Blackburn College Leadership
A private, liberal arts institution, Blackburn College is governed by a process of shared governance, including staff, faculty, and students, in collaboration with a cohesive team of senior academic and administrative leaders, the President, and the Board of Trustees. Together, Blackburn’s leadership provides strategic direction for the institution in fulfilling its mission and preparing students to reach their full potential.
President
In May 2024, the Board of Trustees appointed Larry K. Lee as the 20th President of Blackburn College. He began his term on July 1, 2024.
Cabinet
A team composed of senior administrators who report directly to the President. They include:
Kim Camara-Harvey
Director of Athletics
Jason Cloninger
Vice President for Information Technology & Chief Information Officer
Logan Elliott
Vice President for Student Life; Dean of Students; Title IX Coordinator
Leslie Johnson
Dean of Work
Sarah Koplinski
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Kyle Lowden
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Justin Norwood
Vice President for Inclusive Enrollment
Shawna Poe
Executive Assistant to the President & Board of Trustees
Deana Rogers
Vice President for Administration & Finance
Laura Wiedlocher
Provost
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is entrusted with the final responsibility for the quality and integrity of the institution’s education. Learn more about Blackburn’s Trustees.
Executive Committee
Chair: Paul Tepikian
Vice-Chair: Lisa Black-Gomez
Secretary: Jennifer Hamilton
At-Large: George Preckwinkle
At-Large: James D. Sandfort
Trustees
Dan Anderson ’74, M.S. (2018)
Retired, Economist, Arizona Board of Regents, Tempe, AZ
Lisa Black-Gomez ’81, Ed.D. (2019)
Retired, Educator, Winfield, IL
Salina Brown ’03, B.A. (2023)
Cytotechnologist, SCT (ASCP), Metamora, IL
Kenneth R. Deihl ’78, J.D. (2004)
Retired, Circuit Judge, 7th Judicial Court, Carlinville, IL
David V. Dorris ’69, J.D. (2018)
Attorney, LeRoy, IL
James Faust ’64, M.A. (2017)
Retired, Cable Television Executive, Golf, IL
Fran A. Goodman ’93, B.A. (2012)
Realtor, Goodman Agency, Carlinville, IL
Jennifer Hamilton ’70, M.S. Ed. (2005/2016)
Retired, Educator, Carlinville, IL
Thomas P. Heinz ’70, B.A., M.F.A. (2019)
Owner, Thomas P. Heinz Design, Hinsdale, IL
Michael Kokal, J.D. (2023)
Attorney & Partner at Heyl Royster, Springfield, IL
Cynthia LaMar ’73, B.A. (1997)
Retired, Co-Owner and President of Cynmar Corporation, Carlinville, IL
Cress L. Maddox (2000)
President, Masco Packaging and Industrial Supply, Springfield, IL
George E. Malo ’66, B.A., Ph.D. (2012)
Retired, Associate Vice Chancellor, Tennessee Board of Regents, Brentwood, TN
George Preckwinkle, J.D. (2016)
President of Bishop Hardware & Supply, Springfield, IL
Sarah Robison ’84, B.A. (2017)
Marketing Communication Lead, Watchfire Signs, State Line, IN
James D. Sandfort, M.B.A. (2004)
Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor at Rockefeller Capital Management, Dallas, TX
Jennifer Shelby, B.A. (2010)
Owner, Solomon Ventures LLC, Partner & Producer Shatterglass Films LLC, Champaign, IL
Don Taylor, M.B.A. (2024)
Retired, Pharmacist & Healthcare Leader at Abbott Laboratories, Astellas Pharma, Caremark, and Express Scripts
Paul Tepikian ’77, B.A. (2015)
Independent Contractor, Retired, ExxonMobil Corp, Houston, TX
Madonna Reed Tideman ’78, B.A. (2012)
Owner, The Tideman Company, Northfield, IL