Logan College to start 2021 with new president
John A. Logan College will begin the new year in January with a new college president, Kirk Overstreet, who comes to Logan from his job as Assistant Provost for Instruction at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, one of the most celebrated community colleges in Illinois.
He will be Logan's ninth president.
Overstreet said it is "a great honor to be a part of such an outstanding college.
"I am looking forward to being a part of this community and all of the positive things that John A. Logan College is doing," he added.
He will succeed Ron House, who will retire on Dec. 31 after five years as president.
Overstreet was one of four finalists selected by a presidential search screening committee, which conducted a national search. Each finalist interviewed with the college board of trustees and took part in a virtual question and answer session with faculty and staff.
Board Chairman Bill Kilquist expressed his "elation" with the board's unanimous decision to hire Overstreet.
"As the board of trustees sought its next president, it was clear after interviewing a phenomenal group of finalists that Dr. Overstreet was the person possessing the unique background and talent we are seeking to lead our college," said Kilquist.
As Assistant Provost for Instruction at College of DuPage since January 2019, Overstreet's primary responsibility has been to foster student success through persistence and completion across all academic programs and support services.
In addition to his current role at College of DuPage, he has also been the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Assistant Dean of Adjunct Faculty Support and Interim Associate Dean of Learning Technologies.
Prior to the College of DuPage, Overstreet was the Associate Director of Human Resources for the College of Business Administration and the Interim Assistant Director International Service Coordinator at the University of Illinois-Chicago.
He was also the Compliance Manager, Loop Campus Facility Manager, and Designated School Official at BIR Training Center in Chicago.
Earlier, Overstreet was an adjunct instructor of history at Lewis University in Romeoville. After a successful career in the electrical construction industry, Overstreet returned to the College of DuPageto complete his studies.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from North Central College, a Master of Arts in History from Ball State University, and Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Development from Benedictine University.
A native of Downers Grove in suburban Chicago, Overstreet, and his wife, Becky, will soon begin the relocation process as he prepares to start work on Jan. 1.
"We are looking forward to getting to southern Illinois and starting this next chapter in our lives," he said in a statement.
"I feel that there has never been a better time to be a part of the community college mission," said Overstreet. "We have an opportunity to drive change and to be a place of equity and inclusion to prepare students to be well-rounded citizens, and I think that John A. Logan College is positioned to do just that."
Overstreet added that he is excited to be a part of a college that perseveres, even during this difficult time.
"When I visited the campus, the grit of the faculty and staff was evident. Despite the stress from the pandemic, and the recent fire, I saw a smiling face everywhere I went, even behind the masks.
"I knew then, why would I go anywhere else?"