After being classified as a master’s-large institution for most of its history, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville was reclassified in January 2019 by The Carnegie Commission on Higher Education to the newly created doctoral/professional universities category. The classification upgrade is significant as Washington Monthly has ranked SIUE 115^th in its 2019 National University Rankings of 395 doctoral institutions.

SIUE was fourth among Illinois public institutions, behind the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois-Chicago and Illinois State University. SIUE was rated ahead of a significant number of regional peers, including Missouri State (154), University of Missouri-St. Louis (176), SIU-Carbondale (257), Saint Louis University (259) and Lindenwood University (327). For the previous nine years, SIUE was in Washington Monthly’s Top 100 nationally for master’s universities.

For the complete listing, visit washingtonmonthly.com/2019college-guide/national. For the fourth consecutive year, SIUE is also included in the “Best Bang for the Buck” among Midwest institutions.

Unlike conventional college rankings, Washington Monthly evaluates an institution’s “contribution to the public good” in three broad categories: social mobility – educating low-income students; research – producing cutting-edge scholarship and PhDs; and service – encouraging students to give something back to their communities. The data is based on the three most recent fiscal years.

“Washington Monthly’s annual rankings are significant as SIUE follows through on its mission to shape a changing world,” said SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook. “It is impressive for this emerging University to be included in the top third of institutions nationally.”

SIUE has invested an average of nearly $19 million in research expenditures during the past three fiscal years. This investment allows a significant number of SIUE undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to participate in research projects in their fields of study.

SIUE students have many opportunities to work on service projects throughout the year through the University’s Kimmel Student Involvement Center. Those initiatives include service-learning through coursework, volunteer projects, the SIUE Experience, scholarship requirements, the AmeriCorps America Reads program and student organizations that track their service hours.

The Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is collaborating with the Illinois Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) to bring a specialized “Is WBE Certification Right for You” workshop to Edwardsville from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12 at Town & Country Bank in Edwardsville. This session brings together local WBDC Associate Director Jacinta Witherspoon and SBDC business advisors to support women small business owners.

 “This is an opportunity that women business owners will not want to miss,” said Jo Ann Di Maggio May, SBDC director. “Chambers of Commerce, BNI (Business Network International) Groups, and other business-building and networking organizations are encouraged to invite their members.”

To register, visit: ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/31512

• New SBDC clients/participants should use the sign-up button
• Existing SBDC clients should use the log-in button (log in after clicking the sign-up button, top right corner)
• Registrants may sign in at 2:30 p.m. the day of the event

The $10 registration fee includes refreshments and valuable handouts. Women business owners can also call 618-650-2929 for more information.

The Metro East SBDC assists existing companies as well as new businesses headquartered in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. It is a no-cost service to the community supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and SIUE. 

   By aiding entrepreneurs and companies in defining their path to success, the SBDC network positively impacts the Metro East by strengthening the business community, creating and retaining jobs, and encouraging capital investment. It enhances the region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research, and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses. When appropriate, the SBDC strives to affiliate its ties to the region to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large. To learn how the SBDC can help your small business, contact the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or sbdcedw@gmail.com.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has named Kimberly Kilgore as manager of federal, state and licensure compliance in the Office of Educational Outreach. She assumed her new duties on Aug. 5.

Kilgore is responsible for ensuring the University’s compliance with existing and emerging state and federal authorization mandates, as well as regulations regarding professional licensure.

“Development of this position demonstrates SIUE’s continued commitment to being a student-centered educational community,” said Mary Ettling, interim director of the Office of Educational Outreach. “With dedicated personnel to lead compliance efforts, SIUE is positioned to further the University’s objective of communicating, expanding and integrating knowledge by demonstrating continuous improvement, serving both distance and on-campus students today and in the future.”

Prior to joining SIUE, Kilgore served as an assistant prosecuting attorney and trial team leader at the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for more than 18 years. “Her communication, leadership, research skills and legal background make her an ideal candidate to serve in this position,” Ettling said. 

Kilgore is enthusiastic about working closely with faculty, staff, and all stakeholders to best serve students and provide counsel in areas such as online course development, internships/externships outside the state of Illinois, regulations related to marketing of online courses/programs and regulations related to professional licensure.

“I love the energy of being on a campus, the kindness that exudes from everyone I’ve contacted on campus, and the deep commitment to education I have observed,” Kilgore said.

Kilgore’s additional experience includes clerking for the Honorable Gary M. Gaertner at the Missouri Court of Appeals and adjunct teaching of criminal law and procedure at Maryville University. 

Kilgore earned a bachelor’s in economics with a minor in public law at Missouri State University and achieved a Juris Doctorate at Saint Louis University.

Warm greetings, offers of support and encouragement for the year ahead could be heard throughout the residence halls at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Tuesday, Aug. 27 as more than 70 administrators, faculty and staff visited students during University Housing’s annual House Calls event.

Students in 29 wings, throughout the first-year residence halls of Bluff, Prairie and Woodland, along with those in the transfer Focused Interest Community (FIC) in Cougar Village, were included in the welcome event. The FIC communities received greetings from faculty and staff directly connected to their study areas.

