Launching a Meaningful Career: Connecting One Student at a Time
PAYING FOR COLLEGE
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LAKE LAND COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Tom Wright, Chair, Dieterich
Denise Walk, Vice Chair, Teutopolis
Larry D. Lilly, Secretary, Mattoon
Gary Cadwell, Trustee, Mode
Chuck Deters, Trustee, Teutopolis
Scott Montgomery, Trustee, Gays
Doris Reynolds, Trustee, Mattoon
Jay Bliler, Student Trustee, Taylorville
LAKE LAND COLLEGE CABINET
Josh Bullock, President
Jean Anne Highland, Chief of Staff
Heather Nohren, Vice President for Student Services
Ikemefuna Nwosu, Vice President for Academic Services
John Woodruff, Vice President for Business Services
STAFF
Designer: Megan Nelson
Writer: Aaron Wendt
Editor: Kelly Allee
ON THE COVER: Jade Garza, Arcola, IL
BUILDING FUTURES: Partnership Creates New Pathway to
Careers 12 FROM SMALL SCHOOL TO BIG SCREEN: Alumnus Turns Creative Passion into Successful Film Debut
14 PARTNERING WITH PURPOSE:
Lake Land College Foundation Launches New Community Partners Program
GET SOCIAL WITH LAKE LAND COLLEGE!
LAKE LAND COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT
Lake Land College creates and continuously improves an affordable, accessible and effective learning environment for the lifelong educational needs of the diverse communities we serve.
We fulfill this mission through:
University transfer education
General education
Technical & career education
Workforce development
Community & continuing education
Intellectual & cultural programs
Support Services
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Lake Land College is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment that promotes equal opportunity and that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. It is the policy of Lake Land College not to engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, traits of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, association with a person with a disability, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender-related identity and expression, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, parental status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, work authorization status, citizenship status, family responsibilities, actual or perceived decisions regarding reproductive health, or on any other basis protected by applicable federal and state law. This policy applies to any individual who participates in, or attempts to participate in, any College programs, activities or services.. The following campus office is assigned the responsibility for ensuring compliance with this policy as well as federal and state statutes and regulations concerning affirmative action and equal access: Office of the Director of Human Resources, 217-234-5210 / Human Resources Office. Complaint forms and procedures for filing can be obtained through Counseling Services or Human Resources. In addition, these offices will maintain current copies of appropriate laws, regulations, and policies.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Lake Land College is committed to developing and maintaining an environment for students, employees and college community that embraces and actively supports diversity, equity and inclusion. We aspire to be an institution where the quality of education and work environment are enhanced and enriched by an inclusive campus community that encourages multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas.
is published for the residents of Lake Land College District #517 by Marketing & Public Relations at Lake Land College, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon, IL 61938. For inquiries, contact Marketing & Public Relations at 217-234-5215. Views and opinions expressed by individuals in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Lake Land College.
A Strategic Vision for the Future
Since its inception nearly 60 years ago, Lake Land College has prided itself on making education available to all by creating innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of the students and communities it serves.
Now, the College is taking that commitment to the next level by launching a new strategic plan centered around the motto of Education that Fits Your Life. Developed based on feedback across the College community, this plan prioritizes flexible class options, streamlined enrollment processes, comprehensive support services and studentcentric course scheduling.
The new strategic plan is a proactive step by Lake Land in response to the enrollment cliff, a nationwide trend that points to decreasing college enrollment as the student population declines alongside an increasing percentage who choose to forgo higher education. For Lake Land,
these trends reveal the importance of rethinking how education works to meet students where they are.
“Today, many students have competing priorities, so we’re taking a step back to find ways to relieve that pressure,” President Josh Bullock explained. “That might mean we offer more evening courses, expand class meeting options or design new program formats entirely. The key is to listen to where students are coming from and understand what they need.”
