The Lake Land College (LLC) Laker Nest Bookstore has officially welcomed a new Manager of Bookstore and Course Material Operations, Brittany Johnson-Kroeger. She was the Assistant Director of Business and Retail Operations for the MLK Student Union at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) before returning home to Lake Land College (LLC) in October 2025. Before going to Eastern, she previously worked at Lake Land in Admissions as the Enrollment Specialist for Non-Traditional Students.  

Johnson-Kroeger received her Bachelor’s in Fashion Design from Eastern Illinois University. While she did not get an Associate’s Degree from Lake Land College, she said she took a math class and loved it and knew she had to work here, so when the opportunity arose, she took it. She started as the Community Outreach Specialist before switching to the Enrollment Specialist for Non-Traditional Students and eventually leaving Lake Land to be the Assistant Director of Business and Retail Operations for the MLK Student Union. Less than a year later, the position of Manager of the Bookstore and Course Material Operations at Lake Land College unexpectedly opened up, and she found herself back at LLC.   

During her time as Assistant Director of Business and Retail Operations for the MLK Student Union, Johnson-Kroeger was able to establish new relationships with vendors to bring new and lower-cost items to the EIU Bookstore. She was able to bring back some retro, vintage designs. She also said she is looking to bring in more vendors, like Champion, to our bookstore for more cost-effective, budget-friendly options. 

Johnson-Kroeger’s return to Lake Land College marks a new chapter for the Laker Nest Bookstore. Combining experience in retail operations with a deep connection to the campus, she is working to create a welcoming and accessible space for every student, staff member and visitor. Under her leadership, the Laker Nest Bookstore is ready to become not just a store, but a cornerstone of the Lake Land College experience.