“House Calls is another way we welcome residents to the SIUE community,” said University Housing Interim Director Mallory Sidarous. “It offers a unique opportunity to visit students in their residential space and engage with them about their first couple weeks on campus. Residents typically enjoy the chance to visit with campus administrators, faculty and staff outside of offices and classrooms, and in their home environment.”

Volunteers traveled door-to-door to offer sweet treats and converse with students in a comfortable setting. A major goal of the event is to encourage the success of students and empower them to solve problems.

“The intent of House Calls is to foster a quality living-learning environment that provides the right tools to help freshmen and transfer students better adjust to campus life,” said Associate Director for Residence Life Rex Jackson. “House Calls acts as an official welcome to the University, allowing students to address any questions or concerns they may have about SIUE, their classes, or any other issue they may be experiencing as a new student on campus.”

Photo: SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook and his wife, Mary Jo, offer jovial greetings and a cupcake to freshman Lynnae Thomas, of Taylorville, during University Housing’s House Calls event.

The start of a new semester often produces nervous anticipation of the academic responsibilities to come. But, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, it also comes with vibrant campus activities that offer students a reprieve from the stress and build excitement for collegiate life.

The Wild, Wild Cougar Welcome, organized by the Kimmel Student Involvement Center, has featured numerous events during the first two weeks of the semester. This week’s excitement included A Zoo for You traveling pony rides and petting zoo, a “Hug-A-Cactus” event, the 26^th annual Rocky Horror Picture Show, a graduate student organization fair, and a Wild Country Night.

“I had a rough morning,” said sophomore transfer student Teresa Barz. “I didn’t get coffee before I left. But, then I found horses. There are bunnies, too. They’re so cute. I’m just happy!”

An Activities Fair featured student organizations, which hosted booths, offered giveaways and shared information about their purpose and involvement opportunities.

“I was super surprised there’s so much going on, and so many organizations to learn about,” said freshman Emma Warner.

“I hope to meet a lot more people this year and participate in more activities,” said junior Connor McDonald.

Many students who were once looking for ways to get involved, found themselves on the other side of the table this year sharing with fellow students how campus activities have enhanced their educational experience.

“Staying involved has kept me busy, and on track with my school work,” explained senior Kynidi Miller. “It’s nice for me to be able to tell people why they should get involved. You never know what involvement can lead you to. It’s helped me make connections.”

“I was shy when I first came to SIUE, but in my three years here, I have come out of my shell immensely, because of some of the organizations I’ve gotten involved in,” added junior Megan Ingold. “I’m interested in joining new organizations, because it’ll be great for my resume and help me meet new people. It will open my circle, and my world, to what else is out there for me to discover.”

For more information on the Wild, Wild Cougar Welcome, visit siue.edu/cab/cougarwelcome.

Photo: The second week of the Wild, Wild Cougar Welcome featured A Zoo for You traveling pony rides among other activities.

The American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) named Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) alumna Diana (Jason) Isaacs, RPh, PharmD ’09 as its Educator of the Year earlier in August. The award honors a diabetes educator who has made a special contribution to the field of diabetes self-management and education through dedication, innovation and sensitivity in patient care.

“My passion for diabetes education began in the SIUE School of Pharmacy,” said Isaacs, who is an endocrine clinical pharmacy specialist and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) program coordinator at the Cleveland Clinic Endocrine and Metabolism Institute Diabetes Center. “There is a tremendous amount to learn with all the different medications, technology, lifestyle factors and psychological aspects. I was fortunate to learn a great deal from amazing and passionate faculty like Dr. Jessica Kerr.”

“Dr. Isaacs has always had a passion for diabetes,” said Kerr, PharmD, SOP interim dean of professional and student affairs, and professor of pharmacy practice. “As a past instructor of hers, I am always impressed by the level of energy she brings when she educates other healthcare professionals on hot topics in the diabetes world. I have had the honor to work with her as a colleague, and she is at the forefront in service and impactful patient care projects.”  

A member of the first SOP graduating class, Isaacs always found diabetes to be fascinating. “Almost 10 percent of the population has diabetes and this percent continues to rise, which means there are many opportunities to help,” she said. “I’m inspired by knowing that with the right treatment, people can live long and healthy lives.

“What continues to motivate me is that every day I use my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in people’s lives. It’s the most rewarding career I could ever imagine.”

The honors have been flowing for Isaacs this year as the Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) honored her as a distinguished Under 40 award recipient for professional achievements and vision in the practice of pharmacy at its 141^st Annual Conference in April.    

“We are pleased to recognize Diana Isaacs who has exemplified leadership, excellence and vision in her practice,” said Ernest Boyd, OPA executive director. “She is a valued member of the association, and we look forward to her future contributions to the profession.”

Isaacs has advanced diabetes patient care through clinical services, professional organization involvement and scholarly activities. She has initiated many new services at her health system to help people with diabetes, including a CGM shared medical appointment program and a pharmacist-run insulin dose adjustment service for post-transplant patients.

Isaacs holds many leadership roles in diabetes organizations, which include serving as president of the Ohio AADE Chapter and communication director for the American Diabetes Association Pregnancy and Reproductive Health Interest Group.

After earning a PharmD, Isaacs worked for six years at the Chicago State University College of Pharmacy before moving to Ohio.

Photo: SIUE School of Pharmacy alumna Diana Isaacs.

