Laker Nation News

The medical assistant program at Lake Land College received accreditation status from the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in March upon the recommendation of Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

“I am very pleased that our medical assistant program was the first in the region to achieve being fully accredited through CAAHEP,” Medical Assistant Program Director/Instructor Molly Yeske said. “I am happy that we are able to provide quality education in a very rapidly growing career.”

The Lake Land medical assistant program trains students in both administrative and clinical roles. In these positions, duties may include patient care, phlebotomy, injections and assistance with minor office procedures, scheduling and billing. The goals of the program are to prepare competent entry level medical assistants in the knowledge, skills and behavior learning domains.

“The accreditation process evaluates multiple categories of the program or institution including curriculum standards, courses and goals, adequate facilities and equipment for training as well as several other aspects,” Yeske said. “By attending an accredited program, you can be sure that you are making a good investment financially and that you can trust the education you are receiving.”

Students who complete the program go on to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Graduates of the medical assistant program at Lake Land have a 100% pass rate of passing the certification exam on the first try and are often highly sought after locally.

The medical assistant program is available as a two-year associate in applied science degree or one-year certificate program at Lake Land. The program is a special admission program requiring applicants to meet a specific list of criteria to qualify for admission.

In addition to the traditional classroom program offering, the program is also offered in a hybrid format, meaning all classes are offered online with two evening labs each week.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the medical assistant field is expected to grow by 23% through 2024, much more rapidly than the average occupation, and Medical Assistants earn an average salary of $35,720 or an average hourly wage of $17.17. The average wage for a Medical Assistant can vary depending on the industry in which they decide to practice.

For more information on the medical assistant program at Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu/high-demand-programs/medical-assistant/ or contact Molly Yeske at myeske@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5055.

Lake Land College celebrated a virtual Employee Recognition, Wall of Fame Induction and Shine Award Ceremony in March. Lake Land College is pleased to honor the many retirees and award recipients recognized at the event.

The 2021 Lake Land College retirees include Psychology Instructor Terri Fields, Groundskeeper Don Hardwick, Human Services Instructor/Coordinator Helen Hendren, Mathematics Instructor Walter McHenry, Director Tutoring and Testing Center Karla Miller and Cosmetology Instructor/Director of Cosmetology Peggy Strange.

Lake Land College is pleased to induct three new members into the Retiree Wall of Fame. The 2021 Honorees are Joyce Allen, Ken Beno and Pam Crisman.

Acting Dean of Instructional Services and Psychology Instructor Joyce Allen helped transition to the current campus, having a lasting impact on student learning as one of the first to implement and advocate for learning objectives. She was the first Lake Land College psychology instructor and was one of the few original female faculty members.

WLKL Station Manager and Radio TV Broadcasting Instructor and Division Chair of Humanities Ken Beno created outstanding opportunities to students through the Radio/TV Department and WLKL. He also led the development of the college’s leading edge distance learning program that expanded opportunities for residents to attended classes throughout the district.

Vice President for Development, Director of Public Relations and Consultant Pam Crisman led the public relations and development office for nearly 30 years, serving three presidents during her tenure. Under her leadership, the Foundation received its largest gift, which provided funding for the new Foundation and Alumni Center.

The Outstanding Service Award was presented to Academic Counselor Jennifer Melton.

The 2021 ICCTA Outstanding Full-time Faculty Member Award was presented to Philosophy and English Instructor Tara Blaser.

The 2021 Shine Award recipient was Director of Workforce Investment Jamie Corda Hadjaoui. Hadjaoui’s nominator said her “caring is unparalleled, especially when dealing with students. Students are always a priority in her actions.”

Individuals nominated for the Shine Award include Central Receiving and Mailroom Assistant Autumn Bustillos, Mailroom Assistant Patrick Taylor, Admissions Representative Pam Hartke, Division Chair of Business and Business Instructor Tynia Kessler, Academic Scheduling Coordinator Braddi Browning, Manager of Bookstore and Textbook Rentals Amanda Arena, Nursing Instructor Cassi Porter, Allied Health Specialist Hilary Donley and Student Services Specialist III Gavin Shawver.