The Education that Fits Your Life model builds upon years of effort to make Lake Land a place where academic goals are feasible alongside work, family and personal commitments. In previous years, the College has served as a trailblazer in distance learning, created new flexible course formats, introduced convenient program timelines and expanded class meeting options. Under the new strategic plan, the College will place these initiatives at its focus more than ever before.
“We provide life-changing opportunities here at Lake Land through the power of education,” Bullock added. “If there is any way to make that more available to studentsall while maintaining our high standards of excellence – why would we not explore that?”
As the new strategic plan begins to unfold, Lake Land’s leaders remain engaged with the College community to research best practices and identify a roadmap for success. Looking ahead, the new strategic plan will set Lake Land on a course for sustained success, drawing from the College’s strengths and building on its rich history to create a bright future for students and their communities.
Details of our new strategic plan may be viewed online at: lakelandcollege.edu/about-us/ strategic-plan.
“The
key is to listen to where students are coming from and understand what they need.”
– Dr. Josh Bullock
Lake Land College will soon offer a new career pathway for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Starting January 2026, the College is launching an associate degree program in Surgical Technology, providing a local training opportunity for a rewarding, high-demand career.
HEROES BEHIND THE SCENES
Surgical technologists are pivotal to the healthcare field and are crucial members of every successful surgery. They assist surgeons by preparing operating rooms and by following strict procedures to ensure all environments are sterile and safe. They also help prepare patients for surgery and assist with surgical instruments during operations.
“Surgical Technologists play a crucial role in ensuring that surgeries are performed as smoothly and efficiently as possible,” said Erica Hotze,
Surgical Technology Program Director & Clinical Coordinator.
“They increase the efficiency at which surgeries can be performed, allowing surgeons to focus on the patient and safely perform more cases per day.”
FROM CAMPUS TO CAREER
Students who complete Lake Land’s Surgical Technology program will obtain valuable career skills with high local demand. Surgical technologists are needed in nearly every healthcare setting, including hospitals, clinics and dental offices. In fact, the Illinois Department of Employment Security predicts nearly an 18% increase in employment for Surgical Technologists across the state over the next three years.
“After graduation, students can begin working at a local hospital in the operating room, at an ambulatory surgery center, oral surgeon’s offices or in medical offices helping perform smaller procedures,” Erica explained.
“There is really no limit to the employment options as a surgical technologist.”
BUILT FOR REAL LIFE
The Lake Land College Surgical Technology program offers a unique educational experience that is highly immersive yet flexible. For this program, Lake Land has partnered with several local hospitals, which will serve as clinical locations for students to obtain valuable experience in real healthcare settings. When students aren’t completing clinical and lab requirements, they’ll take fully online classes, ensuring they can fit their educational goals into their personal and professional lives.
“The hybrid structure of Lake Land’s Surgical Technology program is unique and offers students a great advantage over other college programs,” Erica said. “The online courses make it easier for a student to manage work and personal commitments while enrolled in the program.”
“There is really no limit to the employment options as a surgical technologist.”
– Erica Hotze
Connecting One Student at a Time
For Jade Garza, helping other people has always been a natural calling. From Mexican heritage, Jade has held a deep love for family and community from a young age. Now, as a student at Lake Land, she hopes to share that love with everyone around her as she prepares for a career in human services.
A HELPING HAND
After graduating from Arcola High School in 2024, Jade decided to continue her studies in Lake Land’s human services program, which prepares students for a wide range of career options in counseling, crisis support, community outreach, family advocacy and more. Jade enjoys the small environment and opportunities for involvement at Lake Land, where she serves as the president of the Human Services Club. But most importantly, she enjoys the
opportunity to apply her love for helping others toward a rewarding and valuable career.
“It’s always been a passion of mine to help new people and just help anyone in need,” Jade said. “Even though they may not know me, I’m willing to help whoever is in need.”
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
In fall 2025, Jade took the next steps in her community service journey by beginning an internship with St. John’s Lutheran School in Mattoon. There, Jade helps out with nearly the entire school, from second grade all the way to high school. The experience has allowed her to apply what she’s learned at Lake Land in a real work setting, but the best part for Jade has been the opportunity to build connections with the students and confirm she’s on a career path that’s perfect for her.
