Media contact: Angela Try
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College named two associate vice presidents and a dean this summer. The new leadership appointments include Dr. Joel Dykstra as associate vice president of LLCC Academic Support and Impact, Dr. Kalith Smith as associate vice president of LLCC Academic Services and Leigh Giles-Brown as dean of LLCC Health Professions.
Dr. Dykstra has served the college since 2020 as dean of English and humanities and more recently as associate vice president, LLCC Academic Services. Prior to LLCC, he was associate dean of the humanities division at the New Mexico Military Institute. He earned a Doctor of Education degree in community college leadership from Texas Tech University. He attended Michigan State University and the University of New Mexico for graduate studies and attended Calvin University and Grand Valley State University for undergraduate studies.
Dr. Smith has served the college as the dean of LLCC Social Sciences and Business since 2022. He previously worked at the at the New Mexico Military Institute for 16 years. He has a doctoral degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a guidance certificate from New Mexico State, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Texas Tech.
Giles-Brown has served as the director of the LLCC Sonography programs since 2020. Prior to LLCC, she was the program director for the sonography programs at Northern Virginia Community College. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New York, Albany, and a master’s in public administration and Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas, Austin.
“These three are accomplished leaders who bring extensive experience, expertise and a strong commitment to student success,” said Dr. Jason Dockter, vice president, academic services. “Their leadership will strengthen our academic programs and support services as we continue providing high-quality educational opportunities that meet the needs of our students and communities.”
The Lincoln Land Community College academic year begins Aug. 24, 2026.