With nearly two decades of dedicated service, Lisa Shumard-Shelton has become a familiar and inspiring presence at Lake Land College. Currently serving as the Director of Student Life, Lisa’s journey through various roles within the college has been fueled by her passion for education, student engagement and creating a vibrant campus experience.
Lisa began her career at Lake Land in 2006 after graduating from Eastern Illinois University and working in Indianapolis. She first joined the Marketing and Public Relations Office, where she helped launch the college’s early social media efforts. Her dedication to education led her to earn her master’s degree from Gonzaga University in 2010, and by 2011, she had stepped into the Director of New Student Admissions role. Over the years, she also served as Director of Dual Credit and Honors before becoming the Director of Student Life in 2022. “Lake Land has given me the opportunity to teach while also allowing me to work closely with students outside the classroom,” she shared. “I’ve discovered that my true passion lies in supporting student groups and leadership development.”
No two days are the same in Student Life. Lisa and her team—Tim and Hayley—help coordinate around 60 events yearly, from large campus-wide celebrations to more intimate gatherings. “Some days are full of planning and collaboration, while others are packed with hands-on student interaction—it really just depends on the day!” Shumard-Shelton explained. Her energy and commitment help shape a space where students feel seen and supported.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her role, she says, is “seeing students grow and succeed.” Watching students transform from unsure freshmen to confident graduates is a process that never gets old. However, working at a two-year college presents unique challenges—like the shorter time frame to connect with and impact students. “We work hard to connect with students early and provide meaningful experiences right away,” she noted.
Lisa and her team are deeply committed to inclusivity, ensuring that Student Life is a space where everyone feels they belong—not just where they “fit in.” Her leadership has been central to several new initiatives, including moving SGA applications and petitions online, launching the Student Insight E-Box, and expanding events to reach more areas of the college. She also proudly highlights the redesign of “The Navigator” student newspaper and the milestone of reaching the 1,000th “National Society of Leadership and Success” (NSLS) member since 2017.
Encouraging student involvement is another key focus. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach,” she said. “Whether a student wants to lead a club, run for Student Trustee, or simply attend events, all levels of participation are celebrated and supported,” she exclaimed.
Lisa’s approach to leadership has evolved to become more student-centered over the years. “I believe in open conversations and working through challenges together—talking things out can make a huge difference.” That belief in open dialogue extends to how she defines success in Student Life. “We don’t just look at numbers. We want to provide an experience, and that can look different every time.”
When asked about her favorite moments, Lisa recalls the times former students reach out to share their successes—whether it’s landing a job, getting into grad school, or becoming involved in their new communities. “Those follow-ups mean the world,” she said.
Her favorite tradition? Without hesitation: Welcome Day and the Spring Carnival. “There’s so much excitement and community in the air!” she exclaimed.
Lisa draws inspiration and energy directly from the students she works with. “Just hanging out with students and listening to their ideas… their energy and creativity are contagious.” She added.
Through every role, Lisa Shelton has brought heart, vision and a deep belief in the power of student engagement to Lake Land College. “I am passionate about LLC and its students,” she said. “I am so proud to be a part of this college,” she added.
