Student Engagement
Mission
The Student Engagement Office at Heartland Community College is designed to enhance students’ college experience through an array of co-curricular programs and services.
Get Involved Platform
Have you heard about Heartland's online engagement platform? Head over to GetInvolved.Heartland.edu, your gateway to getting involved on campus. Discover a variety of student groups, stay in the loop about exciting events, and connect with fellow students from all around campus.
Get Started
Getting involved on campus is a great way to find friends and make the most of your Heartland experience. No matter what you’re interested in, there are other students who enjoy the very same thing. Heartland offers 20 plus clubs and organizations on campus! Check out some of the options on our Get Involved page (getinvolved.heartland.edu/organizations). And if you don’t see what you’re looking for, creating a new club is easy and rewarding. The Student Engagement staff is happy to help.
Stop by the Student Engagement office in the WDC 1200 suite to talk with staff and student leaders about how to get involved.
Student Life Events
There is always something exciting happening on Heartland's campus. Whether it's a student club social event, an HCC department workshop, or a leadership program, you'll find the latest updates on Heartland's 'Get Involved Events' page. Check out our events page below.
Meet the Team
Sarah Tipton (she/her)
About Me: Hello! I'm Sarah, the Director of Student Engagement and the Student Government Association advisor which basically means I love getting students involved in every aspect of college life. My journey in higher education began at Illinois Valley Community College, where my passion for student engagement took root. I hold a Bachelor's in Anthropology and Non-Profit studies from Northen Illinois University, but I was eager to continue in higher education, so I pursued my Master's in College Student Personnel Administration and earned a Certificate in Women, Gender, & and Sexuality studies from Illinois State University. I have a strong interest in student leadership and how that can lend itself to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community through representation, advocacy, and education.
Get Involved Advice: Engaging in student groups and even considering a role in student government can be a transformative experience. This involvement can be a personal journey of growth and self-discovery, and it also opens doors to connections that can play a crucial role in your future. Not sure where to start? Visit us in Student Engagement!
Email: sarah.tipton@heartland.edu
Gavin Lee (they/he)
About Me: Hi! I’m Gavin, and I run Heartland’s student and exchange visa programs, and work supporting international students at HCC. I grew up in the UK, and have a BA in Interdisciplinary Human Studies from the University of Bradford, England, and an MA in Sociology from Arizona State University. I have been at Heartland for about 17 years, which makes me feel pretty old, but I love working with students from all over the world and learning about different cultures and world-views!
Getting Involved Advice: Heartland has a whole bunch of campus clubs and organizations, and getting involved in groups, events, and activities at the college is a great way to find people with shared interests, explore new interests, and gain knowledge and experience outside the classroom that can help you in your classes and career!
Email: gavin.lee@heartland.edu
Chandler Huffman (he/him)
About Me: Hey! I’m Chandler, the coordinator for Student Engagement and the advisor for Student Leaders in Community Engagement (SLiCE). I have lived in Normal for most of my life and was a student at HCC from 2018-2020! I obtained my bachelor’s degree in political science from UIUC in December of 2022. I hope to obtain a master's degree in public administration, and work in the field of drug policy. Previously I have worked with Miller Park Zoo, the Cunningham Township, and Senator Durbin’s office in Washington D.C. have been working at HCC since February of 2023, and I thoroughly enjoy interacting with students and helping them work towards their goals.
Get Involved Advice: It can be difficult to feel connected at a community college, but I promise that there are ample opportunities for students. As a former student myself, I made amazing friends and advanced my professional skills because of my involvement on campus. So, check out the Get Involved page to find organizations and events that interest you!
Athletics
We have nationally recognized men's baseball and women's softball teams, and our men's and women's soccer teams are gaining momentum. Join us for a game at the Corn Crib.