Three groups also received Shine Award nominations including the Lake Land College Police Department: Jeff Branson, Chad Smith, John Hampton, Darren Feldkamp and Evan Dodson; the Commencement Team: Kelly Allee, Tina Stovall, Michelle Zumbahlen, Autumn Bustillos, Dave Earp, Becky Earp, Amanda Arena, Faith Donaldson, Tanishia Fulk, Pam Hartke, Oliva Koester, Amanda Tucker and Jane Plummer; and the ISS Team: Tony Sharp, Jay Westendorf and Nate Westendorf.

Lake Land College is proud to award these honors to the deserving individuals who have dedicated their time and effort to support the vision and values of the college and create opportunities for students to succeed.

At the Lake Land College Virtual Employee Recognition faculty and staff members were honored for their years of service. Lake Land College is proud to honor the commitment and dedication many employees have devoted to helping students succeed at the college. Several of these employees were recognized for reaching years of service milestones.

Lisa Cole, director of data analytics, was recognized for 30 years of service.

The people recognized for 25 years of service included Dion Buzzard, industrial technology instructor/program coordinator; Dave Earp, print and mail services supervisor; Emily Hartke, chair of counseling and judicial affairs advisement; Walter McHenry, mathematics instructor; Martha Mioux, physical therapist assistant instructor/program director and massage therapy instructor/program director and Art Turner, custodial services supervisor.

The people recognized for 20 years of service were Cheryl Beam, nursing instructor/director of nursing; April Byard, community and professional program specialist; Terri Fields, psychology instructor; Brenda Hunzinger, biological science instructor; Dave Johnson, health and physical education instructor/head women’s basketball coach and Krista Pickering, financial analyst.

Those recognized for 15 years of service included Dyke Barkley, horticulture instructor; Andrea Bright, academic counselor; Tisha Goad, nursing instructor; Valerie Lynch, interim vice president for student services; Pamela Mayer, lead custodian; Megan Nelson, marketing publication and design coordinator; Heather Nohren, academic counselor; Ike Nwosu, division chair math and science/bio-science instructor; Cassie Porter, nursing instructor; Greg Powers, speech communication/broadcasting instructor/broadcast operations director; Lisa Shumard-Shelton, director of dual credit and honors experience and Erin Swingler, division chair allied health/nursing instructor.

The people recognized for 10 years of service were Ben Cohan, art instructor; Hannah Crnkovich, scholarship coordinator; Kristen Holsapple, dental hygiene instructor/director of dental hygiene; Ginger Murray, associate dean of correctional programs; Maria Nohren, nursing instructor; Ryan Orrick, division chair agriculture/agriculture instructor; Scott Rawlings, director of physical plant operations; Casey Reynolds, Spanish/English instructor; Megan Stewart, cosmetology clinical instructor; Benjamin Tomasello, custodian and Nate Westendorf, programmer analyst.

The people recognized for five years of service included Emily Bowling, print shop technician assistant; Hilary Donley, allied health specialist; Tarah Haskenherm, nursing instructor; Olivia Koester, admissions representative; Jani Merryman, adult education advisor; Kyle Sims, adult education advisor and Dustha Wahls, director of human resources.

Several adjunct faculty members were recognized for their semesters of service as well. Sharon Brown and Terry Salem were recognized for 60 semesters. Linda Gates, Diana Hammond and Jesse Teverbaugh were recognized for 40 semesters. For 30 semesters, David Budde, Debra Denton, Allen Drake, Martin Gibson and Teresa Metzger were recognized. Camille Gordon, Michelle Miller, Jeffrey Paisley, Michael Ritchie and Robert Till were recognized for 20 semesters. Joyce Barnhart, Todd Ehlers, Amy Followell, Matthew Holdman, Leslie Harmon-Mckenzie, Steven Klingler, Ashley Poleon and Heath Strom were recognized for 10 semesters.

Lake Land College extends congratulations and gratitude to all of these employees for their years of service and dedication to the vision and values of the college.

Lake Land College will be hosting a Virtual Automotive Open House at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 28.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from automotive technology faculty members on how Lake Land automotive academic programs prepare students with the entry-level skills and knowledge needed to get a job in auto repair shops as service or parts technicians.

Participants will also be able to see the recently renovated automotive lab, including the latest diagnostic equipment and tools students will use to work on vehicles and gain valuable technical knowledge.

Registration for the event is now open at lakelandcollege.edu/visit/.

