Alumni Association Board of Directors
The Alumni Association Board of Directors is committed to being a strong and visible
organization and is comprised of alums whose class years span several decades. The
Alumni Association Board of Directors mission is to strengthen the relationship between
alumni and the University, enhance the relationships among alumni, and develop a culture
of stewardship toward McKendree among our alumni.
The Alumni Association Board meets four times each year on the second Saturday of
March, June, September and December. The June meeting is the Annual Meeting and is
open to all alumni. Board officers are elected at the Annual Meeting.
The McKendree Alumni Association is always growing with the addition of hundreds of
new alums each year. Because of our ever-growing population the Alumni Board is looking
to expand!
Being a part of the McKendree Alumni Association Board is a tremendous opportunity
and way for you to:
• Give back to your alma mater
• Be a part of the future of McKendree
• Get connected with other McKendree alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends
• Provide valuable feedback and insight on programs and priorities of the Alumni Office
• Assist in creating programs and events which match the interests and needs of alumni
There are 3 committees within the Alumni Association Board: Alumni Engagement, Personal
and Professional Development and Student Engagement. Each member is required to join
at least one committee.
Interested in joining the Alumni Board? Fill out an interest form today! Please note nominations are accepted throughout the entire year.
For more information, contact the Office of Development, Alumni and Parent Relations
at 618-537-6824 or alumni@mckendree.edu.
Meet the McKendree Alumni Association Board of Directors:
Brandon Voss '01
President
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
Years active on the Alumni Board: June 2015 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: I joined the alumni board as an opportunity to give back to the University. I was given a great opportunity during my time at McK through generous donors, wonderful professors and a long history. I want to continue to ensure those opportunities are available for generations to come.
Susan Harbaugh '04
Vice President
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration emphasis in Accounting
Years active on the Alumni Board: June 2019 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: Volunteering is crucially important to helping not-for-profits/similar organizations prosper. Giving back
helps me lead a more fulfilling life and I enjoy the new people I’m meeting along the way.
Lauren Koerkenmeier '16, MBA '18
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
Master of Business Administration
Years active on the Alumni Board: June 2024 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: Serving on the Alumni Board allows me to stay connected to the University, give back to the University that gave me so many opportunities, and connect with past, present and future students.
Connie (Holzinger) Elmore '86
Chairman of the Student Engagement Committee
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management
Master of Business Administration from Fontbonne University
Years active on the Alumni Board: June 1999 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: Serving on the Alumni Board is a perfect opportunity for me to give back to McKendree. I had a great learning opportunity at McKendree, and my internship is what jump-started my 30+ year career in the managed healthcare field. By joining forces to serve others, inspiring trust, and rising to the challenge, we can do so much more for our current students and alumni.
Tashia Billups '92
Co- Chairman of the Alumni Engagement Committee
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Years active on the Alumni Board: June 2019 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: My time dedicated to the McKendree Alumni Board allows me to lend my support, time, energy and resources to the institution that assisted me in shaping my future. More importantly the relationships, the new students and faculty that I get to interact with is priceless to me. It fills my cup!
Joseph Bisso '03
Bachelor of Business Administration
Years active on the Alumni Board: June 2024 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: I have spent 20+ years in the financial world in multiple roles and each one has included levels of community engagement and networking. During each opportunitiy I seem to always be referencing something about McKendree, everything from how much I enjoyed my time, new friends made, family that graduated from McKendree and even family that have retired from the University. I can always come up with a connection to McKendree no matter the event I am attending. I am proud to be a Bearcat!
Susan Chapman '19
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Years active on the Alumni Board: December 2024- Present
My reason for serving on the Board: It is my pleasure to give my time, talent and treasure. Volunteers are so important. As someone that returned to school later in life McKendree University has played a major role in what I call “My Second Act.” I want to continue that relationship and support McKendree’s future in some small way.
Vannessa Curtis '01, '07
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
Years active on the Alumni Board: June 2023 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: I joined the McKendree University Alumni Association Board because I want to give back to McKendree University, from whom I received a quality and competitive education. I am very proud to be an alum of McKendree University and want to be a beacon of inspiration for this, and the next generation of McKendree University Alumni.
Rachel Ford '18
Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management and Marketing
Years active on the Alumni Board: December 2024 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: McKendree opened up so many doors for me: professionally, personally, socially, and athletically. I joined the Board to ensure that current McKendree students continue to benefit from the University just like I did. Serving on the board helps me stay connected to the University, its students, and fellow alumni.