“The little kids are always coming to me and giving me hugs,” Jade said. “It just gives me joy to be around them, and I want to come in every single
sday. It just shows me how much this really means to me, and I could see myself working somewhere like here one day.”
MAKE IT HAPPEN
When Jade graduates from Lake Land next spring, she plans to transfer to Eastern Illinois University as the next steps toward launching a meaningful career and making her community a brighter place. She’s eager to achieve her goals, and she hopes her story serves as proof that any ambition is possible if you have the courage to pursue it.
“I was hesitant to do this at first, just because I was a new high school grad and it can be a struggle to make sure you’re on the right path,” Jade said. “But you meet a lot of helpful people at Lake Land who can help you through the right path. I think if anybody follows their dreams, they can make it happen.”
“You meet a lot of helpful people at Lake Land who can help you through the right path. I think if anybody follows their dreams, they can make it happen.”
– Jade Garza
BUILDING FUTURES:
Partnership Creates New Pathway to High-Demand Careers
s
“Programs like this don’t just teach skills; they build confidence and help young people see the possibilities ahead of them.”
– Bonnie Moore
s
Many Shelbyville High School students are enjoying a powerful head start toward highdemand trade careers, thanks to an innovative partnership with Lake Land College. Through this partnership, Shelbyville students now have the option to enroll in the Manufacturing Skills program to explore topics such as electricity, hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical drives, forklift operation and more – all while nationwide demand for these skills continues to soar.
PRACTICE MAKES PROFESSIONAL
The Manufacturing Skills program allows students to build practical knowledge and gain career experience before they graduate from high school. As students complete course topics, they earn industry-recognized certifications that qualify them to work in a number of highdemand positions.
“There’s not a factory or distribution center that doesn’t need workers with those credentials,” said Adam Carter, Center for Business & Industry Training Specialist.
The courses also count toward completion of Lake Land’s Manufacturing Skills certificate, giving students a head start toward a valued credential that unlocks a wide range of career possibilities.
“We’re excited to provide Shelbyville High School students with this kind of meaningful career exploration and personal growth experience,” said Bonnie Moore, Director of the Center for Business & Industry. “Programs like this don’t just teach skills; they build confidence and help young people see the possibilities ahead of them.”
EXPANDING POSSIBILITIES
The Manufacturing Skills partnership is a part of a major initiative by Shelbyville High School to provide pathways to trades careers. In addition to the Lake Land partnership, Shelbyville recently upgraded its welding and construction shop, providing a safe, upto-date space for students to practice their skills. The high school has also worked to secure grants, including one from Lake Land College, to support the growth of its manufacturing program.
“Exposure to the trades in high school is about more than learning how to use tools, it’s about giving students the chance to build their future with their own hands,” said
Brendon Schettler, Shelbyville High School Agriculture/ Industrial Arts Instructor. “Not every student discovers their passion behind a desk; some find it in the hum of a machine, the precision of a circuit or the creativity of a CAD design. By exposing students to the trades, we help them discover their strengths, expand their possibilities and build a stronger, more capable future workforce.”
BUILT FOR THE REGION
Currently, 19 Shelbyville students are enrolled in the Manufacturing Skills program, and the school has more than 100 total students enrolled in a related shop course. The success of the Manufacturing Skills Partnership is a testament to Shelbyville’s devotion to building valuable career opportunities for its students, and Lake Land hopes the school’s leadership serves as a blueprint to expand local opportunities for trades education moving forward.
“Keeping our best, our brightest and our most skilled students here in Shelby County is a priority that extends far beyond the walls of the high school building,” said Kyle Ladd, Shelbyville High School Principal. “These are the types of students that are highly sought after by prospective employers, both near and far.”
FROM SMALL SCHOOL TO BIG SCREEN:
Alumnus Turns Creative Passion into Successful Film Debut
For Kylie Daniel, studying at Lake Land was the perfect chance to start small. As a Shelbyville native, Kylie viewed the tightknit community – and affordable price – of Lake Land as the ideal path to transition from high school and find a career to match his creativity.