A career of extraordinary talent and innovation. A leader in metalsmithing education. A mentor for artistic metal designs. These accomplishments and more have earned Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Art and Design Emeritus Professor Paulette Myers the Edwardsville Art Center’s (EAC) Patron of the Arts Award. 

“Being named Patron of the Arts was a big surprise, because I had retired already,” said Myers, of Maryville, who retired from SIUE in 2013. “I was also surprised because the Art Center had only been doing this since 2014, and those who were previously named have done so much.” Former EAC Patrons of the Art award winners include John Celuch, Susan Bostwick, Dan and Caroline Anderson, and Ed Hightower. 

 Myers’ astounding and accomplished works, along with more than 30 of her students’ artistic renderings, are on display at EAC’s In the Student Gallery through today. Numerous students of Myers have gone on to accomplish artistic feats of their own, including Shoji Miyazawa, associate conservation preparatory of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City; Jim Masterson, head designer and blacksmith of the Metal Museum in Memphis, Tenn.; and SIUE alumna Agnes Pal, artist and Holocaust survivor. 

“When I was informed that I had received the honor of being named EAC’s Patron of the Arts, I was asked to arrange an exhibit,” said Myers. “I decided that my retrospective exhibition could be shown with a second exhibition of some of my former accomplished metalsmithing students from the bachelor of fine arts and the master of fine arts programs. I am pleased to have their show adjoining mine, as they are my legacy. 

“Aimee Howard-Clinger, associate professor and head of Metalsmithing in the SIUE Department of Art and Design, curated this expansive show, which was a massive undertaking!” 

“I have had the pleasure to know and work with Paulette for six years now. Her talent, dedication and commitment to the field have been a constant inspiration to myself and the countless students,” said Howard-Clinger. “It has been a great honor and opportunity to curate this retrospective exhibition. These pieces were chosen to represent the diversity of themes and techniques present in the field of metalsmithing and jewelry. The goal of this exhibition is to not only cover the breadth of Paulette’s amazing career as an artist, but also to showcase her legacy as a professor and mentor.” 

Myers came to SIUE in 1983, where she built the undergraduate and graduate metalsmithing programs that became nationally recognized. While at SIUE, Myers helped create the SIUE Metals Studio and became the namesake for the Paulette Myers Award in Metalsmithing. 

Through her 42 years of university teaching, Myers has pursued extensive research in reticulation and perforation. She discovered perforation, and her original research on the subject can be found in the books, Metalsmith Papers of the Society of North America Goldsmiths and Text Tech. Her research involves heat-induced texture of reticulation using 13 different alloys, including nickel alloy. 

Myers works of art appear in numerous books such as 500 Metal Vessels, 500 Earrings, Pewter Studio: Contemporary Projects & Techniques, Art Jewelry Today and Teapots, Makers & Collectors. She presents lecturers, workshops and exhibitions across the country and the world. 

“It takes the entire community to develop an art center such as we are lucky to have. Each student, teacher, administrator, sponsor, admirer, volunteer and collector have an important role in developing the arts in our community,” said Melissa McDonough-Borden, EAC executive director during the opening reception on Friday, Aug. 23. “It takes everyone and is accessible to all. However, sometimes someone outshines and truly changes the fabric of that culture. 

“Paulette Myers has been recognized here as the Patron of the Arts, because of the significant impact her work in metals has brought forth with her innovations in metalsmithing, development of the metals program at SIUE, and legacy of her students represented here and across the country as leaders of other metals programs.” 

The Edwardsville Arts Center (EAC) is a community visual arts center located in Edwardsville, featuring local, regional and national artists in its exhibit hall. The Center is dedicated to the community, offering regular art shows and classes to enrich the area’s cultural experiences with affordable education and entertainment. To learn more, call the EAC at 618-655-0337 or visit edwardsvilleartscenter.com. 

Photos:
Metalsmith extraordinaire Paulette Myers, SIUE Art and Design emeritus professor, is seen with one of her many creations at her Metalsmith Exhibition at the Edwardsville Art Center (EAC). 

Shown are just a few of the metal creations by Myer’s students. Myer displayed the works of more than 30 of her students. The exhibit closes today.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Associate Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School Jerry Weinberg, PhD, has appointed Carrie Butts-Wilmsmeyer, PhD, as director for the new Center of Predictive Analytics (C-PAN). She assumed these new responsibilities on Aug. 26.

 C-PAN is a University-wide research center, consisting of collaborating SIUE faculty who utilize state-of-the-art mathematical, statistical, computational, and machine learning tools and techniques to analyze data, produce predictions, and assess the probabilities of future events. C-PAN will forge relationships with businesses and governmental agencies to provide analysis of the multitude of data that these organizations collect to help them craft good policy and create effective practices.

“Every discipline, from scientific research to education to business, is becoming increasingly data-driven. C-PAN is one of the first university research centers in the nation seeking to address the question of how we turn this sea of data into impactful recommendations and results,” said Butts-Wilmsmeyer, a Princeton, Kentucky native. “As the first director, I hope to serve SIUE by both fostering synergistic collaborations on campus, and connecting our faculty members with industry and governmental partners to pursue mutually beneficial, multidisciplinary projects and real-world educational opportunities for our students.”

