INA, Ill. (May 20, 2025) — Rend Lake College acknowledged the success and achievements of its employees on Friday, May 8 during the annual RLC Faculty and Staff Awards, held this year at the RLC Event Center.
This event is a tradition for RLC employees to look back and recognize the hard work put into the college over the past year. The Faculty and Staff Awards celebrated service milestones, outstanding work and retirees' dedication to their careers.
Celebrating 5 years of service are Brandon Crawford, Mary Huggins, Christy Jean, David Nelson, Dr. Kirk Rhodes, Heather Richards, Adam Tockstein, and Taylor Wilburn.
Pictured (L-R): Mary Huggins (Executive Assistant to the President), Taylor Wilburn (Social Media & Outreach Specialist), Adam Tockstein (Custodial Supervisor), Dr. Kirk Rhodes (Learning Enhancement and CTE Success Centers Coordinator), David Nelson (Help Desk & Support Technician), Brandon Crawford (Shipping & Receiving Technician)
Not pictured: Christy Jean (Director of RLC Foundation Children's Center) and Heather Richards (Business Office Specialist)
Marking 10 years of service are Lynne French, James Gray, and Nichole Martie.
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Not pictured: Nichole Martie (Pre-School Lead Teacher)
Honored for 15 years of service are Garrett Collier, Jeff Fairbanks, Bria Robinson, and Zach Valkamp.
Pictured (L-R): Zach Valkamp (Heavy Equipment Technology Professor), Bria Robinson (Dean of Allied Health)
Not pictured: Garrett Collier (Wireless and Development Specialist) and Jeff Fairbanks (Culinary Arts Professor)
Celebrating 20 years of service are Brad Helm, Greg Hollmann, and Nathan Wheeler.
Pictured (L-R): Nathan Wheeler (Director of Marketing & Communications) and Greg Hollmann (Dean of Arts and Sciences)
Not pictured: Brad Helm (Computer Science Professor)
Commemorating 25 years of service are Sarah Bilderbeck, Kelly Downes, and Sandra West.
Pictured (L-R): Sandra West (Director of Learning Resource Center), Kelly Downes (Director of Student Records)
Not pictured: Sarah Bilderbeck (Business Professor)
RLC celebrated the 2026 outstanding faculty, adjunct faculty, and staff award winners. The honors for the year included Dr. Elizabeth Bailey-Smith (Speech Professor) as the Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year, Garrik McConnell (Radiologic Technology) as the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year, and Hillary Halsey (Recruitment and Student Success Specialist) as the Outstanding Staff Member of the Year.
Bailey-Smith has been an indispensable pillar of the Arts and Science Division, ensuring her students' future success through innovative and passionate instruction. As Speech Professor, she serves the college with immense dedication, teaching across various RLC campuses to meet the evolving needs of the community. Always on top of state and national education trends, she continually pursues advanced training and educational research to refine her craft. Her commitment to student excellence was also mirrored in her time outside the traditional classroom, where she inspired students as the sponsor of the RLC Forensics Team.
Beyond her classroom innovations, Bailey-Smith is celebrated for her leadership and commitment. She has been a driving force in campus governance, serving on various committees throughout her tenure, including a term as President of the Academic Council. Her extensive service to both the students and the institution has earned her the highest respect from her peers. Strongly endorsed by the RLC Administration and Board of Trustees, her recognition as the 2026 Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member of the Year honors a distinguished educator who defines the very best of RLC.
Dr. Elizabeth Bailey-Smith (left) receives the 2026 Outstanding Faculty Award from President Dr. Lori Ragland (right).
As a 2016 graduate of RLC’s Radiologic Technology program, McConnell has come full circle to make a lasting impact at his alma mater. Now a dedicated adjunct instructor, he brings his real-world experience as a practicing radiologic technologist directly into the college labs. McConnell is known for creating a supportive, encouraging environment where he helps students bridge the gap between textbook learning and hands-on patient care. By focusing on realistic scenarios, patient communication, and professional mentoring, he builds the confidence and clinical skills his students need to succeed in the field. His energy and passion have earned him respect from his students, who appreciate his approachable style and industry expertise.
Beyond the classroom, McConnell regularly volunteers his time to chaperone student conferences, helps with high school recruitment events to inspire future students, and even serves as the Master of Ceremonies for the radiologic technology's graduation pinning ceremony. His recognition as the 2026 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member celebrates an instructor who consistently goes above and beyond to champion student success.
Garrik McConnell (left) receives the 2026 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award from President Dr. Lori Ragland (right).
Since joining the college in 2012, Halsey has become a highly valued team member, defined by her versatility and meticulous organization. Whether guiding students through testing, leading the First Year Experience (FYE) program, or coordinating large-scale campus events like Fun Fest, she has consistently helped ensure RLC programs run seamlessly.
