Dr. Ikemefuna Nwosu administers and supervises all academic operations of the college, including strategic planning, development, administration, supervision and evaluation for academic programs and personnel. Nwosu began his career at Lake Land College in 2006 as a biological sciences instructor, transitioning to Math and Science division chair in 2015. He leads the Academic Services Leadership Team (ASLT) and Curriculum Committee.
Nwosu has a doctorate of education in community college leadership from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, a master’s degree in biological sciences from Eastern Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Zambia. Nwosu also attended Lake Land College to complete general coursework.
John Woodruff provides strategic direction and oversight for all business operations of the college, including information systems, facilities planning, physical plant management, human resources, auxiliary services and accounting.
Prior to joining Lake Land in 2024, Woodruff served in a variety of senior leadership roles for Consolidated Communications, Inc. He is the president and majority owner of Express Drive Thru’s, Inc. in Mattoon and has served as an Illinois High School Association (IHSA) licensed official since 2012 for track & field and volleyball.
Woodruff has a master’s in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in business from Eastern Illinois University.
Dr. Valerie Lynch leads a comprehensive student services program including admissions and records, financial aid and veteran services, counseling services, student conduct and judicial affairs, career services, health services, mental health services, international student services, student life, intercollegiate athletics, intramural, TRiO programs, tutoring and testing, and marketing and public relations. Lynch served as the director of student life at Lake Land College before assuming the interim vice president for student services role in October 2020.
Lynch has a doctorate in higher education leadership from Maryville University, a master’s degree in student affairs and higher education from Indiana State University, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Eastern Illinois University and an associate degree from Lake Land College.
Jean Anne Highland provides leadership in legislative relations, data analytics, strategic planning, institutional research, grants, campus police and manages special projects. She acts as a liaison between the office of the president and the board of trustees and the public, students, staff, state agencies and elected officials.
Prior to joining Lake Land College in 2014, Highland served as the executive director of East Central Illinois Development Corporation (ECIDC), an 11-county, regional economic development group. Prior to consulting for ECIDC, Highland owned and operated Friends Home Care, a business she created and grew to employ 25 people.
Highland has a bachelor’s degree in secondary mathematics education from Indiana State University.