Richard Hartke, a Lake Land alumni, is a Financial Professional with The Prudential Insurance Company of America. He has been in the financial services industry for 20+ years serving both Effingham and Champaign, Illinois communities. He has earned MDRT Life Member designation, Life Founders Gold Award and Masters Council recognitions. Passionate for technology within education, Rich served on the Teutopolis committee, which raised funds to provide every student within Teutopolis schools a Chromebook. Rich and his wife, Angie, are life-long residents of Teutopolis, IL where they have raised their three children. He is also the President of Teutopolis Community For Progress, a board dedicated to the economic development and improvement of its community.
Larry Blackerby is a retired Television Executive with over 40 years of experience. He was an Emmy Award winning producer early in his career. Larry has managed stations all over the country with his most recent stops in Houston, TX and Indianapolis, IN. Larry is a 1975 graduate of Lake Land College and a 1977 graduate of Indiana State University. Larry and his wife Brenda (also an LLC grad) have one daughter, Hillary who lives in Santa Barbara, CA. Larry and Brenda reside in La Quinta, California. They are proud to be Lake Land grads and are always quick to give LLC much of the credit for any successes they have had. In 2011, they established the Blackerby Endowment for LLC broadcasting students.
Tom White is the Chief Technology Officer at Consolidated Communications and is responsible for the company’s network design and development, engineering, company facilities, corporate purchasing, and supply chain, in addition to the administration of the company’s capital investments.
He joined the company in 1992 as a Supervisor in the company’s former Operator Services division and has held multiple management and leadership positions during his career with the company including field operations, network operations, OSP and network engineering.
White is active in his local community and currently serves on the Lake Land Foundation and has served on the Coles Together Board, Charleston Excellence in Foundation Board and the CCAR Industries Board.
He earned in bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Virginia Commonwealth University and lives in Charleston with his wife and three children.
Ms. Shoot is the Comptroller for Lake Land College. Ms. Shoot serves as the treasurer of the Lake Land College Alumni Association. Ms. Shoot also teaches adjunct business classes for Lake Land College. She was previously employed as an Assistant Controller for a local manufacturing firm. She received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s in Business Administration and is also an alumni of Lake Land College.
Angela Dyer, a 1994 Lake Land graduate, is employed by First Neighbor Bank in Paris, IL. She has worked in community banking, as a Paris native, for 28 years. Currently serving her neighbors as a Branch Manager and Vice President for the company. Angela stays connected in Edgar County by engaging in community events and various organizations. As a United Way board member, past director for the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce, and current Ambassador for the Paris Chamber, she stays involved and active in the community. Angela resides in Paris with her husband, a local farmer for more than 30 years, also from Paris. Together, they have 5 children; 2 living at home, 3 living and working in the area, and 2 grandchildren. For fun, she and her spouse like to travel by motorcycle to see the beautiful and inspiring landscapes of America.
Dr. Bullock has served as the chief executive officer of the college since July 1, 2013, responsible to the Lake Land College Board of Trustees. Prior to joining Lake Land College Dr. Bullock served as the Vice President for Strategic Advancement at Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac, WI. Under Dr. Bullock’s leadership, Lake Land College has implemented a comprehensive strategic planning process, initiated Guided Pathways and co-requisite remediation frameworks for student success, integrated a data analytics platform to facilitate data-driven decision making, enriched the Lake Land brand, developed unique training models to assist local businesses in sustaining a skilled workforce, strengthened high school dual credit opportunities, began the Presidential Scholarship program to provide educational opportunities for talented high school graduates, and undertaken efforts to modernize campus infrastructure and technology.
Dr. Bullock is passionate about ensuring educational opportunities are accessible to all Illinois residents, including those under incarceration. He is proud of Lake Land’s partnership with the Illinois Department of Corrections in serving incarcerated students through full-time college degree programs at 25 Illinois adult and juvenile correctional facilities throughout Illinois, providing opportunity and reducing recidivism for the most vulnerable students.
He is a long-standing Rotarian and is actively engaged in communities throughout east central Illinois, serving as a board member for numerous organizations including Coles Together, The Effingham Regional Growth Alliance, the Christian County Economic Development Corporation, the East Central Illinois Development Corporation and the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System.
Appointed by Governor J.B. Pritzker as a Commissioner with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Dr. Bullock is actively engaged in advocating for the success of students across Illinois. He currently serves as Chair of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents and has nearly 30 years of experience in higher education as a teacher and administrator, in addition to a successful career in the private sector.
He earned a Doctor of Philosophy from Marian University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Christi Donsbach serves at the Executive Director for College Advancement at Lake Land College. In her role, Christi leads the Foundation and alumni areas of the college and serves as the chief executive officer of the Lake Land College Foundation. With a primary focus on philanthropy, alumni engagement and building of community partnerships, she works closely with key stakeholders both within the college and throughout the college district, and serves as a catalyst for donor and volunteer involvement for the Foundation through a variety of operational activities.
