Following a national search, the Spoon River College Board of Trustees has selected three candidates to advance to the final stage in its search for the institution's next president. The three finalists will participate in on-campus interviews and community engagement opportunities in the coming weeks.
The finalists and interview dates are: Mark Dunneback, Ed.D.
June 16, 2026
Associate Vice President of Workforce & Community Innovation Kalamazoo Valley Community College Public Meeting: June 16 Macomb Outreach Center: 10:45 – 11:15 a.m. Canton Conference Center: 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Laura Ortiz, Ed.D.
June 22, 2026
Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Finger Lakes Community College Public Meeting: June 22 Macomb Outreach Center: 10:45 – 11:15 a.m. Canton Conference Center: 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Shelley Barkley, Ed.D June 23, 2026
Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs John Wood Community College Public Meeting: June 23 Macomb Outreach Center: 10:45 – 11:15 a.m. Canton Conference Center: 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. As part of the interview process, each finalist will participate in meetings with faculty, staff, students, community members, and the Board of Trustees.
'We are pleased to welcome these outstanding candidates to Spoon River College,' said Board Chair Kevin Meade. 'Each finalist brings a unique set of experiences and leadership strengths. We look forward to learning more about their vision for the future of Spoon River College and engaging our campus and community in this important process.'
The presidential search attracted a strong pool of candidates from across the country. The search committee, comprised of representatives from the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders, and a national search firm worked diligently to identify candidates who align with the College's mission and strategic priorities.
Spoon River College expects to announce its next president following completion of the interview process and Board approval, which is expected in late June.
For additional information regarding the presidential search and interview schedule and each candidate, visit the SRC Presidential Search page.
About Spoon River College
Spoon River College is a two-year public community college serving West Central Illinois. The College provides high-quality educational opportunities, workforce training, and community engagement throughout a 1,566-square-mile district encompassing portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler, and Knox counties. Spoon River College was recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the nation's top 200 community colleges.
