Staff

Meet Dr. Mike Conn - Director of IECC CETL

Mike Conn is the Director of the CETL. A lifelong educator, Mike has broad experience as a teacher, instructional designer, and administrator. From 2017 to 2023, Mike was the Dean of Instruction at Olney Central College. Mike also teaches Art History and Drawing (ART 1181, 2181, and ART 1113) online for IECC. Before that, he was an Associate Professor of Art at OCC, specializing in online art education methods. Mike was the OCC College Council chair from 2011-2017 and the Student Senate advisor from 2010-2015. He holds a Doctor of Education Degree in Education, Policy, and Leadership from the University of Illinois, a Master of Arts from New York University, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Grand Valley State University. Before teaching at IECC, Michael was a K-12 teacher in Michigan, working for Grand Haven and Iron Mountain Public Schools. Michael also serves as a board member for the Illinois Arts Council. He resides in Olney, Illinois, with his wife and three children.

Meet Ken Anderson - Assistant Professor and Lead Instructional Designer

Ken Anderson recently served for eight years as an Assistant Professor of English at South Louisiana Community College. In addition, he held the role of Lead Instructional Designer, where he developed and designed courses in the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) for the English and Distance Education Departments. Ken has experience with Instructional Design, LMS consulting, course development, and adult learning modalities for various institutions. He has been actively involved in teaching and designing college-level courses since 2013.

Ken is married, and he and his wife have two dogs and two cats (all rescue animals). He describes himself as a student at heart, driven by a passion for learning. Ken firmly believes that the college classroom is a unique environment that offers endless possibilities and freedom from limitations and negative influences. He encourages students, regardless of their background and past experiences, to believe in themselves and embrace a future filled with possibilities.

Ken’s educational background includes degrees from Western Oregon University, Portland State University, and most recently, Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he obtained his Masters of Education in Instructional Design.

Meet Cameron Ireland - Marketing and Graphic Design Coordinator

Cameron Ireland is the dedicated Coordinator of Marketing and Graphic Design for both the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) and Business and Industry (B & I) at IECC. With a background in marketing, graphic design, and sports management, Cameron brings a diverse skill set to his role.

Before assuming his current position, Cameron gained valuable experience as a student intern in the marketing department at Lincoln Trail College. He also worked as a graphic designer for The Daily Illini, a prominent publication in Champaign-Urbana. Additionally, Cameron has worked with Hoop Mountain Midwest and Midwest Hoops Spotlight in Chicago, specializing in high school basketball recruitment, scouting, and organizing showcase tournaments for talented athletes.

Cameron's educational journey began at Lincoln Trail College, where he earned his associate degree. He then pursued his passion for sports by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism from the University of Illinois.

In his free time, Cameron enjoys watching live sports, staying updated on basketball news, and exploring new places through travel.

Meet Derek Dunn - Educational Technology Specialist

Derek Dunn is the Educational Technology Specialist at Frontier Community College in Fairfield, Illinois, where he creates educational content for instructors. Previously, he was a radio broadcaster at WFIW/WOKZ Radio in Fairfield. Dunn holds an associate degree in Radio/TV Broadcasting from Wabash Valley College (2010) and a bachelor’s in mass communications from Eastern Illinois University (2014). 

Outside of work, Dunn is an announcer/camera operator for Mule Nation and Bobcat Nation of Raylen James Marketing LLC, covering Fairfield Community High School and Frontier Community College athletics. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, exploring local eateries, playing pickleball, and serving as co-pastor of Mill Shoals Missionary Baptist Church. Dunn is active and involved in the community.

Meet Amanda Kotch - Distance Learning Specialist

Amanda Kotch is the Distance Learning Specialist for CETL. She began her current role under the Title III Grant at FCC in September of 2023.

Before her current position, Amanda was the Coordinator for International Students, Athletes, and Student Activities at FCC for two years. Prior to that role, Amanda spent most of her career in the hospital industry in Iowa, Illinois, and upstate New York. Her last position was as the System Director of Patient Experience for a 3-hospital system. Her background working with patients, hospital administration; and coaching doctors, and clinical staff in soft skills, gives her a unique perspective when it comes to assisting our instructors with their classes.

Amanda’s educational journey began right here at Frontier where she took some of her general education classes before attending SIU-C and graduating Magna Cum Laude from St. Ambrose University with a bachelor’s degree in Elected Studies, with a minor in Management.

Amanda’s current educational goals are to become a Quality Matters Master Reviewer. She has currently completely her QM Reviewer Course and is certified to review courses utilizing the Quality Matters Rubric.

In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband, her extended family, and her two dogs. She loves to travel so she can experience different cultures and try new and different foods.