“C-PAN is SIUE’s new investment in a growing and important area of research and decision-making tool,” Weinberg said. “Dr. Butts-Wilmsmeyer’s expertise in data analytics is a perfect match for the Center. Her leadership experience in forming university collaborations and also connecting with various industries made her an excellent choice as the Center’s inaugural director.”

Butts-Wilmsmeyer arrives at SIUE after serving as a research assistant professor for the past two years in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Butts-Wilmsmeyer earned a bachelor’s in horticulture, plant and soil science at the University of Kentucky, and a PhD in crop sciences – statistical genetics and plant breeding at the University of Illinois.

Photo: Carrie Butts-Wilmsmeyer, director of the SIUE Center of Predictive Analytics.

Pawfect PupPort, LLC, a premier source for pet transportation, is now offering its services to select cities in Madison County. Owner Khiara Mills has worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Business Specialist Marti Wieland to help bring her joint passion for pets and driving to life.

The Pawfect PupPort mission is to save you time, while accommodating your pet transportation needs. The idea came to Mills when she found herself in need of a similar service for her own pets and discovered it was not available. She figured if she needed it, others would as well. This sparked her decision to create the Pawfect solution.

Pawfect PupPort provides door-to-door pet pick-up and delivery of pets to local destinations of your choice, including vet and grooming appointments, daycare, boarding, sitters and training appointments.

“Our primary purpose here on earth is to help others in any way possible,” Mills shared. “As a pet parent, tending to my pups’ needs is a high priority. My goal is to help others who feel the same way, but periodically do not have the means to do so. That is why I created Pawfect PupPort, LLC - to help pet parents, but most importantly to help the pets.”

Since June of this year, the SBDC has provided Mills with a wide variety of assistance, from legal paperwork and licensing to marketing suggestions, and a little bit of everything in-between.

“Ms. Marti has consistently been extremely helpful, patient and knowledgeable,” Mills said. “She never failed to make herself accessible anytime I had questions or needed any type of assistance.”

Looking to the future, Mills hopes to expand the business into St. Clair and St. Louis counties. Additionally, she plans to increase her services and locations.

“Khiara has been a joy to work with,” said Wieland. “Every time we met, she had great ideas, and was always open to our discussions about registration, liability, day-to-day operational challenges, and her marketing plan. I am so excited for her business and look forward to her success.”  

Pawfect PupPort is currently offering clients a free consultation, which can be scheduled by phone at 618-777-6727 or online at pawfectpupport.com.

For more information, pricing and scheduling, visit pawfectpupport.com. Pawfect PupPort can also be found on Facebook, Instagram @pawfectpupportllc and on Twitter @pawfectpupport.

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists start-up ventures like Pawfect PupPort, LLC, as well as existing businesses headquartered in the nine-county region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and SIUE as a service to Illinois small businesses.

By aiding entrepreneurs and companies in defining their path to success, the SBDC network positively impacts the Metro East by strengthening the business community, creating and retaining new jobs and encouraging new investment. It enhances the region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses. When appropriate, the SBDC strives to affiliate its ties to the region to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large.

To learn about the SBDC, contact theIL SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE at (618) 650-2929.

Photo: Pawfect PupPort owner Khiara Mills.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville community is mourning the loss of student Lucas Petersen, of Springfield, who passed away Saturday, Aug. 31. He was 18.

Petersen was a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Lucas Petersen’s family and friends as they face this tragedy,” said SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook. “He truly will be missed by all of those who knew him. When you recognize that a young person’s full potential won’t be realized, it is heartbreaking.”

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6 with the service following at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Springfield.

The following is a list of resources available to members of the campus community:

On-Campus

• To support acceptance, coping, and grieving, short-term options are available through Counseling Services, co-located with Health Services in the lower level of the Student Success Center (adjacent to the Morris University Center), suite 0222. By calling ext. 2842, Psychotherapists are available for the following:

­   Crisis Support

­   Individual Therapy

­   Attend on-campus memorial events

­   Facilitate group, classroom, or team discussions/debriefings

Local Community Resources

• NAMI
• Heartlinks

A serious threat looms large in the Metro East – and that danger is the “Killer Heat.” The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), along with other organizations, gathered on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to inform the public about the threat of extreme heat, and talk about The Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). 

More than 50 people attended the meeting that focused, in part, on the UCS’s new report, “Killer Heat in the United States.” The report laid out a stark choice of whether to continue on the path of not reducing emissions, with devastatingly hot consequences, or begin now to reduce heat-trapping emissions. 

“The Union of Concerned Scientists knew it was important to work with organizations on the ground here in the Metro East region to discuss local climate and health impacts with the community, because this region faces disproportionate risks of both extreme heat and flooding,” said Meghan Hassett, UCS Midwest campaign coordinator. “Equitable renewable energy solutions like the Clean Energy Jobs Act must prioritize communities like ones across the Metro East, who are the most impacted. It starts with ensuring that people understand what is at stake, and what we can do to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. 

“Our ‘Killer Heat in the USA’ report showed that Alton was one of three cities in Illinois with a population over 50,000, that could face the highest frequency of days with a heat index of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit,” continued Hassett. “In addition, Madison County could face an average of 62 days per year with a heat index about 105 Fahrenheit, if we fail to reduce heat-trapping emissions.” 

