THE MAJOR ISSUE
Breaking Barriers: Women in Technology and Beyond
DEAR FRIENDS,
At Lake Land College, we believe success is defined by each individual student. While they are here, we help them explore their passions and provide resources to help them achieve their unique goals.
Some of our students’ goals include the pursuit of non-traditional career fields, meaning in these skilled occupations one gender has little representation in the workforce. For example, construction and welding are considered non-traditional careers for women, while nursing and early childhood education are considered non-traditional fields for men.
At Lake Land, students in these career programs are eligible for unique support through our Perkins Program, which provides tutoring, financial aid for books, tools and other educational resources.
As you can see in this issue of the Lake Land Magazine, we are proud of the many extraordinary Lakers who are making waves in non-traditional career fields. We hope their stories highlight their achievements and inspire all students to define their own ideas of success.
WITH GRATITUDE,
Dr. Josh Bullock President
LAKE LAND COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Gary Cadwell, Chair, Mode
Tom Wright, Vice Chair, Dieterich
Dave Storm, Secretary, Effingham
Kevin Curtis, Trustee, Mattoon
Larry D. Lilly, Trustee, Mattoon
Doris Reynolds, Trustee, Mattoon
Denise Walk, Trustee, Teutopolis
Abbie Kelly, Student Trustee, Windsor
LAKE LAND COLLEGE CABINET
Josh Bullock, President
Jean Anne Highland, Chief of Staff
Ikemefuna Nwosu, Vice President for Academic Services
John Woodruff, Vice President for Business Services
STAFF
Managing Editor: Megan Nelson
Writer: Aaron Wendt
ON THE COVER:
Standing Left to Right:
Morgan Buerster, Ingraham, IL
Kathy Hand, Robinson, IL
Kneeling Left to Right:
Abbi Ledbetter, Brownstown, IL
Caressa Dillow, Effingham, IL
THE MAJOR ISSUE
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.
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.
“Lake Land’s program is really straightforward and has allowed me to jump right into my career interests.”
– Jennifer s
ARTISTRY IN ACTION Graphic Design Student Wins
Statewide Competition
Art has always been a major part of Jennifer Uthell’s life, but it wasn’t until recently that she decided to take it digital and major in Graphic Design. Now, her art is set to be displayed at one of the largest annual gatherings of business educators in the state.
TURNING PASSION TO PROFESSION
Jennifer got her first look into graphic design as a high school senior, when she managed social media pages as a student in the Effingham County CEO program. The experience convinced her to pursue it as a career, and she identified Lake Land’s associate degree program as the best option to rapidly prepare for the workforce.
“Lake Land’s program is really straightforward and has allowed me to jump right into my career interests,” Jennifer said. “You can tell all the instructors have a lot of experience in the graphic design field.”
A CREATIVE TRIUMPH
As a Lake Land student, Jennifer has expanded her graphic design skills in several projects. The most notable one came during the Fall 2024 semester, when she and her classmates submitted
entries for the Illinois Business Education Association (IBEA) logo design competition. The contest was open to students all across the state, but in the end, Jennifer’s design was declared the winner.
“I was happy with what I submitted, but finding out I won was definitely a shock,” Jennifer said.
DREAMS ON DISPLAY
Jennifer’s winning design will be used in all IBEA branding during the organization’s fall conference, an annual assembly of business education leaders throughout Illinois. For a young designer like Jennifer,
MAJORS
Computer Systems
Computer Technician
Desktop Publishing
IT – Computer Applications
IT – Computer Applications Specialist
IT – Computer Game Development
IT – Digital Media Specialist
IT – Graphic Design
IT – Network Administration
IT – Programming
IT – Web Design
LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE MAJORS
the publicity is an exciting opportunity and promising sign for her career moving forward.
“I have a graphic design job where one aspect is designing digital billboards, and I remember how surreal it was to see my artwork displayed publicly for the first time,” Jennifer said. “It’s definitely a similar feeling to know my logo design will be seen by so many.”
ROOTED IN PASSION
Ag Student Pursues Dream Career
As a farm kid and selfdescribed “math nerd,” Jay Bliler loves all things involving agriculture and numbers. As an Ag Transfer major at Lake Land, he’s working toward combining these passions to become an agricultural accountant.
