Meet our 2026 President - Craig McFarland!
September 1, 2026
Craig McFarland is a father, husband, higher education professional, podcaster, runner and longtime advocate for the arts and his community in Springfield, Illinois.
Craig loves being a dad to Liam and a husband to Zoey. As a family, they love to travel, explore and seek out new adventures. Watching Liam continue to grow into the person he's becoming is the true joy of his life.
Craig serves as a Senior Academic Advisor in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Illinois Springfield, where he has worked for more than a decade helping students navigate college, discover their academic paths, and reach their goals. He also teaches a first year seminar titled, What TV Has Taught Us.
Outside of higher education, Craig is an experienced podcaster and producer. Through NPR Illinois and the Front Row Network, he has produced and hosted well over 1,000 podcast episodes and radio segments. He co-hosts two weekly shows, Beyond the Mouse - a Disney podcast and Peanut Butter and Biscuits- a Ted Lasso podcast.
Craig is also deeply involved in the performing arts. He has appeared on most stages throughout Springfield over the past decade. Most recently, he was in the Hoogland Center's production of 1776. In addition to performing, he has served on multiple arts oriented boards throughout Springfield.
An avid runner, Craig is currently training for his fourth marathon, which will take place in Disney World in January. He is also serving on the planning committee for the upcoming Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon in April 2027.