Laker Nation News

Mark Niemerg, Mattoon, Lake Land College agronomy instructor and farm manager will receive the 2019 Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award at Lake Land’s commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lake Land College Field House.

Throughout his 22 years at Lake Land College, Niemerg effectively fused his passions for agronomy and student success to create an invaluable learning environment in the Agriculture Division.

Ryan Wildman, agriculture business instructor, said in his nomination, “In observing Mr. Mark Niemerg, one will find that excellence in teaching is demonstrated through his extensive subject knowledge, high standards of achievement and the building of rapport with his students.”

Niemerg’s teaching philosophy reflects his purpose as a Lake Land College instructor as being more than a provider of knowledge, but rather a teacher with the desire to assist students in reaching their full potential.

“As teachers, we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the next generation. It is a teacher’s responsibility to deliver the information, but it is also the responsibility of the teacher to help students discover what holds them back and if possible, teach them to correct or overcome the cause of struggle,” Niemerg said.

“Mr. Niemerg has an exemplary record as an effective instructor and subject-matter expert,” Dave Storm, Lake Land College Board of Trustees chair, said. “His work to develop web-based agronomy courses, including the implementation of online course conferences for the benefit of students on supervised occupational experiences, demonstrates his dedication to student success and innovative solutions.”

Niemerg fills an invaluable role beyond the classroom as well. He serves as the Ag Business Club advisor, Lake Land College Farm Manager and is a Land College Online Task Force member. Niemerg also enjoys an active membership in the Illinois Association of Community College Agriculture Instructors and advocates at the local level for the Postsecondary Agriculture Student (PAS) Organization.

“I would like to thank the administration as well as the current and past members of the Ag Division for believing in me and supporting me over the last 20 years. I have often relied on the members of the Ag Division for a helping hand and guidance, and I am very fortunate to have been able to work with such outstanding people and educators. Other Lake Land College faculty members, advising/counseling, grounds and maintenance, custodial staff and of course the administrative assistants all deserve the credit as well. Without their help my job would be much more difficult,” Niemerg said.

Niemerg received an associate degree in ag business and supply from Lake Land College before transferring to Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIU-C) where he received a bachelor’s degree in plant and soil science and minored in ag business economics. He further pursued his education at SIU-C where he received a master’s degree in soil fertility. He is a native of Jasper County and is a 1981 graduate of Newton High School. He and his wife Julie have three children Andrew, Hallie and Malea.