Cabinet/Extended Cabinet

Nathan Arnett, Assistant Provost of Academic Affairs

Dr. Arnett is a first-generation college graduate and an alumnus of John A. Logan College (JALC, 1996).  He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Murray State University (1999) and completed his Master of Music degree at Southern Illinois University (2002) with an emphasis in Opera/Musical Theatre Performance and Direction. Additionally, he earned his Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Management from Oakland City University (2021).

Dr. Arnett’s professional performance credits include Walt Disney World, The Beechwood Theatre Co., The McLeod Summer Playhouse, The Diamond Circle Melodrama, and The Ohio Light Opera where he was featured on an original cast album. While serving as the JALC Choral Director, his choirs performed at The Lincoln Library and Museum in Springfield, IL, Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, FL, the Statue of Liberty in NYC, NY, and Universal Studios in Hollywood, CA. They also participated in the Princess Cruise Lines tour of ALASKA, as well as Norwegian Cruises to the Caribbean and NYC/New England/Canada in 2015 and 2016. In 2009, Dr. Arnett was honored with the prestigious title of JALC “Faculty of the Year.”

Dr. Arnett transitioned to his current role as Assistant Provost of Academic Affairs after serving five years as the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and then the Dean of Arts & Sciences. While actively involved in various campus activities, his doctoral work focused on researching learning spaces and the impact of physical space on individuals within those spaces. He explored how learning spaces reflect the quality of education taking place within them.  Perhaps it is his background in theater production and design that caused this relative infatuation with the silent voice in the classroom, the learning environment.

Outside of his responsibilities at JALC, you can find Dr. Arnett attending the many dance, musical-theater, and sporting events and interests of his family.  He is a proud product of southern Illinois and the community college system.

Joseph Dethrow, Dean of Arts and Sciences

Joseph Dethrow began his higher education journey at an Illinois community college before transferring to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education (2002) and a Master of Science in Mathematics (2004). As an undergraduate, he was named Outstanding Senior in Mathematics, completed student teaching at Belleville Township High School West, and presented on linear programming at the 2002 Mathematical Association of America’s MathFest. His graduate research focused on constrained optimization in cancer chemotherapy, and he earned the R. N. Pendergrass Graduate Student Award.

With nearly 19 years as a mathematics faculty member, including more than 6 years as Department Chair of Business, Computer Science, and Mathematics, Joseph led efforts to assess student learning, co-chaired the Illinois Articulation Initiative GECC Math Panel, and served on the Illinois Mathematical Association of Community Colleges’ board and curriculum committee.

Now Dean of Arts and Sciences, Joseph works closely with faculty to foster a supportive learning environment and remains actively involved in assessing and improving student outcomes.

Scott Elliott, Assistant Vice President of Integrated Technology

Scott, an alumnus from John A. Logan College, earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in computer science from Southern Illinois University. Scott worked as a software developer, automating the inventory reconciliation process for Walmart Inc. He also contributed source code to various open-source projects throughout the years. As an eighteen-year faculty member, he received the outstanding faculty member award, honorary membership into Phi Theta Kappa and a Center for Excellence Award in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership. Scott served on various boards, including the Illinois Mathematics Association of Community Colleges and the Working Connections IT Faculty Development Board.

Leading the Information Technology department since 2016, his team implemented initiatives on improving classroom and cyber security technology, replaced data center architecture improving the College’s disaster recovery posture, and completed a fiberoptic cable refresh. This team also implemented two ERP systems, a VoIP phone system, a temporary move to remote work, and a temporary relocation of staff due to a campus fire. Scott looks forward to continuing the implementation and support of new technologies and initiatives that will help John A. Logan College students and employees succeed in their academic and workforce goals.

Stephanie Harner, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources

Stephanie Harner serves as Assistant Vice President of Human Resources. Before coming to John A. Logan, she served as the Chief Personnel Officer for Arrowleaf, a not-for-profit human services agency serving the southern seven counties of Illinois. She worked for Arrowleaf in several different capacities from 2006 to 2023.

Mrs. Harner is a first-generation student who attended North Central Texas College and the University of North Texas for her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. While working in the human services sector, she gravitated towards human resources with a culture-focused base. In 2023, Mrs. Harner graduated with her Master of Public Administration from Southeast Missouri State University.