TEEN TYCOON
In high school, Jay was a member of Christian County CEO, an immersive entrepreneurship program that allows students to learn from local businesses and even build their own. During his time in the program, Jay strengthened his accounting skills by creating a bookkeeping business for his CEO classmates.
“CEO gives you great business experience, but the soft skills you gain are just as important,” Jay explained. “I’ve been able to build relationships through CEO that I still have today.”
NEW HEIGHTS
After graduating from high school and completing the CEO class, Jay chose to continue his studies at
Lake Land due to the strong reputation of the College’s agriculture programs. He quickly found himself at home in the small campus environment, becoming the treasurer of the Student Government Association and enjoying strong relationships with his instructors.
“I haven’t met an unfriendly face here at Lake Land,” Jay said. “It’s nice to be somewhere where you’re not just one in a lecture hall.”
THE NEXT CHAPTER
When Jay graduates from Lake Land, he plans to transfer to a four-year university to complete his accounting studies. He considers Lake Land a crucial first step in his college journey, and one that will set him up for a successful future.
“Starting at a university right away is like jumping straight into cold water, and that’s not really my style,” Jay explained. “Being here has been a better financial decision for me first of all, and it’s good to start off at a place where you know everyone and that they’re here to help you out.” s
AGRICULTURE MAJORS
Agriculture Transfer
Agriculture Business
Agriculture Production & Management
Crop Production
Diesel & Ag Power Technology
Horticulture
John Deere Tech
Livestock Production
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE MAJORS
“It’s nice to be somewhere where you’re not just one in a lecture hall.”
– Jay s
When Morgan Buerster was in high school, she helped her mom and dad renovate their family home in Ingraham, Illinois. Now, four years later, she’s using her skills from Lake Land’s Building Construction Technology program to help build houses from the ground up.
A SOLID FOUNDATION
After discovering her passion for construction, Morgan decided to make a career out of it. She enrolled at Lake Land in Fall 2023, and since then, has expanded her skills in a student-friendly environment.
“You get a lot of hands-on experience in this program, and there’s always help when you need it,” Morgan said. “The small class sizes are nice too, because it lets the instructors focus on the students.”
RAISING THE BAR
Outside of class, Morgan works in Olney as a member of a five-person contractor
crew. In this role she helps construct brand-new houses, doing everything from framing to tiling to electrical wiring. The job keeps her busy yearround, but she still makes time to help out where her love for construction began.
“My family has been getting back into more remodeling recently,” Morgan said. “So I’ve been able to help them more with what I’ve learned from Lake Land and my work experience.”
ONE OF A KIND
When Morgan graduates from Lake Land in May, she’ll be the only woman in the Building Construction Technology class of 2025. But over the last two years, she’s never felt different than any of her peers, and she knows she’s just as ready as they are for whatever lies ahead.
“After being here and working with all the guys, I realize I really can do whatever I put my mind to,” Morgan said. “I think a lot of the ladies who are hesitant to try just need to be told they can do it.”
ARCHITECTURAL & CONSTRUCTION MAJORS
Building Construction Technology
CET/Advanced
Technical Studies
Civil Engineering Technology
Computer Aided Drafting
Computer Aided Design Technology
Geospatial Technology
HVAC+R
Residential Wiring
Surveying with GIS LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE MAJORS
s
“I think a lot of the ladies who are hesitant to try just need to be told they can do it.”
– Morgan s
Abbi Ledbetter doesn’t mind being told she can’t do something. Her only condition is that the doubters are ready to be proven wrong.
I CAN DO ANYTHING
From Brownstown, Illinois, Abbi attends Lake Land to study welding, a field she’s loved since high school. At that time, however, her decision to pursue welding as a career was met with more surprise than support. Her own guidance counselor summarized it in a single question: “Are you sure you can handle that?”
“Of course I can,” Abbi recalled answering. “I can do anything.”
Since joining Lake Land’s program, Abbi has enjoyed a learning environment welcoming to all. She knows she’s not the typical welding student, but at Lake Land, she knows it doesn’t matter.
“We’re all the same here,” Abbi explained. “Nobody looks at a weld and wonders if a guy or girl did it.”
MISS PERSISTENCE
In July 2024, Abbi traded her welding jacket for a formal gown by competing in the Miss Fayette County Pageant. By the event’s end, she was crowned the new Miss Fayette County Queen.
