JALC Names Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford Provost
Published on March 24, 2023
After a nationwide search, John A. Logan College has named Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford Provost. John A. Logan College opened the search in November for a chief academic and student affairs officer to replace Dr. Melanie Pecord, who will retire in June. Seventeen individuals applied for the position, and eight were selected for interviews. A selection committee selected three finalists to interview and participate in candidate forums on the John A. Logan College campus. Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford was selected and is pending final approval at the March 28 meeting of the John A. Logan College Board of Trustees. She will begin her new role on July 1.
In a communication sent to faculty and staff, John A. Logan College President Dr. Kirk Overstreet praised the work of the Committee. He stated that upon the Hiring Committee’s recommendation and review of the candidate’s credentials, forum feedback, and one-on-one interviews with the candidates, he was excited to announce that he had extended an offer to Dr. Stephanie Hartford to be the next Provost at John A. Logan College.
“I believe Dr. Hartford will be an excellent Provost and will further our continued efforts for organizational growth and development, our enrollment goals, and our dedication to serving our community,” said Overstreet.
Dr. Hartford has over 25 years of experience as a college-level administrator and has held various positions in academic affairs and student services. In 2016, she began serving in her current position as Assistant Provost of Academic Affairs at John A. Logan College. Dr. Hartford is responsible for the College’s transfer and career and technical education programs, workforce education, community education, adult basic education, alternative secondary education, and the learning resources to support these programs.
Before her current role, Dr. Hartford was the Department Chair of Humanities and Fine Arts and a Professor of Communication. For 16 years, Dr. Hartford was a full-time faculty member and had the privilege of teaching hundreds of students, many of whom took her public speaking courses. She was also highly involved with students while serving as the department’s academic advisor.
Throughout her time at the College, she served on numerous committees, including the Higher Learning Commission Accreditation team, strategic planning, assessment, curriculum and instruction, online assessment team, strategic enrollment planning, behavior intervention team, master facility planning, integrative technology, scholarship committee, and more. She also served on several contract negotiating teams.
In addition to her academic experience, Dr. Hartford held several positions in student services. Areas include academic advising, new student orientation, non-traditional student services, early alert system, career services, admissions, and the Foundation.
Dr. Hartford is looking forward to the new opportunity at the College.
“John A. Logan College is comprised of talented, smart, caring, and dedicated individuals, and I am honored to serve as the college’s Provost and help guide us. I am grateful for the faith that the Trustees, President, and staff have in my ability to serve in this leadership role,” said Hartford.
Dr. Hartford earned a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in speech communication, specializing in organizational communication. Additionally, she holds an M.S. Ed. with a specialization in college student personnel, and her bachelor’s degree is in public relations.
Finally, Dr. Hartford is a proud Southeastern Illinois Community College graduate, where she was a scholarship member of its nationally recognized competitive speech team.
“As a southern Illinois community college graduate, I understand first-hand the importance these institutions have in transforming lives. They provide students with faculty and staff who get to know them personally and help them achieve their goals.”
Dr. Hartford resides in Carterville with her husband of 29 years, Dr. Jeff Hartford, and she is the mother of two children, Anna Hartford, and Nolan Hartford.
