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Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) is proud to announce two major leadership appointments that reflect the district鈥檚 continued commitment to academic excellence, student success, and regional responsiveness.
Dr. Cathy Stennett Robb has been named the next Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Sharmila Kakac has been appointed President of 黑料社, where she will also serve as Vice Chancellor for Business and Industry for the district.
鈥淭hese appointments represent an exciting step forward for IECC,鈥 said Chancellor Dr. Ryan Gower. 鈥淏oth Cathy and Sharmila are proven leaders who bring deep expertise, clear vision, and a collaborative spirit to our colleges. Each has a unique background, but they share a commitment to innovation, excellence, and community impact.鈥
Dr. Robb will begin her new role on May 19, 2025, bringing more than three decades of experience in education, including her most recent position as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Oakland City University. She is known for advancing student outcomes, empowering faculty, and driving meaningful academic reform.
鈥淒r. Robb is a seasoned academic leader with a passion for teaching and learning,鈥 said Gower. 鈥淪he understands what makes IECC unique鈥攁nd she knows how to build systems that elevate student achievement and faculty excellence.鈥
A graduate of Wabash Valley College, Dr. Robb holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Liberty University and a Doctor of Education in Educational Organizational Leadership from the University of Illinois. Her academic credentials also include master鈥檚 degrees in Accounting and Education from Indiana Wesleyan University and dual bachelor鈥檚 degrees from Eastern Illinois University.
As Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, she will oversee curriculum development, instructional quality, accreditation, and assessment across IECC鈥檚 four colleges. She will also lead initiatives aimed at strengthening faculty development and institutional effectiveness.
Dr. Kakac will assume her new role on July 1, 2025, following the retirement of long-time FCC President Dr. Gerald 鈥淛ay鈥 Edgren. A Fairfield resident and familiar face across Wayne County, Dr. Kakac brings both community connection and institutional experience to the position.
She currently serves as Dean of Business and Industry at IECC, where she has led strategic efforts in workforce development, industry collaboration, and short-term credentialing. Under her leadership, IECC has secured major grants, expanded training programs, and strengthened ties with regional employers.
鈥淪he has a gift for collaboration and a track record of delivering results,鈥 said Gower. 鈥淪harmila understands how to bring people together and turn ideas into impact鈥攕kills that will serve her well as both President and Vice Chancellor.鈥
Dr. Kakac previously served as IECC鈥檚 Director of Adult Education and held leadership roles in international business before transitioning to higher education. She holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Management from Oakland City University, an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Bachelor of Science from Milligan College.
As FCC President, she will oversee campus operations, strategic initiatives, and community partnerships. In her concurrent role as Vice Chancellor for Business and Industry, she will continue to guide IECC鈥檚 regional leadership in workforce innovation.
鈥淔rontier deserves a president who understands this place and its people,鈥 said IECC Board Chair Gary Carter. 鈥淎nd our business and industry partners deserve someone who speaks their language. In Sharmila, we have both.鈥
Both appointments follow national searches and signal IECC鈥檚 investment in high-impact, student-focused leadership. With deep roots in the district and a shared commitment to service, Dr. Robb and Dr. Kakac are poised to help IECC navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
鈥淭hese are leaders who don鈥檛 just hold titles鈥攖hey lead by example,鈥 said Gower. 鈥淐athy and Sharmila embody the values that define IECC: collaboration, integrity, and a relentless drive to serve our students and communities.鈥
In addition to these new appointments, the IECC Board of Trustees also approved contract extensions for three current campus leaders:
- Matt Fowler, President of Wabash Valley College
- Tona Ambrose, President of Lincoln Trail College
- Chris Simpson, President of Olney Central College
鈥淭hese extensions reflect our confidence in the leadership team we have in place at each of our colleges,鈥 said Gower. 鈥淢att, Tona, and Chris have each demonstrated strong campus and divisional leadership, a deep understanding of our mission, and a commitment to student success. We鈥檙e proud to continue working alongside them.鈥
With these extensions and new appointments, IECC enters the 2025鈥2026 academic year with a full leadership team in place鈥攐ne grounded in local experience and committed to districtwide excellence.