Abbi acknowledges that no one expects a welder to join a pageant, but her participation was perfectly in character.
“Someone told me I couldn’t do it,” Abbi said. “So I signed up and won the whole thing.”
DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY
Part welder, part pageant queen, all determination: no matter what it is she’s doing, Abbi has no intentions of satisfying anyone’s expectations other than her own.
“Why would you let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do? They’re not the ones paying your bills or providing for your family,” Abbi said. “At the end of the day, you just have to do what makes you happy.”
MANUFACTURING MAJORS
Applied Engineering
Technology
Electronic Control Technician
Electronics
Electronics Systems Technology
Engineering Technology
Industrial Maintenance
Manufacturing Skills
Mechanical-Electrical Technology
Programmable Logic Controllers
Renewable Energy
Robotic and CIM Automation
Sustainable Energy
Welding LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE MAJORS
By studying Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) at Lake Land College, Caressa Dillow pursues a career that combines her passions of art and technology. MEET ANOTHER LAKER WHO’S BREAKING BARRIERS
The Art of Automation: Student Returns to College to Jumpstart Engineering Career
IN-PERSON COURSES
Students experience the full campus environment with in-person courses, whether at the main campus, Effingham Technology Center, or another off campus location. All classes are conducted at the scheduled days and times, fostering direct interaction with instructors and classmates. While online tools and resources might be offered, the focus is on the in-person learning experience.
*In Person – On Campus (IP-C)
*In Person – Off Campus (IP-O)
*In Person – ETC (Effingham) (IP-E)
ONLINE COURSES
Students experience the convenience of a completely online learning environment. While deadlines ensure progress, students determine their own daily study schedule. Instructors maintain a strong online presence through chat sessions and active participation in discussion boards and email correspondence. Some online sections may require proctored tests or exams either on campus or at an instructorapproved location.
*Online (W)
*Online – Proctored Tests (W-P)
VIRTUAL ONLINE COURSES
Virtual online sections offer the convenience of online learning with the dynamic interaction of a live classroom. Students experience scheduled, real-time sessions where they participate in lectures and discussions with the instructor and classmates. Some virtual online sections may require proctored tests or exams either on campus or at an instructor-approved location.
*Virtual Live Sessions (V)
*Virtual Live Sessions—Proc Test (V-P)
HYBRID COURSES
Hybrid sections merge the benefits of in person instruction with online learning. Students attend scheduled on-campus meetings and engage in online activities, which may be timespecific or self-paced. Consult the section information for details on the course structure.
*Hybrid – On Campus (H-C)
*Hybrid – Off Campus (H-O)
*Hybrid – ETC (Effingham) (H-E)
HYFLEX (FLEXIBLE) COURSES
Students experience true flexibility with HyFlex courses. They may attend in-person, join live online, or watch recorded lectures on-demand— whenever, wherever. No matter how students choose to participate, they get the same great learning experience. Labs and tests may require in-person attendance, but everything else is on their own schedule.
*Flexible – On Campus (F-C)
*Flexible – Off Campus (F-O)
*Flexible – ETC (Effingham) (F-E)
HOW TO READ THE SCHEDULE CODES
*LOCATION TYPE
PLEASE REFER TO THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE.
SCHEDULE TYPE
R Regular term
M1 Mod 1 (1ST 8 weeks)
M2 Mod 2 (2ND 8 weeks)
E Exception (dates vary)
COURSE TYPE
DAY Daytime
EVE Evening (after 4pm)
WKD Weekend
WEB Online
ADDITIONAL CODES
INTR Internet required
NTS Intersession
DL Distance learning (not necessarily online)
HNR Honors
SOE Supervised Occupational Experience (work-based learning)
CBI Center for Business & Industry
THE CLASS SCHEDULE IS UPDATED DAILY!
Visit LakeLandCollege.edu/ Schedules or scan this QR Code for the most up-to-date version.
Contact Counseling Services to get started at 217-234-5232 or counsel@LakeLandCollege.edu
By joining Lake Land College’s Class A CDL program, Kathy looks to follow several of her family members’ footsteps and jumpstart a high-demand career.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Kathy Hand was about four years old when she first rode in a semi-truck, when her dad moved the entire family from Missouri back to Illinois with all their belongings loaded in the truck’s trailer. Now, many years later, Kathy looks to begin a career in truck-driving herself after completing Lake Land’s Class A CDL program.
