Hartford Takes Over as Provost
Published on July 5, 2023
Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford officially began her role as Provost at John A. Logan College on July 1, replacing Dr. Melanie Pecord, who retired on June 30.
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 as the Assistant Provost of Academic Affairs at John A. Logan College, where she was 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.
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.