Christi joined the college in October of 2019 with more than 14 years of experience in fostering a culture of philanthropy in a college setting. Ms. Donsbach came to Lake Land College from Eastern Illinois University (EIU), where she served as the director of development and was responsible for the leadership and management of alumni and friends to an assigned fundraising portfolio, as well as planned giving. She also taught a university foundation introductory course and presented at several regional educational seminars.
Prior to joining EIU, Christi served as the director of donor & alumni relations at Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship in Effingham, director of development & alumni relations at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and director of development at Pony Bird Inc. in Mapaville, Missouri.
Christi holds memberships in the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) professionally and in several community organizations. She recently served on the membership committee for AFP and served as co-chair for the CASE District V conference. She is a member of the Effingham Chamber of Commerce, a past member of the Effingham PEO, a member of the St. Aloysius Church has served as a mentor in Effingham County CEO. She was also recognized as one of Effingham Illinois’ Top Community Leaders Under 40 in 2015.
Christi has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a master’s degree in business administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She lives in Teutopolis with her husband, Jake, and their four children.
Kathleen is a proud 1976 graduate of Lake Land College. She is retired after a 30 year career in banking in Oakland and Charleston. Kathleen and her husband, Mike (who also attended Lake Land College) have lived and farmed near Hindsboro for 44 years. They have two children, Brian and Lucy, and six grandchildren. Besides the LLC Foundation Board, Kathleen currently serves on the Board for St. Hedwig Haus of Hospitality in Charleston, the Oakland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Peace Meal Project Advisory Council. She enjoys volunteering at Coles County Habitat for Humanity and Coalition for People in Need.
A 2016 Lake Land graduate, Layna Bond, is the owner of Bond and Associates LLC with American Family Insurance. She grew up on a small swine and cattle operation in Galatia, IL, where she exhibited livestock at various levels.
During her time at Lake Land, Layna was a Student Ambassador and member of the Livestock Judging Team. After graduating in 2016, she transferred to Oklahoma State University, where she obtained her bachelor’s in animal science and was a member of the 2017 National Champion Livestock Judging Team. Following her time at OSU, she attended Kansas State University, where she studied for her master’s in beef cattle breeding and genetics.
In July (2024) , Layna will have run her own insurance business for two years. Choosing this career was easy for her as it has allowed her to give back to the livestock industry while still being actively involved in the community. Her background and experience make farm and life insurance her most popular policies; however, she can sell multiple other types of policies including business owners, home, auto, umbrella, etc. Bond and Associates LLC currently has two offices, one in Effingham, IL, and the other in Highland, IL. She attributes Lake Land College for her current success.
Layna is a member of the Effingham Chamber of Commerce, Highland Chamber of Commerce, Effingham RISE BNI, and sits on the board for the Madison County Fair. She also founded the Cheers for Charity for FISH in Effingham. Remaining engaged in the community holds significant importance for her, as she strives to foster relationships with all her customers, ensuring their proper protection.
Layna currently resides in Highland, IL and looks forward to giving back to a community who formed her into who she is today.
Kellie Eastham currently serves as Partner-Vice President of Personal Lines at Dimond Bros. Insurance. Kellie enjoys her role as a servant leader to her teams in IL, WI and IN. Prior to her time in insurance, she spent her career in the banking industry where she served the banking community for 15+ years. Kellie and her husband Cory reside in Paris, IL with their two children, Carter and Hadlee. Kellie has served as past Paris Chamber of Commerce President, as well as President of the Paris Business Women’s Club. You can find Kellie leading worship at her home church, or cheering on her kids at local softball, basketball, football, or baseball games.
Austin Frank, Laker Nation class of 2006, serves as Senior Vice President & Director of Investor Relations for First Mid Bank & Trust in Mattoon. Austin is a member of the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce, Mattoon Emerging Leaders and supports many local charities. Austin previously served as student loan advisor and adjunct business instructor at Lake Land College. Austin also served on the Lake Land College Alumni Association Board of Directors, served as President of the Alumni Association and was the 2020 recipient of the Alumni Association’s Golden Apple award. Austin received his MBA and Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Eastern Illinois University and an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration from Lake Land College where he was a member of the men’s tennis team.
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon!
Mr. McConnell retired in 2009 from RR Donnelley. At the time of his retirement, he was a customer account manager serving magazine and catalog publishers. He has been associated with Lake Land College either as a student or adjunct faculty member since 1972. He also served on the Lake Land College Alumni Association Board of Directors for many years. He has taught business classes in Charleston, Effingham and the Mattoon campus. Mr. McConnell received an Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees from Lake Land College and his bachelor of science in business education from Eastern Illinois University. He and his wife Melody have one daughter, Nicole, and reside in Mattoon.