Mrs. Harner and her husband, Brian, reside in Johnson County with their six children.

Jordan Mays, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness & Research

Jordan Mays is the Assistant Vice-President of Institutional Effectiveness and Research at John A. Logan College. Jordan comes to JALC with nine years of experience in Institutional Effectiveness and Research. Jordan joined the staff at JALC from the University of Evansville, where he was instrumental in maintaining, updating, and tracking KPIs for the institution’s strategic plan. Jordan is currently in the dissertation phase of his Doctorate in Business Administration from Liberty University. He also possesses master’s degrees in strategic management and business administration from Oakland City University.

Dr. Steve O’Keefe, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Public Relations, and Communications

Steve O’Keefe, Ed. D is the Assistant Vice President for Marketing, Public Relations, and Communications. Dr. O’Keefe holds a Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership from Oakland City University, a Master’s in Education from Southern Illinois University, and a Bachelor of Public Administration with minors in Marketing and English from the University of Mississippi.

Dr. O’Keefe has worked in higher education and at John A. Logan College for twenty-five years. Throughout his career at John A. Logan College, Dr. O’Keefe has served as an Academic Advisor, Adjunct Faculty member teaching marketing, advertising, and sales; Coordinator of Marketing, Director of College Relations, and Director of Recruitment and Retention.

In 2019 Dr. O’Keefe was selected to serve on the Illinois Community College Marketing Collaborative Executive Board. Dr. O’Keefe is active in the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations and has won several regional and national awards in community college advertising.

A lifelong resident of southern Illinois, Dr. O’Keefe resides in Marion with his wife Amy and Children Abby and Elliott.

Jeremey Sargent, Assistant Vice President of Construction Planning and Facilities Management

Jeremey Sargent is a lifelong southern Illinois resident. He grew up in Eldorado and became a licensed Journeyman Electrician in 1999. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in 2006 from Auburn University, where he was selected for the University’s Design and Build Program.  After completing the program, he returned to southern Illinois and worked in architecture and construction for 16 years. He became a licensed Architect in Illinois in 2013 and is a member of NCARB and the AIA. He began his career at John A. Logan College in 2016 as an adjunct instructor in drafting and engineering. He became a full-time staff member in 2020. He oversees all construction projects and buildings and grounds at the College. Jeremey and his wife Rachel live in Herrin and have three children Holden, Ava, and IIah.

Staci Shafer, Assistant Vice President of Advancement and the Executive Director of the John A. Logan College Foundation

Staci Shafer is the Assistant Vice President of Advancement and the Executive Director of the John A. Logan College Foundation.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in Radio TV from Southern Illinois University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University.  After completing her bachelor’s degree, Shafer worked for NBC and ABC affiliates where she was honored by the Associated Press for Outstanding Reporting.  She then transitioned into healthcare marketing, public relations and business development before beginning her career at John A. Logan College 13 years ago.

Since beginning her career at JALC, Shafer has managed annual giving programs, major gift outreach, corporate and foundation relations, legacy planning and prospect research.  She provides leadership for the Foundation Board of Directors and oversees the awarding and administration of 1.5 million dollars in scholarships annually. She serves on the Strategic Enrollment Management task force and the Strategic Plan task force.

Staci is a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois and currently lives in Vienna with her husband, Jeremy and their three daughters, Christina, Maci and Penni.

Greg Starrick, Athletic Director

Greg Starrick, a native of Marion, returned to John A. Logan College as Athletic Director in the Fall of 2016. Starrick graduated from Marion HS and attended the University of Kentucky on a NCAA basketball scholarship for two years before transferring to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where he played basketball and baseball. Starrick is one of the all-time leading scorers in SIU history and was inducted into the SIU Hall of Fame. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Public Relations. Starrick was employed at JALC following graduation from SIUC and worked at the College for 13 years. While at JALC, Starrick had many duties, including coaching baseball and basketball, being Executive Director of the JALC Foundation, and Director of College Relations. Starrick left Logan to pursue careers in private business and sports broadcasting. Starrick is responsible for Seven intercollegiate sports programs at JALC and the Logan Fitness Facility.