Clinton Happe '14
Bachelor of Business Administration - Management
Years active on the Alumni Board: March 2025 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: I'm honored to be serving on the Alumni Board for McKendree. This university played such a pivotal role in shaping who I am today, both personally and professionally. The education, relationships, and opportunities I received here changed the course of my life, and I wouldn't be where I am without them. Serving on the board is my way of giving back to the place that gave me so much. It's an opportunity to support current students, strengthen our alumni community, and help ensure that future generations have the same life-changing experience I've been fortunate to have. I'm grateful for the chance to give back and excited about the work ahead.
Cheryl Heard '78
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Master of Science in Education from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
Years active on the Alumni Board: June 2013 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: Serving on the Mckendree Alumni Association Board allows me the opportunity to give back and pay it forward to the University; connect and collaborate with other alumni; apply my more than 30 years of work, civic and leadership experience in higher education; and most importantly, allows me to donate financially which is an investment in the future of students as they develop and emerge into well-rounded and engaged citizens of an ever-changing 21st century world.
Dr. Jennifer Jacknewitz '02, MAED '07, Ed.S. '16, Ed.D. '19
Bachelor of Science in Education
Master of Art in Teacher Development
Specialist in Education in Curriculum Design & Instruction
Doctorate in Education in Curriculum Design & Instruction
Years active on the Alumni Board: June 2024 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: McKendree was a large part of my educational journey. I have many fond memories of the positive classroom experiences, friendly faces, and campus activities, from plays to the Distinguished Speaker Series to sporting events. Being a teacher, it is important to me to support our community of learners. Giving back allows alumni to connect and serve as the University continues to inspire our future leaders.
Keith Jackson '06
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology w/ emphasis on Criminal Justice
Years active on the Alumni Board: Decemeber 2025 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: My time at McKendree was instrumental in providing me with the confidence to grow professionally and to strive to always continue learning. I found myself always finding reasons to come back to the campus and get involved. Serving on the alumni board allows me an official channel to give back to the university to allow other students the fantastic opportunity afforded to me during my tenure at McKendree.
Michelle (Voegele) Powell '12
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Years active on the Alumni Board: June 2022 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: Visiting McKendree always provides me a sense of being home. With no longer living in Illinois, being on the Board allows me to stay connected with the university that has meant so much to me. I am grateful for the influence McKendree had in shaping me into the professional I am today and I hope giving back on the Board is the first step to saying thank you.
Dr. Constance Rockingham '75
Bachelor of Science in Sociology
Years active on the Alumni Board: June 2013 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: My service on the Board is related to being an impactful and committed citizen while empowering students and individuals. My ultimate goal is about giving back to an institution that advanced my growth and development opportunities.
Emmanuel Segbedzi '23
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Years active on the Alumni Board: Decemeber 2024-Present
My reason for serving on the Board: McKendree University has profoundly shaped who I am today growth, discovery, and the building of lifelong connections. I aim to bring fresh ideas while honoring McKendree’s traditions, bridging alumni and students to strengthen our shared legacy. This role is a heartfelt commitment to ensuring McKendree continues to transform lives and build community. I’m excited to collaborate with an inspiring team and contribute to the university’s ongoing success.
Alan Thomas '80
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration emphasis in Accounting
Years active on the Alumni Board: June 2022 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: With more than 40 years in my career in accounting, I recognized the need to give back to upcoming students and graduates by helping them understand and advance in their future career paths. What McKendree has provided for me, makes me want to help serve and help shape the future.
Rev. Don Wagner '84
Bachelor of Arts in History
Years active on the Alumni Board: March 2025 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: I am a proud McKendree alum with deep family ties to the university - including my wife Nancy '84, sons Matthew '02, and Ched '18, and granddaughter Mary Cailin '25. I bring a lifelong commitment to service, community, and faith. I'm excited to serve on the Student Engagement Committee and have the opportunity to give back to the McKendree community that has meant so much to my family.
Clay Weier '07
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology emphasis in Criminal Justice
Years active on the Alumni Board: March 2025 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: McKendree University is a great institution that has done so much for mer personally and professionally. Serving on the Alumni Board allows me to promote the university and help guide and support current students and alumni into their futures.
Tanner Wolk '10, MBA '11
Bachelor of Business Administration - Management
Masters of Business Administration
Years active on the Alumni Board: March 2025 - Present
My reason for serving on the Board: My time at McKendree was integral in building the skills and connections that propelled me through the next steps in life. Giving back to McKendree and helping current and future Bearcats realize the same, or better, experiences is very rewarding.
Emeritus Members:
Bruce Hogan '71
Dennis Korte '70
Matha Roy '67
