By 
Dr. Melanie Pecord
ULLIN, IL (July 29, 2026) – The Shawnee Community College Board of Trustees has retained MKPecord Consulting, LLC to provide executive leadership consulting services, and Dr. Melanie Pecord will serve as Interim President during the presidential transition, effective immediately, ensuring leadership continuity as the College begins a national search for its next president.
The appointment follows the announcement by current President Dr. Timothy Taylor that he will resign from the College effective August 14, 2026.
Dr. Pecord has served as Shawnee Community College’s interim vice president of academic affairs since December 2025. In that time, Dr. Pecord has worked closely with the President, Board of Trustees, and Executive Leadership Team on institutional priorities, strategic initiatives, and day-to-day operations.
Before joining Shawnee, Dr. Pecord spent nearly 30 years at John A. Logan College before retiring in 2023, bringing decades of leadership experience in higher education to her new role.
“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Pecord into this new role at Shawnee Community College,” said Board Chair Steve Heisner. “We are confident that her extensive experience, thoughtful leadership, and commitment to student success will provide continuity and stability for the College as the Board conducts a search for our next president.”
Dr. Pecord said she is honored by the Board’s confidence and looks forward to continuing the College’s mission of serving students and the region.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Shawnee Community College in this capacity,” Dr. Pecord said. “This institution plays an important role in the lives of our students and the communities we serve. I appreciate the strong foundation that has been established and look forward to working alongside our dedicated faculty, staff, students, and Board of Trustees to continue moving the College forward.”
The Board also expressed its appreciation to Dr. Timothy Taylor for his leadership and service to Shawnee Community College during the past six years and wished him success as Chancellor of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges.
The Shawnee Community College Board of Trustees will begin the process of searching for the College’s next president while remaining committed to ensuring a smooth leadership transition and continued focus on the College’s mission of serving students and the region.