Welcome Rachel Duff

Rachel DuffRachel Duff recently began work as LLCC’s COVID-19 student health coordinator. She is also a medical assistant instructor at CCTC and a part-time RN at Springfield Clinic. Duff attended LLCC and earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. John’s College of Nursing. She can be reached at rachel.duff@llcc.edu. Welcome, Rachel!

Welcome Justin Scott

Justin ScottJustin Scott has recently joined the college as a building custodian. He has 13 years of custodial experience, having worked at Athens Community School District, Springfield Clinic and St. John’s Hospital. He can be reached at justin.scott@llcc.edu. Welcome, Justin!

Welcome Edobor Efam

Edobor EfamEdobor Efan has recently joined the college as an IT specialist. He previously worked in IT at SIU School of Medicine and HSHS. Edobor earned an associate degree at Ivy Tech in Muncie, Ind., a bachelor’s degree from the University of Benin in Nigeria and a master’s degree in organizational behavior and development from Benedictine University. He can be reached at edobor.efam@llcc.edu. Welcome, Edobor!

Welcome Josh Collins

Josh CollinsJosh Collins has joined LLCC as assistant vice president of business relations. He began his new duties Aug. 3.

Collins previously served as interim CEO of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance and the director of business and community development at the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. He is a certified economic developer through the International Economic Development Council.

“We are so pleased that Josh Collins has joined LLCC. He has extensive experience with businesses in the community and has been involved with the college’s program advisory committees for years,” said Karen Sanders, vice president of advancement and LLCC Foundation executive director. “With his leadership, we look forward to building and strengthening our business and industry partnerships.”

Collins earned a bachelor’s degree in political studies from University of Illinois Springfield.

Welcome Iván Pagán

Iván PagánIván Pagán joined LLCC on July 1 as director, student success. He has over 30 years of experience in higher education and has directed a tutoring center, advising center, center for student success and learning center. Iván earned master’s degrees in accounting and educational psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and in teaching English as a second language from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico. He can be reached at ivan.pagan@llcc.edu. Welcome, Iván!

Welcome Adam Watkins and Brenda Elliott

Adam WatkinsAdam Watkins, from St. Louis, has joined LLCC as dean of arts and communication. He began his new duties July 1. Dean Watkins comes to LLCC from East Central College in Union, Missouri, where he served as chair of the fine and performing arts department. He was honored as the Missouri Community College Teacher of Excellence Award Winner in 2017. In addition, he is a mixed media artist, curator and musician. His work deals with the notions of the post-pop culture that we live in and the constant re-contextualization of it alongside his own personal translations of Derrida’s theories on ontology regarding the future, the past, “ghosts,” being and machines. Adam earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Kent Institute of Art and Design in Canterbury, England, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Webster University in St. Louis. He can be reached at adam.watkins@llcc.edu. Welcome, Adam!

Brenda Elliot

Brenda Elliott joined LLCC Wednesday as director of apprenticeship programming. She has over 30 years of experience in marketing/business development activities, project management, computer CRM database management, computer training management, software training and event planning. Brenda earned a bachelor’s degree in business/marketing from Millikin University. She can be reached at brenda.elliott@llcc.edu. Welcome, Brenda!

Welcome Jamil Steele

Jamil SteeleJamil Steele joined LLCC Monday as director of adult education and literacy. He has over 20 years of experience in adult education as an instructor, manager, director, professional developer and state administrator. Jamil earned a master’s degree in education focusing on curriculum and instruction as well as instructional technology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He can be reached at jamil.steele@llcc.edu. Welcome, Jamil!

Welcome Chris Russell

Chris RussellChris Russell joined the college Monday as chief of police June 1. He recently retired as a lieutenant from the Springfield Police Department after 25 years of service. He is a graduate of LLCC, Illinois State University and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. He can be reached at christopher.russell@llcc.edu. Welcome, Chief Russell!