Published on July 25, 2024
CARTERVILLE, IL — July 24, 2024 — John A. Logan College is pleased to announce the extension of contracts for Provost Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford and Vice President of Business Services and CFO Dr. Susanne LaPanne, effective immediately. The contract extensions were unanimously approved at the July meeting of the John A. Logan College Board of Trustees. Initially hired in 2023 with one-year contracts, both leaders have demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in their respective roles. These meriting extensions align their tenures with that of President Dr. Kirk Overstreet through 2027.
President Overstreet noted the significant contributions of Dr. Hartford and Dr. LaPanne to the institution, emphasizing their pivotal roles in advancing key initiatives. Under Dr. LaPanne’s leadership, John A. Logan College achieved a balanced budget approved in June. Dr. Hartford’s transformative leadership in reorganizing academic and student affairs has greatly enhanced services and support for the college’s current and future students.
“Their outstanding work and steadfast commitment to John A. Logan College have been instrumental in our progress and success,” remarked President Overstreet. “I am confident their continued leadership will further strengthen our institution and uphold our mission of enhancing lives through learning and community engagement.”
Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford and Dr. Susanne LaPanne expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving John A. Logan College and its students. They look forward to building upon their achievements and furthering the college’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education.
Dr. Hartford has held various positions in the College’s academic affairs and student services. Prior to her current appointment, she served as Assistant Provost of Academic Affairs. In this role, she was responsible for the College’s transfer and career and technical education programs, workforce education, community education, adult primary education, alternative secondary education, and the learning resources to support these programs.
Dr. Hartford has also served as the Department Chair of Humanities and Fine Arts and Professor of Communication. For 16 years, she was a full-time faculty member. She was highly involved with students while serving as the department’s academic advisor.
Before coming to JALC, Dr. LaPanne was Vice President for Finance and Administration at Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire. She had also served as the Associate Commissioner for Finance and Management for the Rhode Island Board of Education for eleven years.
In addition to her most recent roles for the Rhode Island Board and Keene State College, Dr. LaPanne has a rich professional history in financial affairs leadership. Her career has included leading teams in several roles, including budget/accounting manager, chief financial officer, and vice president of finance in the healthcare and education sectors. Dr. LaPanne also served as a full-time, tenure-track faculty member of the Accounting Department at Bristol Community College in Fall River, Massachusetts.
President Overstreet added that the contract extensions are essential to the College’s continued growth and stability.
“The extensions for Dr. Hartford and Dr. LaPanne underscore John A. Logan College’s unwavering commitment to continuity, stability, and excellence in leadership,” said Overstreet. “As we look ahead to future milestones and accomplishments, I am confident their continued leadership will further strengthen our institution and uphold our commitment to excellence in education.”