“We want to encourage anyone who may be interested in the program to attend this virtual open house,” Automotive Technology Instructor and Program Coordinator Brian Madlem said. “It will be a great way to explore the options the program has to offer, enjoy a virtual tour of the Laker Repair Shop and have your questions answered.”

The high-demand automotive technology program curriculum is based on, and follows Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) guidelines and is designed to prepare students for ASE certification.

The program covers vehicles’ mechanical, electrical and electronic systems, including light duty diesel fuel and emissions systems. Instruction is provided by ASE certified instructors in a shop with modern tools and equipment.

For more information on the automotive technology program, contact Kevin Miller at 217-234-5286 or kmiller@lakelandcollege.edu. To learn how to get started at Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu/getting-started/ or contact Counseling Services at 217-234-5232 or counsel@lakelandcollege.edu.

Lake Land College students Austin White, Paris, and Breanna Moore, Mattoon, earned first place in Microsoft Word(Office 2016) and third place in Microsoft PowerPoint(Office 2016) respectively at the 2020 Microsoft Office Specialist State Championship Fall Qualifier competition.

“I am very excited and very proud of Austin’s and Breanna’s accomplishments,” Business Instructor/Director of Court Reporting Program/Coordinator for Office Professionals Lisa Earp said. “I applaud them for their hard work in mastering their Microsoft skills. This is the first time any of our students have placed in the top three in the state.”

This competition is a precursor to the Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship competition presented by Certiport, Inc. to test students’ skills on Microsoft Office 2016 or 2019 programs such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.

The Microsoft Office Specialist Program by Certiport offers students the opportunity to learn all of the features and functionality of Microsoft Office programs. This develops the students’ skills and knowledge to prepare them for future success in workforce or academic settings.

Ordinarily, Certiport issues six invitations per each fall and spring qualifying period with the top students in each exam category going on to represent their respective states on a national level at the Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship.

While the 2021 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) U.S. National Championship was canceled this year due to the continued difficulties and concerns with the ongoing pandemic, both students have been recognized and have received certificates for their accomplishments.

For information on how to earn these Microsoft Office Specialist certifications, please contact Lisa Earp at learp@lakelandcollege.edu. For information on how to get started in a business program at Lake Land College, contact Counseling Services at counsel@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5232.

April is Community College Month and a time for community colleges across the nation to showcase the value they bring to their respective communities. At Lake Land College, the past year certainly tested our core value of innovation as we navigated the pandemic and learned new modes of providing high quality education and services to our students. Our faculty and staff rose to the challenge and continued innovating to meet area workforce demands and create new opportunities for community residents.

One way in which the college ensures curriculum is relevant is by hosting a DACUM, Developing a Curriculum. In these workshops, industry professionals share their expertise with the goal of identifying the skills needed to be successful in a given career path. As a result of a DACUM held in March 2019, the Emergency Medical Services faculty and staff have created a new Fire Science major. The program provides an educational pathway for current firefighting professionals to advance in their careers. As the only program south of Chicago, this new opportunity has the potential to positively impact first-responders in our communities.

Medical Assistant faculty are also paving the way for career advancement as the only program in the region to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Faculty have also created a Medical Assistant Associate Degree Completion program that allows current certified medical assistants to receive credit for professional certification and accelerate the time to complete a degree.

Earlier this year, Abbott Ambulance Services in Effingham approached the college about hosting an on-site training program to fill a need for emergency medical technicians. EMS faculty and staff worked with Sarah Bush Lincoln instructors and Abbott Ambulance Services to host an 8-week fast track EMT training curriculum beginning this month. Abbott is paying 10 students a wage, covering their tuition and fees, and guaranteeing them a position upon successful program completion and licensure exam.

This fall, the Business Division will welcome the first class of students to the new Court Reporting Technology program. Business faculty have worked closely with area court reporting professionals to create this major in response to a regional and national shortage of court reporters. According to the Occupational Profile on the Illinois virtual labor market information website, there will be a projected 80 job openings in this field each year through 2026.

A few years ago, Heartland Dental invested in future dental hygienists by donating state-of-the-art equipment for the Heartland Dental Dental Hygiene Lab. This year, the company selected Lake Land College to pilot a new educational partnership that provides support and opportunities, both financially and academically, to students preparing to enter the field of dentistry.

