LLCC selects SRC’s Oldfield as new president
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CURT OLDFIELD
By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) announced its next president last week.
In a vote by the LLCC Board of Trustees, Curt Oldfield, Ed.D., was selected as the institution’s next president. His employment is expected to be formally confirmed at the Board’s February meeting, with his tenure beginning July 1, 2026.
Oldfield has served as president of Spoon River College (SRC) for nearly 14 years, a period marked by rising student retention, expanded workforce development programs, and strengthened partnerships across west‑central Illinois. His career has consistently emphasized community engagement and regional economic growth.
“Dr. Oldfield brings Illinois community college experience, thoughtful leadership and a clear commitment to student success,” Rep. Wayne Rosenthal, chair of the LLCC Board of Trustees, said in the press release announcing the selection.
Oldfield is currently a fellow in the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and serves on the Commission on Student Success for the American Association of Community Colleges. His statewide and national recognition includes the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Advocacy Award and being named a Top 10 Finalist in the Aspen Institute’s Community College Excellence Program. He is also a former chair of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents.
His path to higher education leadership began in the classroom. Oldfield started his career teaching agriculture at Roseville High School, where he also advised the FFA chapter and coached football and basketball. He later joined Spoon River College as a full‑time agriculture faculty member, advancing to dean of instruction. His administrative experience broadened further when he served as vice president of instruction at Northeast Iowa Community College before returning to Spoon River as president.
Oldfield holds a doctorate from Ferris State University, a master’s degree from the University of Illinois, and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. His academic journey began at Spoon River College, where he earned his associate degree.
His appointment comes as LLCC prepares for a major leadership transition. In August 2025, President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., announced she would retire at the end of June 2026 after two decades of service. Warren has led LLCC since 2006, guiding the college through significant growth in academic programming, facilities, and student support.
LLCC serves all or parts of 15 counties in central Illinois, offering transfer degrees, health care career programs, workforce training, adult education, and community learning opportunities. Established in 1967, the college also operates outreach centers in Beardstown, Jacksonville, Litchfield, and Taylorville.