“The Clean Energy Jobs Act recognizes that our growing clean energy economy is about more than fighting climate change,” said Amanda Pankau, energy campaign coordinator with Prairie Rivers Network and downstate grassroots leader with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition. “CEJA is about equitable access to public health, a cleaner environment, and quality jobs for economically disadvantaged communities, communities of color, as well as for workers and communities impacted by a decline in fossil fuel use.” 

Other speakers at the meeting included:

• John Chick, principal scientist with the Illinois Natural History Survey and field station director for the Great Rivers Field Station. Chick’s main research activities focus on the ecology of large rivers, particularly the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. He shared about the flooding and temperature trends of the Mississippi River. 

• Mike Atty, executive director of the United Congregations of Metro-East. Atty discussed his work with faith-based organizations on environmental justice and environmental racism issues in the Metro-East area. 

• Scott Allen, environmental outreach coordinator with the Citizens Utility Board, a statewide, nonprofit utility watchdog. Allen discussed how existing energy efficient programs could be used to reduce electricity consumption, and how the Clean Energy Jobs Act will strengthen and expand those programs. 

Specified throughout the two-hour meeting was the importance of the Clean Energy Jobs Act (Senate Bill 2132 and House Bill 3624). The highlights of the Jobs Act included promoting jobs and economic opportunity, putting Illinois on a path of 100 percent renewable energy by 2050, reducing the equivalent of 1 million gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles from the road, and achieving a carbon-free power-sector by 2030. 

Other organizations hosting the meeting were Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, Sierra Club, Prairie Rivers Network, Metro East Green Alliance, and the United Congregations of the Metro East. 

Photos:
Meghan Hassett, Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) Midwest campaign coordinator, addresses the crowd about UCS’s new report, “Killer Heat in the United States.”

It was a time for connections and commonality among students of the same ethnic background, sexual orientation/identification and military experience. It was also a time for them to be greeted by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville chancellor, administrators, faculty and staff, and to experience first-hand how the University is a welcoming, fun and safe place for all students. 

“Do you all know how beautiful you look from up here,” asked Kathryn Bentley, co-chair with Tarsha Moore of the Black Student Welcome Reception, held from Monday, Aug. 26 in the Morris University Center (MUC) Meridian Ballroom. “This is our second year welcoming new and returning black students to campus, and we want you all to know that you have a roomful of people who want you to succeed and excel. Enjoy the food, fellowship and fun!” 

Bentley is an associate professor in the Department of Theater and Dance and director of the SIUE Black Studies Program. Moore is the assistant director of SIUE’s Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI). 

The annual Black Student Welcome Reception was held Monday, Aug. 26 in the Morris University Center (MUC) Meridian Ballroom. 

“I really enjoyed the parade around campus. There is a lot of energy here,” said Kelsey Covington, of St. Charles, a freshman majoring in nursing. “I wasn’t expecting something like this. I felt very welcomed.” 

SIUE’s Safe Zone Student Welcome Reception has grown over the years and continues to be a warmly received event. The reception was held Tuesday, Aug. 27 in the MUC’s Hickory/Hackberry rooms. 

“We welcome SIUE students, faculty and staff who identify as LGBTQIA+, as well as allies of the community, for an evening of mixing and mingling,” said Nick Niemerg, co-chair with Jennifer Hernandez, PhD, of the Safe Zone Student Welcome Reception. “We informed students of the various resources available to them on campus, as well as highlighted SIUE Safe Zone accomplishments from the previous academic year.” 

Niemerg is the assistant director of Constituent Relations at the SIUE Foundation. Hernandez is an assistant professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s Department of Teaching and Learning. 

“This is also a great way for students to meet SIUE administrators who all serve as advocates for their well-being while on campus,” Niemerg continued. “We encourage all who attend to give back to the SIUE Safe Zone Scholarship fund, which provides scholarships to deserving SIUE students who serve as advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community at SIUE.” 

Veterans and the military-connected also enjoyed a time of encouragement, bonding and information, according to Kevin Wathen, director of Military and Veteran Services. The Veterans Student Reception was held Wednesday, Aug. 28 in the Hickory/Hackberry rooms. 

“In previous years, we did a good job of providing veteran benefit assistance and relaying information on campus resources available for veterans,” said Wathen. “But new this year, we were able to provide a personal connection to SIUE through common bonds of the military-connected.” 

 “It is hard to explain the brother/sisterhood that exists between those with close ties to the military,” he noted. “This bond transcends age, race, religion, sexual orientation and gender.” SIUE expects to open its Military and Veteran Resource Center next year. 

“The evening was extremely beneficial in helping me understand how many veterans are on the SIUE campuses. I liked being able to hang out with like-minded individuals,” said Keith Elden, third year ROTC cadet. “I was excited to see all campus police officers, who I now know are veterans. It was humbling to see them dedicate not one, but two careers to servicing people and keeping them safe.” 

“I also enjoyed hearing about the Student Veteran Association (SVA), and what it offers,” continued Elden. “The SVA was helpful in making me feel like I have staff who can help me through government paperwork and finding the best college path for myself.” 

“The Latinx and Asian Pacific Islander Welcome were new receptions sponsored by the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI),” said Timothy Staples, EdD, CSDI director. 

