Jay Hopper Hired as Director of Strategic Initiatives

The Director of Strategic Initiatives is a new position at Lake Land established to lead the College’s comprehensive strategic plan, Education that Fits Your Life, which focuses on providing affordable, accessible pathways to higher education. As the College begins to implement this new strategic plan, Hopper will lead teams to translate the objectives and priorities into actionable initiatives that align with Lake Land’s institutional vision and values. In addition, Hopper will oversee budgets and resources, develop risk management strategies and ensure project timelines are met.

“Two of my biggest passions in life are helping people reach their goals and coaching,” Hopper said. “Joining Lake Land feels like joining a team with a shared game plan and clear goals – setting students up for success. I’m excited to be part of Lake Land’s vision to ensure education fits the lives of today’s students and those to come. When students succeed, the whole community wins.”

Hopper holds both a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in executive management from Liberty University, as well as a master’s degree in professional counseling from Eastern Illinois University. Prior to joining Lake Land, Hopper served as a project manager for Rural King, where he oversaw the company’s five-year strategic plan and led teams in construction, operations, IT, merchandising and finance to achieve more than 50 enterprise-wide initiatives.

“As we welcome Mr. Hopper to the Laker family, we are thrilled to take this significant step in pursuit of our new strategic plan, Education that Fits Your Life,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “His vast knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we advance in our strategic plan, develop solutions that support our students and set the standard for accessible education.”

Since starting at Rural King in 2023, Hopper provided project management support that helped the company open 15 new retail stores across the country. In this role, he managed project timelines, established risk mitigation plans and organized sound reporting structures to maximize accountability. In 2023, Rural King recognized Hopper as the Associate of the Quarter.

“With his proven project management skills and impressive track record of success, we know Mr. Hopper will play an invaluable role for the College as we advance our commitment to developing an educational model that meets students where they are and builds upon our strengths and rich history to achieve bright futures for students and our communities,” said Jean Anne Highland, Chief of Staff.

Hopper’s work in the Mattoon community extends far beyond his time at Rural King. He previously served as a Network Operations Manager and Manager for Network Costs at Consolidated Communications. From 2012-2016, he served as a School Counselor and Athletics Director for the Mattoon Community Unit School District 2.

Beyond his professional roles, Hopper is an active member of the Mattoon community. He spent multiple years as the Williams Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization President, has served as a volunteer and committee chair for the Special Olympics Family Festival at Lake Land College and is a 10-time participant in the annual Mattoon to Peoria St. Jude charity run. He also gives back to the community through his passion for coaching, having coached Mattoon City League and travel softball teams for more than 10 years and currently serving as an assistant coach for St. John’s Lutheran School. In addition, he serves as an umpire for high school and elementary softball teams throughout the region. He is also an active member of the Fields Church and hosts small groups with his wife Robin.

Hopper resides in Mattoon with his wife and daughters Hannah and Lilly, both of whom are Lake Land College alumni.