Now serving as the Recruitment and Student Success Specialist, Halsey is described by colleagues as an "essential key" to student achievement. Beyond her professional efficiency and knack for event planning, she is most celebrated for her empathy and generous spirit. Her recognition as the 2026 Outstanding Staff Member of the Year honors a person who consistently chooses to lead with kindness.
Hillary Halsey (right) receives the 2026 Outstanding Staff Award from Dr. Lori Ragland (left).
Additionally, RLC bid farewell to its 2026 retirees: John “Pat” Petro (Maintenance Technician) with six years of service, Denise Griffith (Associate Professor of Nursing) with eight years of service, Gina Shafer-Schenk (Coordinator of Technology Integration and Training) with 14 years of service, Charlie Massie (Maintenance Technician) with 19 years of service, Bailey-Smith with 21 years of service, Laura Johnston (Coordinator of the Recreational Center and Assistant Softball Coach) with 25 years of service, Peggy Davis (English Literature Professor) with 26 years of service, and Vickie Golliher (Adult Education Student Services Coordinator) with 26 years of service.
Petro became a beloved fixture on campus, recognized immediately by his distinctive, infectious laugh. Described as a fun, caring, and helpful worker, Petro had a gift for making ordinary days feel special through a quick joke or a funny story. He heads into retirement ready to tackle his "honey-do" list and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Pat Petro (second from the right) poses for a photo with fellow members of the maintenance team.
Throughout her eight years with the nursing program, Griffith made a profound impact through her intelligence and unique humor. Denise leveraged her professional expertise to shape the next generation of nurses with precision and care, and she now moves into a well-earned retirement focused on spending time with her grandchildren.
Denise Griffith (left) takes a photo with her co-worker, Associate Professor of Nursing Sarah Hopfinger (right), in 2023.
For 14 years, Shafer-Schenk served as the bridge between complex technology and the RLC community. In an era of rapid digital transformation, her role was essential, yet she performed it with her signature kindness and humor. A devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, Shafer-Schenk used her patience and expertise to help the college stay modern and efficient. She now looks forward to a retirement filled with traveling, leisure, and many more trips to the ballpark.
Gina Shafer-Schenk (right) receives her 10 years of service award in 2022 along with Bursar & Director of Accounting Mallory Howell (left) and Recruitment & Student Success Specialist Hillary Halsey (center).
Massie retires after 19 years of dedicated service, leaving a reputation for being as knowledgeable as he was approachable. Massie is someone who could always be counted on to figure things out and share his expertise with others. He now looks forward to spending more time with his family and babysitting his grandchildren.
Charlie Massie (left) receives his 15 years of service award along side, from left, Manager of Bookstore / Retail Store Casey Rhine, Dean of Student Success and Development Vickie Schulte, and Vice President of CTE & Student Support Kim Wilkerson.
For over two decades, Dr. Bailey-Smith has been a pillar of elegance and wit at RLC. Bailey-Smith has served on the Academic Council — a large portion of which she served as the chairperson — for over 10 years. She was also part of the Union Executive Team for nearly 10 years, developed the Principles of Effective Speaking course to the online format, and she is the author of the workbook, RLC Effective Public Speaking, which is used in COMM 1101 classes. She leaves behind a legacy of academic excellence and deep personal connections as she looks forward to pursuing her interests in estate sales and travel.
Elizabeth Bailey-Smith (right) in 2016 teaching a couple of her students.
As the Coordinator of the Recreational Center and Assistant Softball Coach, Johnston has been a driving force in maintaining a vibrant and active campus environment for 25 years. Her tenure was defined by a genuine commitment to the physical well-being of the RLC community, fostering a welcoming space for both students and staff. Through her leadership in campus wellness and her dedication to Warrior athletics, Laura has made a lasting contribution to the spirit of RLC.
Laura (right) poses with Athletic Administrative Assistant Julie Oxford (left) during the first day of classes in 2023.
For 26 years, Davis shared her love for literature and the arts with the RLC community. Beyond her role as a "dependable, caring, and open-minded" mentor, Davis was highly involved on campus. She was a member of the Community Enrichment Committee, the founder and editor of the Lake publication for 25 years, and she was the sponsor of the Creative Writing Club. She leaves a lasting legacy as she transitions to a retirement of gardening, writing, and travel.
Peggy Davis welcomes attendees to the 2025 Lake Reception.
Golliher wraps up a standout 26-year career where she guided countless students through their education. Whether she was managing complex data with total integrity or stepping away from her desk to help a student or coworker, Golliher did it all with a positive attitude. A true joy to work with, her dedication and expertise have left a huge mark on the department, and she will be deeply missed by everyone at RLC.
Vickie Golliher (right) awards an Adult Education graduate their degree.
Congratulations on the success, achievements and milestones each faculty and staff member has reached!