The Asian/Pacific Islander Student Reception was held Wednesday, Aug. 28 in the CSDI. The Latinx Student Reception occurred Thursday, Aug. 29 in the Hickory/Hackberry rooms. 

“We believed it was important to welcome students from these two demographic groups in order to bring a great sense of belonging and inclusion,” Staples explained. “Both receptions involved specially crafted, culturally-based menus. All students were welcomed to this event that celebrated Latinx and Asian Pacific Islander cultures.” 

Photos:
SIUE students enjoyed a host of welcome receptions last week.

The NCERC at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville presented two exhibits at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur Tuesday-Thursday, Aug. 27-29.  

In the Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) tent, NCERC showcased renewable products made from corn to exemplify new uses in order to increase demand for the U.S. grown feedstock. Meanwhile, in another tent hosted by SIU Carbondale, NCERC highlighted its collaborative aquaculture project in partnership with the Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences at SIUC.

NCERC staff attended an Ag Policy Forum on Wednesday hosted by Illinois Congressmen Rodney Davis (IL-13), Mike Bost (IL-12), John Shimkus (IL-15) and Darin LaHood (IL-18). U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue was the featured speaker, and answered a number of audience questions about the current state and potential future of agriculture.

Forum topics included renewing the biodiesel tax credit, this year’s growing season and weather conditions, farmers’ mental health awareness, the opioid crisis, tariffs and trade deals, African swine fever, crop insurance, small refinery exemptions, rural broadband and more. Representatives from organizations such as Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Pork Producers, ICGA, Illinois Soy Association, Illinois Beef Association and ethanol producers were in attendance.

The Farm Progress Show is the nation’s largest outdoor farm event, hosting more than 600 exhibitors displaying new farm equipment, tractors, combines and other farm implements, seed and crop protection products, new technologies, and more.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will host fall Explore Days for the Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy and Engineering to offer current and prospective students opportunities for in-depth interaction with representatives from specific academic areas.

SIUE Explore Days include:

• School of Nursing: Saturday, Sept. 14
• School of Pharmacy: Saturday, Oct. 12
• School of Engineering: Saturday, Nov. 9

“With more than 300 areas of study, SIUE is equipped to offer students a robust educational experience with diverse programming that will prepare them for successful careers and lives of purpose,” said Ryan Downey, assistant director for new student and campus visit programs in the Office of Admissions. “Explore Days allow current and prospective students to interact directly with program directors and find which program is the best fit for them.”

Explore Day attendees will learn about the various ways to get involved on campus, see a residence hall, take a campus tour and speak with representatives from the Office of Admissions and Student Financial Aid.

To register and find additional information, visit siue.edu/explore-days.

 Photo: SIUE alumna Haley Gouchenour completes a project on campus.

“Bug guts are complex places. A lot of insects have complicated microbiomes that rival humans. Some have interactions with microbes that are important for agricultural and medical issues.”

There’s perhaps no better way to inspire a love for microbial ecology than through such relatable, understandable explanations, hands-on activities and exciting research opportunities. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Brittany Peterson, PhD, candidly refers to her research lab as “The Bugguts Lab.” She invites students to learn and do with excitement, and provides an open door for all aspiring scientists.

“Science is for everyone,” said Peterson, an assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Biological Sciences. “Most of the students I teach are science majors, but they tend not to think of themselves as scientists. But, they are! Sometimes they just need opportunities and encouragement to flex their scientific muscle in a safe place.”

Peterson conducts research on insect-microbe interactions, specifically in termites and locusts. She is known for injecting energy into her courses and teaching lab. A true teacher-scholar, she stresses the value of student research.

“My research on insect-microbe interactions spills into my teaching a lot, because it’s a practical example,” Peterson said. “It’s approachable. It’s something we’ve heard of. We know about mosquito-borne diseases. We know what termites are. I’m constantly thinking of new and creative ways to tie microbiology into the real world.”

“You can only get so far in terms of practical applications of content in a teaching setting,” Peterson explained. “Bringing students who have taken or are going to take microbiology into a research setting enhances their experience. This is where the real-world techniques and applications of scientists take action.”

Senior biology major Mitchel Haddock, of Windsor, fell in love with entomology during his undergraduate career. When he met Peterson, research opportunities abounded. He worked as an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) assistant alongside Peterson, and now is an URCA associate conducting his own research under Peterson’s mentorship.

“She is ridiculously energetic about everything, and makes learning and doing research so much fun,” Haddock explained. “You can’t help but get excited yourself. In “The Bugguts Lab,” you never feel like you’re doing work. Rather, you’re working on something you love, and she excites you to do that.”

Peterson shares her enthusiasm beyond her classroom and lab via Dr.Bugguts on Instagram.

“I use Dr. Bugguts, because it communicates exactly what we’re getting at: I’m interested in the microbiomes of insects,” Peterson concluded. “I use the catchy handle to peel back that curtain about what it means to be a professor, and do research in science and biology. It’s not something that’s reserved for super genius people. It’s not reserved for anyone. Science is open, and there are seats at the table. My door is open, and I’ll take as many students as possible, because I think research opportunities are important.”