MAKING CREATIVITY A CAREER
Growing up with a passion for music and all other things creative, Kylie decided to pursue a degree in communication studies, starting his journey at Lake Land before transferring to complete his degree at Eastern Illinois University. He then began his career at WAND TV in Decatur, where he became a master behind the camera and met two good friends, Scot England and Tara Barrett.
Kylie enjoyed the news business at WAND, but missed working in his hometown. He eventually took a job as an accountant in Shelbyville, but after 10 years in that role, felt drawn to flex his creative
muscles again. He began by filming promotional videos for his wife’s business, which quickly drew the attention of several clients interested in Kylie’s skillset. Eventually, his client list grew so long that Kylie quit his desk job to start Half Moon Digital, a media company specializing in video production.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
Kylie’s work at Half Moon Digital eventually caught the eye of an old friend, Scot England, who just so happened to be in need of a videographer. A few years back, another one of Kylie and Scot’s WAND friends, Tara Barrett, had quit the news business to take over her family’s farm after her father passed away. Scot was determined to make a documentary about Tara’s incredible journey, and Kylie agreed to help. Filming began in 2023, and Kylie, Scot and Tara were reunited for the first time in years.
“This was the biggest undertaking of my career,” Kylie said. “Not only was it a first for me, but it was something where I was just wondering if I can even pull this off. But filming was so
enjoyable. It was just so great to catch up with Tara and Scot, and I really enjoyed that time with them.”
ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET
After two years of filming and editing, Kylie and Scot finally released “The Farmer’s Daughter” in 2025. The film was met with immediate success, and today, it’s available to stream on Amazon Prime and Tubi TV. It was also shown at multiple film festivals and was named “Best Documentary Feature” at both the Chicago Cinema Awards and the Crown Point International Film Festival. The film was also a massive hit in the local community, with showings held at Tara’s old school, Shiloh High School, as well as in Kylie’s hometown at the Roxy Theatre in Shelbyville.
“Sharing that final product with everyone has been nervewracking, but exciting” Kylie said. “For a while Scot and I were just searching Amazon every morning to see it listed,” Kylie said. “It’s been cool to see the community rally behind it. Just having the opportunity to share a project like this with people you’re close with is really exciting.”
“It’s been cool to see the community rally behind it. Just having the opportunity to share a project like this with people you’re close with is really exciting.”
– Kylie Daniel s
PARTNERING WITH PURPOSE: LAKE LAND COLLEGE FOUNDATION LAUNCHES
NEW COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
In 2025, the Lake Land College Foundation launched the Community Partnership Program, a new initiative helping local businesses connect with the College and its students. In its first year, the program has already been a great success.
A BLUEPRINT FOR IMPACT
The Community Partnership Program offers local businesses a year-long opportunity to connect with Lake Land College while supporting scholarships and student aid. Partners choose from four sponsorship tiers, each providing exclusive benefits.
“The program grew from two goals: raising more funds for
PROGRAM
students and building stronger business partnerships,” said Christi Donsbach, Executive Director for College Advancement.
BUILDING FUTURES
Community Partners gain valuable opportunities to engage directly with students—speaking in classes, networking with graduates and attending events like Career Day. These experiences boost brand visibility, strengthen talent pipelines and foster meaningful community connections.
“By collaborating with each business, we help them meet unique workforce needs while creating career opportunities for our graduates,” Christi added.
MISSION IN MOTION
In 2025, the Foundation welcomed 21 business partners into the program, which raised a total of $92,000 for student scholarships and other support funding.
“We are thankful to work with so many incredible business partners, and we’re truly inspired by their generosity,” Christi said.
“The money raised in just the first year of the Community Partnership program will be used to support 92 additional students – students who otherwise may not have had that opportunity.”
To become a community partner, visit LakeLandCollege.edu/ Foundation/CommunityPartners or scan the QR code.
