from National Louis University. She has been recognized with numerous awards for her academic achievements and commitment to serve her community.