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvJsRXzL9uo

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Nursing (SON) record enrollment of 1,778 students highlights SIUE’s fall 2019 enrollment picture. SIUE’s first-year retention rate also reached a record high at 79%, as nearly 8 in 10 fall 2018 freshmen returned to the University for their second year.

SIUE welcomed 3,370 new students to campus for the fall 2019 semester including 1,667 new first-time, full-time freshmen, 1,047 new transfer students and 656 new graduate and professional students. Total overall enrollment of 13,061 trails last year by 220 students (1.6%). This year’s freshman class is 2% smaller at 1,667 (39 students), and new transfers are down 6% (66 students). 

The SON realized a 2% increase (27 students) in undergraduate enrollment and a 17% increase (54 students) in master’s and doctoral level students. The SON’s total does not include an additional 30 undeclared graduate students, who are taking nursing courses.

SIUE’s graduate enrollment has reached its highest level in seven years with 2,658 students enrolled in master’s and doctoral level programs. Graduate enrollment in the SIUE School of Business jumped 106% (182 students).

International enrollment reached its largest total of new students in 18 years, as 162 new international students enrolled at SIUE for the fall. The previous high was 166 new students in fall 2001.

“We recognize the challenging marketplace for prospective students for both traditional freshmen and transfers, and continue to develop initiatives to enhance enrollment growth in the future,” said SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook. “We strategically seek to implement innovative academic programming, creating flexibility for students who have academic interests spanning disciplines that will be popular with both traditional and non-traditional students. Meanwhile, our online offerings continue to grow.”

“Our professional schools, graduate school and international student populations have all increased slightly this year and continue to provide a stable enrollment base for the institution,” said Scott Belobrajdic, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management.

SIUE Fall 2019 Enrollment Facts and Figures

• School of Nursing record enrollment of 1,778 students
• First-year retention rate reached a record high at 79%
• Total overall enrollment of 13,061 trails last year by 220 students (1.6%)
• Graduate enrollment has reached its highest level in seven years with 2,658 students
• International enrollment reached its largest total of new students in 18 years with 162

Photo: SIUE Freshman Class of 2023.

Congressional staff from across the nation visited the NCERC at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as part of the AgMazing Congressional Tour in late August. 

Sponsored by the St. Louis AgriBusiness Club, the AgMazing Congressional Tour highlighted agricultural progress and collaboration in Missouri and Illinois. The St. Louis region is vital to meeting the food, fiber and fuel needs of a growing world. The three-day tour allowed Congressional staff to learn about and see the heartland of agriculture infrastructure, innovation, and advancement.

Congressional staff from California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri toured the NCERC’s facilities and heard from industry experts. The staff worked with Congressional members such as Sen. Tammy Duckworth (IL), Sen. Deb Fischer (NE), Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) and Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47).

NCERC Executive Director John Caupert, Jim Bauman of the National Corn Growers Association and Paul Jeschke of the Illinois Corn Growers Association presented to the congressional staff. Conversations focused upon corn production, ethanol production, small refinery exemptions and the importance of trade deals to agriculture.

“When talking with congressional staff members, it’s always important to tailor the conversation to their comfort level with agriculture,” Bauman said. “Knowing that not everybody is from a farming community or has a farming background, you have to start at their level to at least get them comfortable with the foundational terminology. If you can tell the story at a very simplified level for those outside of agriculture and keep their interest, then they will still be there later to get down deeper into the weeds.” 

In addition to the NCERC, attendees visited the Danforth Plant Science Center, the Mel Price Lock and Dam, Bunge Terminal, Nestle Purina PetCare, Anhueser-Busch, and several farms and orchards.

Photo: NCERC Operating Coordinator AJ Bridges discusses the Siemens SIMIT lab to a tour group.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing (SON) is celebrating a historic milestone as its fall 2019 enrollment has reached an all-time high with 1,778 students.

The SON’s enrollment features a 17% increase (54 students) in master’s and doctoral level candidates, totaling 374 students. The total does not include an additional 30 undeclared graduate students, who are taking nursing classes.

Its undergraduate enrollment saw a 2% increase (27 students), totaling 1,404. The SON Class of 2023 comprises 173 outstanding students with an average admission GPA of 3.358 (3.000 minimum) and an ACT of 24.

“This impressive increase in overall enrollment speaks volumes about the quality of our programs, our faculty and our clinical partners,” said SON Dean Laura Bernaix, PhD, RN. “Our students receive an excellent education and are highly-prepared to practice as nurse clinicians, administrators and educators in the region and beyond upon graduation. Employers throughout the area hire our graduates knowing they will provide exceptional patient care and be leaders within their institutions and the nursing community.”

“We are incredibly proud to welcome all our students to campus this academic year,” added Ann Popkess, PhD, RN, SON assistant dean of undergraduate programs. “As one of our largest incoming undergraduate classes, this group represents communities from Waukegan to Vienna, Ill., as well as cities in Missouri and Indiana. Their academic achievement is outstanding. The SIUE mission of excellence is exemplified in this group of students.”

The SON’s dynamic undergraduate degree options include a traditional bachelor’s in nursing, a post-baccalaureate accelerated bachelor’s in nursing, and an accelerated option for registered nurses (RN) who hold an associate degree or a nursing diploma to pursue the RN to BS degree program that is offered in a convenient, web-based format to accommodate the needs of working RNs.