Dr. Rachel Sveda-Webb, Assistant Provost for Student Affairs

Dr. Rachel Sveda-Webb serves as the Assistant Provost for Student Affairs. She is an alumna of Rend Lake College, as well as Southern Illinois University Carbondale where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies and Master of Science in Education majoring in Higher Education. In 2022, Dr. Sveda-Webb completed an Educational Doctorate in Organizational Management, specializing in Educational Leadership, from Oakland City University.

Dr. Sveda-Webb has worked in the Illinois community college system since 2004 as a student employee, financial aid advisor, orientation instructor, admissions coordinator, academic advisor, retention specialist, and more. At JALC, she served as the Director of College Readiness & Student Life before transitioning to the role of Assistant Provost for Student Affairs in 2024. In Student Affairs, Dr. Sveda-Webb is passionate about increasing awareness of the many support services available for students, collaborating with our K-12 partners to improve the college readiness of area students and working with Academic Affairs to build programs and course offerings that meet the needs of our diverse student population.

Dr. Sveda-Webb is a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois and currently resides in Valier with her wife, Hannah, and baby daughter Jules.

Scott Wernsman, Dean of Career & Technical Education and Workforce Training

Scott Wernsman is the Dean of Career & Technical Education and Workforce Training. He is a graduate of Kaskaskia College and also holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Lindenwood University. He started his career in secondary education before transitioning to higher education where he has worked for the past twenty years. He spent one year in financial services as a financial advisor.

Wernsman has worked for the last twelve years at John A. Logan College, first as the Perkins Coordinator before transitioning into the Director of Dual Credit. During his time as the Director of Dual Credit , reimbursable hours increased by 73 percent.  He also directed the program’s national accreditation process and formed dual credit cohorts with local high schools. Before becoming the Dean of CTE and Workforce Training, Wernsman was the Associate Dean of Career & Technical Education where he worked with multiple grants that assisted CTE students in overcoming financial barriers. Wernsman is focused on collaboration with local educational and business leaders that will allow for the increase in training and upskilling.

A lifelong resident of southern Illinois, Wernsman resides in Carterville with his wife Tammy.

Allan Willmore, Chief of Campus Police

Allan Willmore is a graduate of West Frankfort Community High School, and he attended John A. Logan College, where he graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree. Allan received two Bachelor’s Degrees from SIU, one in Psychology and one in Administration of Justice. He joined the Carbondale Police Department in 1994. While with the CPD, Allan served as a Juvenile Officer, JACO Housing Officer, Field Training Officer, Crime Scene Specialist, Special Response Team member, and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team member.

In 2002 Allan accepted a position with the SIUC Police Department. At SIU, he served as a Hazardous Material Response Instructor, Less Lethal Force Instructor, Field Training Officer, General Investigations Detective, and as a Task Force Officer on the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. Allan was promoted to Corporal in 2012 and Sergeant in 2013. In 2018, Allan became the CLERY Compliance Coordinator, Accreditation Manager, and Written Directives/Policy Manager for the SIU Police Department. Allan began his new position as the JALC Police on May 17^th, 2021 and brings over 26 years of police experience to the position.

Kristin Yosanovich, Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing

Kristin Yosanovich is the Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing. Dr. Yosanovich holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Ethical Leadership from McKendree University, a Master’s in Nursing Education from the University of Southern Indiana, and a Bachelor’s in Nursing from McKendree University. Dr. Yosanovich is also a proud community college graduate of Kaskaskia College with an Associate Degree in Nursing.

Dr. Yosanovich has been a registered nurse for twenty-seven years and previously worked at the bedside, caring for patients in the intensive care unit. She has a background in nursing education at the community college level for twenty-four years. She joined the nursing department at John A. Logan in 2017. As a nurse educator, Dr. Yosanovich has created lasting partnerships with area healthcare agencies and is proud to have produced thousands of safe and professional healthcare leaders for our community. The focus of her doctoral project allowed her to work with Southern Illinois Healthcare’s RN Nurse Residency program.

Dr. Yosanovich is a lifelong Southern Illinois resident and lives in Christopher with her husband, Matt. They are the proud parents of two adult children, Cameron and Sydney, and three grandchildren, John Matthew, Logan, and Lyla.