Article Summary: The Lincoln Land Community College Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Curt Oldfield to serve as the college’s next president, succeeding the retiring Dr. Charlotte Warren. Oldfield, currently the president of Spoon River College, is expected to assume the role on July 1, 2026, following formal confirmation.

LLCC Presidential Selection Key Points:

• New Leadership: Dr. Curt Oldfield has been selected to lead LLCC after serving as president of Spoon River College for nearly 14 years.

• Transition Timeline: The Board plans to confirm his employment in February, with a start date of July 1, 2026.

• Succession: Oldfield will replace Dr. Charlotte Warren, who is retiring after leading the college since 2006.

• Experience: Oldfield is a fellow in the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and began his career as a high school agriculture teacher.

SPRINGFIELD — The Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Curt Oldfield as the institution’s next president, tapping a veteran Illinois educator to guide the college into its next chapter.

Pending final confirmation of his employment at the Board’s February meeting, Oldfield will begin his duties on July 1, 2026. He will succeed Dr. Charlotte Warren, who announced in August 2025 that she would retire at the end of June 2026 after two decades of leadership at LLCC.

Oldfield brings extensive administrative experience to the role, having served as president of Spoon River College for nearly 14 years. During his tenure there, he was credited with increasing student retention, expanding workforce development programs, and developing strategic partnerships within the community.

“Dr. Oldfield brings Illinois community college experience, thoughtful leadership and a clear commitment to student success,” said Rep. Wayne Rosenthal, chair of the LLCC Board of Trustees.

Oldfield is currently a fellow in the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and serves as a member of the Commission on Student Success for the American Associate of Community Colleges. He is a former chair of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents and was previously named a Top 10 Finalist in the Aspen Institute’s Community College Excellence Program.

His career in education began at Roseville High School, where he taught agriculture, advised the FFA chapter, and coached football and basketball. He later joined the faculty at Spoon River College as an agriculture instructor before advancing to dean of instruction. He briefly served as vice president of instruction at Northeast Iowa Community College before returning to Spoon River College as president.

Oldfield’s academic journey is rooted in the community college system; he earned his associate degree from Spoon River College. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University, a master’s degree from the University of Illinois, and a doctorate from Ferris State University.

LLCC, established in 1967, serves all or parts of 15 counties in central Illinois. In addition to its main campus in Springfield, the college operates outreach centers in Litchfield, Taylorville, Beardstown, and Jacksonville.