The SON awards a nurse educator master’s and post-master’s certificate, a master’s and a post-master’s certificate in healthcare and nursing administration, as well as a dual master’s program in healthcare and nursing administration and healthcare informatics.

Additionally, it offers doctoral degrees for post-master’s advanced practice nurses, as well as post baccalaureate to DNP programs in nurse anesthesia and family nurse practitioner. The School’s concurrent DNP/MBA program combines courses and expertise from the SON and the SIUE School of Business.

“It’s an exciting time to be around the SIUE School of Nursing,” said Andrew Griffin, PhD, CRNA, SON assistant dean for graduate programs. “Students and applicants are recognizing the creativity and flexibility of our faculty, and therefore, we are seeing exponential growth in our graduate programs.”

“We also attribute our success to our strong immersion-based programming options, the diversity of clinical experiences we provide due to our regional location and clinic and hospital partnerships, students’ excellent outcomes on standardized testing and board pass rates, and the fact that all of this is achieved at a reasonable cost for students,” Griffin added.

The SIUE SON consistently earns national recognition for its high-caliber academic programs and pioneering clinical partnerships. Among its fall 2019 accolades are:

• Receipt of a competitive four-year $2.75 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration for its innovative Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) program
• The online nurse educator master’s program being recognized as #1 in Illinois and #5 in the nation for affordability, according to Affordable Schools
• The online healthcare informatics program’s ranking as #6 in the nation for the second consecutive time by AffordableColleges.com for its integration of the worlds of medicine and technology and emphasis on the application of state-of-the-art computing technologies to healthcare

The SON’s incredible growth contributed to SIUE’s fall 2019 first-year retention rate reaching a record high of 79%, and the University’s graduate enrollment reaching its highest level in seven years with 2,658 students.

Photo: SIUE SON Class of 2023.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Successful Communities Collaborative (SSCC) will host a kickoff celebration of its newest community partner – The City of Edwardsville. A press conference and introduction meeting will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9 at SIUE’s Lovejoy Library Friend’s Corner.  

Featured speakers include Randy Pembrook, SIUE chancellor; Denise Cobb, PhD, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs; Hal Patton, Edwardsville mayor; Mary Ettling, interim director of the SIUE Office of Educational Outreach; and Connie Frey Spurlock, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Sociology and SSCC faculty director. 

Through SSCC, students and city officials will work together to make the dynamic City of Edwardsville an even better place to live, learn, work and play. SSCC’s partnership with Edwardsville will match projects with SIUE disciplines, engaging both faculty and students. 

     In collaboration with Edwardsville, SSCC will work on three core projects: 

• Earth Edwardsville — To promote natural conservation strategies and pro-environmental behaviors in the community   
• Sports Complex —  To develop a conceptual design and management strategy for an ice rink and teen center to be located near Edwardsville High School 
• Parking Downtown — To gather community input to generate solutions to downtown parking issues, and create innovative ideas to make downtown Edwardsville more inviting to residents, visitors and businesses 

“We’re extremely excited for this partnership with Edwardsville, because we have more classes and students engaged in this partnership than ever before,” exclaimed Frey Spurlock. “We’re also thrilled because Edwardsville is our shared hometown. These projects hold great promise for the City and all of us who work, live and play in Edwardsville.” 

SIUE Successful Communities Collaborative (SSCC) is a cross-disciplinary program that supports one-year partnerships between the University and communities in Illinois to advance local resilience and sustainability based on community-identified environmental, social, and economic issues and needs. Our mission is to connect Illinois communities with the dynamic resources of students and faculty of SIUE.  

Take acrobatic-type movement, dance and theater, mix it with a strong dose of humor, a high level of spontaneity and a healthy portion of relevant subject matter – and the result is a creative feast known as Lucky Plush Productions of Chicago. This hybrid dance-theater company will perform at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Xfest’s 10^th anniversary at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 in Dunham Hall. 

Lucky Plush will present “Rink Life,” which portrays and demonstrates the aesthetics and social dynamics of the 1970s roller rink culture, where relationships and storylines are as transient as the world that contains them. 

“‘Rink Life’s’ staging and choreography are built from the rink’s spatial rules and social codes, and its script-turned-libretto is built from passing conversations, distant whispers, script fragments, pop-song earworms, and is entirely spoken and sung live,” said Julia Rhoads, creator and artistic director. “As the ensemble sings full ‘throatedly’ to score their experiences, they demonstrate through effort, risk, beauty and failure that they—and we—are utterly dependent on one another.” 

“Rink Life” is one of eight national projects to receive a New England Foundation for the Arts 2018 National Theater Project (NTP) Award. Lucky Plush Productions has received two National Dance Project Awards. 

 “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to visit our friends at SIUE,” said Rhoads, “to perform and teach regionally, and in our home state of Illinois.” 

“My hope is that audiences leave the theater feeling that they engaged with the work on an intellectual level, connected with the individual performers, became invested in the narrative arc, and had a lot of fun,” she added. “One of my favorite things to hear audience members say is that the show was like nothing they’ve ever seen before.” 

For more information, visit SIUE Xfest productions. 

Photos:
Members of the award-winning Lucky Plush Productions perform their unique brand of dance and theater.