JALC Welcomes New President

Published on January 6, 2021

Following Dr. Ron House’s retirement on December 31, Dr. Kirk Overstreet became the ninth President of John A. Logan College. Before his appointment by the John A. Logan College Board of Trustees in November, Overstreet served as the Assistant Provost for Instruction at the College of DuPage in Glenn Ellyn, Illinois.

Overstreet is excited about the opportunity and his relocation to southern Illinois.

“I am excited and honored to be serving as the ninth President at John A. Logan College,” said Overstreet. “My wife, Becky, and I are thrilled to be here in southern Illinois. We were able to get settled in during the break, and I am looking forward to beginning my service here at John A. Logan College.”

John A. Logan College is scheduled to begin classes on January 11. The new president is optimistic that faculty and staff will continue to overcome the obstacles that COVID19 and the August 12 electrical fire have presented.

“I am getting up to speed on how the College has been managing these situations, and I have been impressed with the grit and determination of everyone to work together to overcome these obstacles,” said Overstreet. “Going forward will be continuing that group effort, and I know that we will come out of this crisis stronger and more adaptable than ever. Collaboration, careful reflection, data, and the ability to be agile will guide us this upcoming semester.

As he settles into his new role, Dr. Overstreet is looking forward to meeting the faculty and staff of the College even though current restrictions make that difficult.

“I am looking forward to meeting everyone. One of the things I love about our work is that we are a community within a community,” said Overstreet.  I hope when people see me, they say hello and introduce themselves. Under the current conditions, it might be a little while before we meet in person, but I am really looking forward to getting to know everybody.”