CHANGE OF SCENERY
After years of driving church and school buses, Kathy began to look for opportunities to upgrade her CDL license to drive trucks. A native of Robinson, Illinois, she was pleased to find that Lake Land’s CDL program offered an affordable option close to home.
“This gives me the opportunity to work more independently, work better hours and get better pay,” Kathy said. “My instructors here were also really friendly and seemed happy to have me in class.”
STEERING TOWARD SUCCESS
CDL Graduate Gears Up for Rewarding Career
TRANSPORTATION MAJORS
Auto Mechanic
Automotive Technology
Commercial Truck
Driver Training
LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE MAJORS
s
“I definitely recommend anyone try Lake Land’s program. Especially if you want to save money and stay close to home.”
– Kathy
INSPIRING THE FUTURE
Education Students Pursue Fulfilling Careers
s
“Kids need all kinds of different role models, and I want to be one of those role models that’ll help mold them into who they’re going to be.”
– Sean s
s
“A lot of people think of college as a continuation of high school, but I think of Lake Land more so as an extension of the workplace.”
– Samuel s
Education students
Samuel Sheard and Sean Fuentes are breaking barriers and using their passions to help others.
AN UNLIKELY INSPIRATION
Samuel Sheard’s journey to studying education began in an unlikely place: the drivethrough window of a fast-food restaurant. While working, he found himself helping out a customer who only spoke Spanish. Using what little he remembered from high school, Samuel was able to connect with the customer and ensure the correct order was placed.
“It felt good to be able to help, and I realized how important it was to have those language skills,” Samuel said. “I decided I wanted to take Spanish classes at Lake Land and I realized it could be a career.”
FINDING A PASSION
As a Lake Land student, Samuel frequented the College’s Tutoring and Testing Center to help in his Spanish studies. As he learned from tutors, he found himself returning the favor and helping his fellow students with their own homework questions. The experience inspired him to teach, and he now studies to one day become a Spanish teacher and also teach English to non-native adult learners.
“A lot of people think of college as a continuation of high school, but I think of Lake Land more so as an extension of the workplace,” Samuel explained. “Lake Land College will help you succeed in whatever career you want.”
A NATURAL CALLING
For Sean Fuentes, working with children is second nature. He’s always been inspired by the way his mother cared for children, and as an older sibling, he’s had plenty of opportunities to play a nurturing role himself. Sean joined Lake Land in Fall 2024 to pursue a career in child psychology. As a Lake Land student, he’s enjoyed learning in a strong education program and has gained practicum experience in Mattoon at LIFT and Riddle Elementary.
“Everyone here wants to see you succeed,” Sean said. “Whether it’s in the classroom or it’s in your practicum hours, the instructors care about you and want to see you go far.”
MOLDING THE FUTURE
Sean notes that very few men study child psychology, a fact that inspired him to pursue the field. He hopes to offer a unique perspective as a mentor and help guide the next generation toward a successful future.
EDUCATION MAJORS
Business Education
Early Childhood Care & Education
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Health Education
Mathematics Education
Nanny Child Care Provider
Paraprofessional Education
Physical Education
Secondary Education–Biology
Secondary Education–Chemistry
Secondary Education–Physics
Social Science Education
Special Education
LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE MAJORS
“I realized I could come in and offer something a little different from what you normally see in this field,” Sean explained. “Kids need all kinds of different role models, and I want to be one of those role models that’ll help mold them into who they’re going to be.”
s
“I was able to learn a lot and do a lot during my time at Lake Land.”
– Marki s
Marki Millsap’s love for accounting began with a high school bookkeeping class at Cumberland High School. Today, she serves as the controller for a global company headquartered in Canada.
FINANCIAL FOUNDATIONS
After discovering her love for accounting, Marki enrolled at Lake Land to pursue a degree in business administration. During her time as a student, she engrossed herself in Laker life, serving as a student ambassador and finding campus job opportunities. She first worked as a proctor in the Tutoring and Testing Center before applying her business studies in a position with accounts payable.
