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.
Kimberly can be reached at kimberly.conover@llcc.edu or 217-786-2363.
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.
Derek can be reached at derek.matlock@llcc.edu or 217-786-2811.
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.
David can be reached at david.park@llcc.edu or 217-786-2830.
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.
The LLCC Board of Trustees approved the conferring of the honorary title of “emeritus” upon LLCC’s longest serving faculty member at its Oct. 28 meeting. Dr. John Roberts, professor of history, was recommended for this honor by the Faculty Development and Recognition Committee of the Faculty Senate. Board policy permits the conferring of the honorary title “emeritus” upon a retired full-time faculty member based upon outstanding contributions from at least one of the following areas: teaching, participation and leadership in shared governance, service to the community, and advisor roles.
Cory Brockmeyer is LLCC’s new HVACR instructor. He is a graduate of LLCC’s HVACR program and previously worked as a journeyman and was with Local 137 for seven years. Cory can be reached at 
Bridgette Hudson joins the college as a nursing instructor. She previously worked with HSHS for almost 10 years. Her background is primary in medical surgery, but also intensive care and leadership and management. Bridgette can be reached at 
Laurie Lewis-Fritz started at LLCC as an adjunct instructor and is now a full-time instructor of music. Prior to joining LLCC, she taught at Lincoln College and MacMurray College. She earned her master’s degree in opera/music theatre. Laurie can be reached at 
Matt Schownir, Ph.D., is LLCC’s new assistant professor of history. Originally from Indiana, he earned his master’s and doctorate’s degrees in history from Purdue University. Before joining us, he taught at Purdue, Huntington University in Indiana and Jackson College in Michigan. His hobbies include soccer, listening to podcasts, board games and spending time with his two children. Matt can be reached at 
Karen Sisk, Ph.D., has also joined LLCC as an assistant professor of English. She holds a master’s degree in English literature and a doctorate’s degree in creative writing. She previously was an adjunct instructor for Lorrain County Community College for four years. Karen can be reached at