Blake Pierce is a Mattoon native who received his Bachelors in Finance and MBA at Eastern Illinois University in 2011 and 2012 respectively, and then joined Rural King in the Finance Department. Since that time, he has advanced through many roles and responsibilities assisting the company quadruple in revenue and double its number of locations to the national retailer they have become today. Currently Blake serves as the Director of Real Estate and Economic Development, where he is responsible for all aspects of the company real estate division and new store selection; along with enhancing the communities in which Rural King calls home. Blake also serves on a number of local boards and committees, and particularly enjoys assisting small businesses and promoting the local economy in his free time as well.
Rudy Huber, Sullivan, a 1976 Lake Land College graduate, began farming the same year in Douglas County. He began auctioneering with his father in 1981, joining the Huber Auction Team. In 2000, he became a licensed independent insurance agent with CF & H Insurance, located in Sullivan, Windsor and Monticello, where his wife, Linda is president. Huber is also a Republican Precinct Committeeman and a member of the Sullivan Rotary and Sullivan Country Club. He is a former board member of these organizations, as well.
Bob Payton is a self-employed business and leadership consultant based in Wichita Falls, Texas. He works with mid-sized organizations in five states on organizational development, project management, mergers and acquisitions and business development efforts.
Bob’s early career was in radio broadcasting, starting during high school in Salem, IL. His choice for college was the Radio/TV program at Lake Land College, where he graduated with an Associates in Applied Sciences degree in 1978. He continued his studies at Eastern Illinois University and then continued his radio career for 25 years.
Bob deeply believes in servant leadership and giving back, especially through faith-based and educational institutions. He has been involved in numerous community organizations throughout his career, most notably serving 18 years on the Wichita Falls Independent School District board of trustees.
Bob’s wife Lori is from Newton, IL. They have one son who lives and works in the Dallas, TX area.
Wright, Laker Nation Class of 1973, brings a multitude of experience serving on boards and leading a business to the trustee position. He has served as the president of Wright’s Furniture in Dieterich for the past 30 years and is a member of the Cross at the Crossroads Board, the Dieterich Bank Board, the Alliance Board and the Dieterich Community Development Corporation. He has served on the Lake Land College Foundation Board of Directors for twelve years, including as president from 2010-2012, and he served on the St. Anthony Hospital Board of Directors for nine years and the Effingham County 911 Board for four years.
Wright received the Lake Land College Alumnus Achievement Award in 2009, the Lake Land College Foundation Crystal Swan Award in 2015 and was inducted into the inaugural class of the Distinguished Alumni Society in 2007. In 2018, Wright was named as one of Lake Land’s “Top 50 Most Influential People.”
Debra joined the U. S. Air Force after graduating from Duke University with degrees in nursing and history. Later, she completed her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Cincinnati. After 15 years in the U. S. Air Force and attaining the rank of Major, Debra transitioned to civilian employment. As a nurse, Debra has worked in several different roles over the years: staff nurse, administrator, and pediatric nurse practitioner
Growing up in a military family and then being in the service herself, she moved thirty-three times before settling in Illinois with her husband and four daughters. After this final move, Debra chose not to work outside the home any further and devoted herself to philanthropy and her family. She has volunteered her time over a variety of community organizations; including Daughters of the American Revolution, PEO, church youth groups, local hospital committees, Women Connected Giving Circle and now Lake Land College Foundation Board of Directors
Meg Yargus Steward is a native to Marshall, IL and recently joined her family’s business, Yargus Enterprises, making up Hannig Construction, Central State Construction, B&S Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, and Crown Electric. Steward worked in the fertilizer industry for over a decade selling material handling equipment to key accounts. Her ease with customers, passion for customer service and ability to adapt easily will make her a good fit to grow the team and brands in the surrounding area. She is the Marketing Manager and earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Butler University in 2006. Steward recently joined the Wabash Valley Crew Board and has been a supporter of Lake Land College for years. She sat on the Board of Trustees in 2017-2018 and rejoined for the Foundation Board in 2019. She also sits on the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemicals Association and PAC Boards based in Springfield, IL.
Linda grew up on a farm near Moonshine and has a love for farming and agriculture. She raises sheep with her family. She earned a Bachelor and Masters in Education from Eastern Illinois University. Linda retired from Lake Land College as the Associate Vice President for Workforce and was recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in Lake Land’s 50-year history. She served on the Martinsville School Board for over 26 years. She is currently involved with ECCEL Committee serving Edgar and Clark County students and WORC Board of Directors. Linda is an Elder at the Willow Creek Church. She is a life long resident of the Moonshine area.