Employment and education:
Charlotte is the chief financial officer for Ball Chatham CUSD #5. She received her Associate in Science, accounting from LLCC, her bachelor's degree in management from Sangamon State University and her master's degree in accounting from University of Illinois, Springfield.
How has Lincoln Land Community College impacted your life?
I credit LLCC with providing me a strong base to continue my education. This community is blessed to have an affordable alternative to expensive four-year college. Had LLCC not existed in 1979, I would not have attained the education I needed to achieve the successes I have today.
What have been some obstacles you have had to overcome in pursuit of your education and/or career goals?
I remember having a full class load at LLCC, maintaining a high GPA, being a girl scout leader, a boy scout leader and for my youngest child, I ran the preschool program at church. I worked part-time tutoring at LLCC and did bookkeeping. My husband was very supportive and my mother helped by babysitting. Yet for all of that, my education would not have been possible had it not been for the affordability of LLCC.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
I hope it has been being a good role model for my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My father stressed the importance of obtaining an education and his motto was that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. I have tried to instill that in my children.
As for my greatest career accomplishment, being awarded the 2013 Women to Watch Award from the Illinois CPA Society was notable. When I finish school (yet again – did I mention I am a lifelong learner?), I will have attained an endorsement as a Chief School Business Official. I will be as proud of that as I am my certified public accountant license.
Was there a professor, advisor, staff member or fellow student who made an impression on you or helped you when you were here at LLCC?
An accounting instructor taught me that there is book learning in accounting, and then there is the real world where accounting policies, procedures and processes, can be quite different between business sectors. He taught me critical thinking skills to address problems, the importance of assessing risks and stressed the need to think outside the box.
Who or what has served as a source of inspiration for you?
Many people have inspired me in my lifetime. But I would have to say that my parents have been the biggest influence in my life. They did not have the resources to continue their education, but they did vicariously through their children.
What advice do you have for current or future LLCC students?
There have been many obstacles in my life, but I have had people in my life that kept me motivated and positive, and provided a difference perspective. Being open to a different perspective is critical in problem solving. I have always tried to see both sides of a situation.
My advice is to begin to build a support system with people who are positive and can give you another perspective. And to be open to being mentored by others.
What did you like about LLCC or what is your favorite LLCC memory?
Graduating with honors and walking off the stage to see my husband and three little children in the crowd. That is my favorite memory. The most fun memory was watching the live entertainment that would perform in the cafeteria over lunch. That was a pleasant break in an otherwise hectic day.