Published on January 20, 2021
John A. Logan College was facing a perfect administrative storm when President Ron House and VP for Business Services and College Facilities Brad McCormick announced their intentions to retire on December 31 of 2020. The College’s Board of Trustees immediately began a national search to replace House while leaning on experienced administrators from within to fill the void left by McCormick’s retirement.
The Presidential search concluded in November when Dr. Kirk Overstreet was selected from four finalists and named the College’s ninth President. Dean for Financial Operations Stacy Buckingham was named the interim Vice President for Business Services and College Facilities. Executive Director of Human Resources Dr. Clay Brewer was named the interim Vice President for Administration.
Stacy Buckingham began her career at John A. Logan College in 1990 as an accounting clerk. She has served as the Dean for Financial Operations since 2012. As the Dean for financial operations, she has overseen the College’s financial and accounting operations, including the lead role in preparing and closing out the annual budget. Buckingham is a John A. Logan College graduate and has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s in business administration from SIU. In 2011 she was named the Outstanding Illinois Community College Business Officer.
Brewer will continue to oversee the Human Resources Department in addition to Athletics and Building and Grounds. Brewer has been at the College since 2001 and has held positions in the Center for Business and Industry and Career Services. Before coming to John A. Logan College, Brewer was a teacher and head football coach in Carbondale. A graduate of John A. Logan College, Brewer, played baseball and basketball at the College before continuing his academic and baseball career at SIU. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in education, Brewer also earned two master’s degrees from SIU and a Doctor of Education Degree from Oakland City University.
Members of the Board of Trustees felt that it was imperative to have the administration fully staffed as the College transitions to new leadership.
“It was vital to have these critical administrative positions in place when Dr. Overstreet took over on January 1,” said Trustee Glenn Poshard. “Their expertise will aid in the transition and allow the new president an opportunity to assess these positions and formulate a plan for the College moving forward.”
Both interim positions were approved for one year, concluding on December 31, 2021. Dr. Kirk Overstreet took over as President on January 1, and the College began spring semester classes on January 11. For more information, contact Dr. Steve O’Keefe at 985-2828, ext. 8569.