“I was able to learn a lot and do a lot during my time at Lake Land,” Marki said. “The work experiences were also great for me as a student, because they validated my decision to study accounting.”
A BALANCING ACT
Marki graduated from Lake Land in 2010 and decided to immediately enter the workforce. She started working for a local bank in her hometown of Greenup before eventually returning
to Lake Land, working in the Foundation Office and later in Dual Credit. In 2019, she took an opportunity to join the accounts payable department at Justrite, a global manufacturer of safety products.
Around the same time Marki joined Justrite, she decided to continue her education to complete a bachelor’s degree. She enrolled at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale (SIUC) and took online courses, all while acclimating to her new, full-time position at Justrite.
TALLYING TRIUMPHS
After graduating from SIUC, Marki quickly rose in the ranks at Justrite. She earned four promotions in less than six years, most recently becoming the controller for Hughes Safety Showers, a Canadianbased subsidiary of Justrite. In this role, she oversees highprofile budgets and financial strategies, the type of work she once hoped for as a high school senior at Cumberland High School.
“This is the type of job I envisioned when I decided to study accounting way back in high school, but I didn’t think it’d ever take me this far,” Marki said. “I’ve found that the more I learn, the more I want to do and help others.”
BUSINESS MAJORS
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Accounting
Business
Business Development
Electronic Marketing
Entrepreneurship
Management
Marketing
Professional Sales
Retail Management
BUSINESS OFFICE
PROFESSIONALS
Court Reporting and Captioning
Medical Coding & Health Information
Medical Coding Specialist
Medical Transcriptionist
Office Assistant
Office Manager
Office Receptionist
Office Support Specialist
LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE MAJORS
HEALTH &
PUBLIC SERVICES
MAJORS
HEALTH SERVICES
Associate Degree Nurse
Basic Nurse Assistant
Dental Hygiene
Emergency Medical Services
Massage Therapy
Medical Assistant
Paramedical Services
Physical Therapist Assistant
Practical Nursing
PUBLIC SERVICES
Cosmetology
Cosmetology Teacher
Crime Scene Technician
Criminal Justice Leadership
Esthetics
Fire Science Management
Human Services
Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement Operations
Lake Land College nursing graduates can be found in nearly every corner of healthcare.
From hospitals to clinics to nursing homes, they care for a countless number of patients and treat an endless number of symptoms. Thanks to Lake Land’s new Sarah Bush Lincoln High Fidelity Nursing Simulation Lab, they’re ready for nearly every case that comes their way.
HIGH-TECH HEALING
LEARN MORE
ABOUT THESE MAJORS
With a generous donation from Sarah Bush Lincoln, Lake Land College created a state-ofthe-art learning environment in 2024. The simulation lab consists of two replica hospital rooms, each one with a high-tech patient model that coughs, sneezes, grunts in pain and even complains about symptoms.
“Realism is the key for the students to get the most benefit from the simulations,” Simulation Lab Nurse Rachael Walker explained. “Our sim lab allows students to practice the most basic to advanced assessments and nursing skills in a safe, no-harm setting.”
THE WIZARD BEHIND THE CURTAIN
During the simulations, Rachael
sits behind a one-way window, observing student activity and adjusting the robotic patient’s symptoms in response. Through her methodical simulations, Rachael ensures all nursing students have the chance to manage elaborate cases that will prepare them for real-life patient care.
“Clinical experiences can vary greatly from student to student, so the sim lab allows for consistency to ensure the nursing students are all experiencing similar scenarios,” Rachael said. “Repeated practice on the simulators allows students to improve their clinical judgment and build their confidence.”
LIFE’S GREATEST TEACHER
Perhaps the greatest benefit of the simulation lab is that it gives students a chance to make mistakes. Nursing is a high-stakes profession, where even the slightest error can lead to dire outcomes. But in the safety of the simulation lab, students are empowered to try different treatments and witness their results, confident that with every experience, they’re better prepared for the real thing.
“We’ve loved the feedback we’ve gotten so far!” Rachael said. “Students have relayed that they feel safe to make mistakes, take their time to critically think through scenarios and practice skills to become more efficient.”
SIMULATING SUCCESS A New Era of Nursing Education
“Realism is the key for the students to get the most benefit from the simulations. Our sim lab allows students to practice the most basic to advanced assessments and nursing skills in a safe, no-harm setting.”