Dental Hygiene faculty have also expanded opportunities for students by working with Eastern Illinois University to establish a transfer pathway. All Dental Hygiene Alumni now have an opportunity to transfer to Eastern Illinois to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public health.

Several programs recently updated curriculum to arm students with the skills needed for success today and into the future. The Humanities and Communications faculty enhanced speech and radio-TV courses by creating a new Broadcast Communications department that ensures students are trained in a multitude of skill sets from creating videos, to presenting online to writing advertisements. The Information Technology and IT-Graphic Design programs recently aligned course offerings and programs to maximize opportunities for students interested in design, programming, web creation and gaming careers. The newly revised Diesel & Ag Power provides students hands-on experience working on diesel machinery and a variety of brands, preparing them for future careers in the field or on their family farm.

In addition to these program enhancements, the college continues to work with the Effingham Regional Career Academy to secure funding for a new building and to develop training programs for both high school students and adults or incumbent workers that meet the needs of our area business partners. To date, 14 schools have signed intergovernmental agreements to participate in this initiative.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus to tour the new Workforce Development Center and the opportunities it presents for customized training. The center houses Adult Education, Center for Business and Industry, the Manufacturing Skills Lab, WIOA and Department of Corrections.

As we enter the spring season and look forward to warmer weather, please let us know how we can assist you in fulfilling unmet workforce or training needs. As you can see, we are committed to partnering with area businesses and creating new opportunities for district residents to gain the education they need to advance in their careers.

Josh Bullock
Lake Land College President

Lake Land College student Lucas Duduit, Pana, has been named a 2021 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

Duduit is president of the Lake Land College Phi Theta Kappa chapter as well as being the Lake Land College Student Trustee on the Board of Trustees. Duduit is also involved in several areas of campus life, including Student Ambassadors and the Student Government Association.

“It is definitely a distinguished honor that I am extremely grateful for,” Duduit said. “Lake Land helped me achieve it, and I am really proud to be able to represent Lake Land College on a national scale.”

Duduit will be transferring in May 2021 to the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois, and he said the scholarship will help fund his education there.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make it possible for deserving students to achieve their educational goals.”

Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.

Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies and will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, to be held virtually April 8-10.

“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

The Lake Land College chapter of PTK has been ranked as a Five Star Chapter for three years in a row. This is the highest distinction a chapter can earn.

For the third consecutive year, Lake Land College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter earned Five Star Chapter status. The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is an international organization that ranks campus chapters on a five star system. Completion of an Honors in Action project addressing a need in the community and on campus is required as a final step in advancing to five star status distinction.

“We are extremely ecstatic to be recognized as a Five Star Chapter,” PTK President Lucas Duduit said. “It gives a sense of the community and the positive Laker mentality at Lake Land College. These honors students are engaging in programs that will help facilitate a brighter future, whether in the workforce or at another university.”

This year the Lake Land College PTK chapter chose virtual learning as the topic for the Honors in Action project.

“PTK wanted to be a voice for their peers,” Counselor and Faculty Advisor to the Honors Experience Krista Burrell said. “Each and every student has been impacted by the pandemic and courses being offered in a virtual format. PTK members wanted to know more about how students were succeeding and if they still felt connected to campus. Throughout the process PTK Officers met with groups of Administrators, faculty and students.”

Reaching five star status also includes recognizing academic excellence by creating awareness of PTK among the college community, establishing chapter leadership and engagement, developing an Honors in Action project and a college project such as maintaining a chapter Facebook page, increasing the PTK presence on campus and increasing engagement in the region, and submitting three entries in the Hallmark Awards Program.

“This PTK chapter should be very proud,” Burrell said. “To earn five stars during a pandemic was no small feat. It took incredible determination and communication between the officers.”

To top it off, chapters are encouraged to attend the annual catalyst. The Lake Land College PTK chapter, Alpha Theta Psi, will attend the National PTK Catalyst Convention virtually in April.

Duduit has also been named a 2021 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

PTK members involved in the project include PTK President Lucas Duduit, Pana; PTK Vice President Tim Lawyer, Mattoon; PTK Secretary Macy Vogt, Teutopolis; PTK Treasurer Rachel Buening, Effingham.

PTK sends invitations each year to students who have completed 12 credit hours at the collegiate level with a 3.25 GPA or exceptional high school students passing with a 3.5 GPA.