Lincoln Land Community College has named Curt Oldfield as its next president.
Oldfield currently is president of Spoon River College, a community college in Canton, Illinois.
He will replace current LLCC President Charlotte Warren, who announced in August that she would be retiring at the end of June. She has been LLCC’s president since 2006.
LLCC’s board of trustees voted to name Oldfield as the school’s new president. His appointment must be approved by the full LLCC board at its February meeting, and, upon receiving that approval, he will officially begin his duties on July 1.
“Dr. Oldfield brings Illinois community college experience, thoughtful leadership and a clear commitment to student success,” Illinois State Rep. Wayne Rosenthal, chair of the LLCC board of trustees, said in a statement.
Oldfield has been president of Spoon River College (SRC) for nearly 14 years, during which time he increased retention, expanded workforce development programs and developed strategic partnerships, according to a statement from LLCC. He formerly served as chair of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents.
He started his education career as an agriculture teacher and football and basketball coach at Roseville High School. He later joined Spoon River College as an agriculture faculty member and then was named dean of instruction. He served as vice president of instruction at Northeast Iowa Community College before returning to Spoon River College as president.
Oldfield holds a doctorate from Ferris State University, a master’s degree from University of Illinois, a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and an associate degree from Spoon River College.
SRC announced on Feb. 4 that Oldfield would be leaving the school.
“The Board of Trustees is appreciative of Dr. Oldfield’s service to Spoon River College,” Kevin Meade, chair of the SRC board of trustees, said in a statement. “He began as a student, became an instructor, moved up to dean, and then served for 14 years as president. Lincoln Land will present him with a new opportunity to continue his professional growth.”
LLCC serves more than 12,500 students annually through credit and non-credit courses. In addition to its main Springfield campus, it operates outreach centers in Beardstown, Jacksonville, Litchfield and Taylorville.