– Rachael Walker, Simulation Lab Nurse
LEADING THE STATE FAIR
With Heart and a Sprinkle of Fun
Photo courtesy of Prairie Farmer.
Rebecca Clark originally attended Lake Land College to jumpstart her dream career in TV broadcasting. Now, she’s using those skills to manage one of Illinois’ longest-running traditions: the Illinois State Fair.
CHASING DREAMS
Studying TV broadcasting was always an obvious choice for Rebecca, who as a kid used to host fake TV broadcasts for her family. She began her studies at Lake Land College before transferring to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to complete her degree in Communication and Political Science.
“I got my first peek into the world of radio and broadcasting at Lake Land,” Rebecca said. “Being able to learn in a no-pressure environment and confirm I was on the right path was huge for me.”
NEW BEGINNINGS
After graduating and spending several years working in TV,
Rebecca began working with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and eventually became the State Fair Manager in 2022. In this role, she oversees a team of eight who coordinate the daily use of the 366-acre historic fairgrounds, as well as coordinating and operating the annual elevenday celebration, from carnival rides to concerts to parades.
“I still use a lot of the same skills I did in broadcasting,” Rebecca explained. “The State Fair is an opportunity to tell the story of agriculture in Illinois, with a little fun sprinkled in.”
BREAKING BARRIERS
When Rebecca stood on stage in 2022 for her first ribboncutting ceremony, she took a moment to soak it all in. As just the second woman to ever hold the State Fair manager title, she realized how significant the moment was both to herself and to women all across the state.
“I want to be a good role model for my own daughters,” Rebecca explained. “But I also want people to see that you can be a working mom and be great in both roles.” s
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES
MAJORS
Art
Broadcast Announcing
Broadcast Communications
Communication Studies
Criminal Justice
Economics
English
History
Liberal Studies
Political Science
Psychology
Radio Broadcasting
Sociology/Social Work
TV Field-Studio Production
LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE MAJORS
“Being able to learn in a no-pressure environment and confirm I was on the right path was huge for me.”
– Rebecca s
FORECASTING THE FUTURE
A Scientist’s Quest to Help the Environment
Jackie Beck enrolled at Lake Land College in 2015 with the goal of one day being a meteorologist. What she found, however, was that sometimes the journey doesn’t go as planned, and often, it leads to even greater things.
BREAKING GROUND
When she first started college, Jackie hoped to follow the footsteps of JC Fultz, a former WAND meteorologist and Lake Land alumnus. She enrolled in Lake Land’s earth science program with plans to transfer and complete a degree in meteorology.
Just as planned, Jackie graduated from Lake Land with an associate degree in Earth Sciences and even added a certificate in Geospatial Technology. What wasn’t planned, however, was that she found herself wanting to teach weather rather than forecast it.
THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE
Jackie transferred to The Ohio State University and completed a bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Sciences. She then decided to continue her education with the goal of one day teaching biometeorology at the collegiate level.
Currently, she’s on pace to earn three graduate certificates and complete a doctorate in 2026.
“Ever since high school, I’ve found that my whole journey has never really gone as planned, so I’m learning to take a step back and embrace the adventure,” Jackie said. “My original idea of being a weather forecaster didn’t work out, but that just meant better things were in store for me.”
“I hope my research is able to make a difference and be used in solutions that help people.”
– Jackie s
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
MATH & SCIENCE MAJORS
Bioscience Non-Teaching
Chemistry
Clinical Laboratory Science
Conservation
Earth Science
Engineering Science
Environmental Science
Mathematics
Physics
Pre-Chiropractic
Pre-Dental
Pre-Engineering
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Nursing: BSN Transfer
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physical Therapy
As a student in Ohio State’s graduate program, Jackie has instructed classes, served as a mentor for undergraduate students and researched crucial environmental issues such as ecological drought. She’s given numerous presentations across the country, sharing her research with national organizations in the worlds of meteorology and environmental studies.
“I’m interested in studying anything that helps people or animals,” Jackie said. “Growing up in Illinois where agriculture is so influential, I was able to witness the impact of droughts. I hope my research is able to make a difference and be used in solutions that help people.” s
LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE MAJORS
