Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple, PhD, has named Lindy Wagner as director of the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI). Wagner will assume her new responsibilities on March 2, 2020.

       “Lindy’s extensive experience in both higher education, training and development uniquely qualifies her to lead CSDI,” Waple said. “Lindy will be critical in leading the work of CSDI and serving as a meaningful collaborator with students, faculty, staff and senior leadership on purposeful diversity efforts.

“I want to thank the screening committee for bringing four excellent candidates to campus, and Miriam Roccia for chairing the committee and providing interim leadership in CSDI since the end of September.”

Wagner has more than 16 years of experience working in higher education and arrives at SIUE after serving in the Office of Associate Chancellor for Diversity at SIU Carbondale since August 2019. She provided diversity and inclusion training workshops for faculty, staff and students, as well as student organizations. She is completing a doctorate in intercultural communication at SIUC.

“This is an amazing opportunity, and I am thrilled to become a part of the SIUE community,” Wagner said. “Being selected as the CSDI director provides a chance to collaborate with partners across campus and ensure students are receiving the best possible resources to make their campus experience a positive and memorable one. I am looking forward to continuing to move CSDI forward alongside the current staff and student leaders.”

Since January 2017, Wagner has served as an associate for the Sustained Dialogue Institute (SDI), where she provides training to campuses across the nation that allows students to explore race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability status and other topics.

Prior to her role at SIUC, Wagner served as associate director for multicultural student development at Appalachian State University from 2015-17 in Boone, N.C. and assistant director of residence life at SIUC from 2010-15. At Appalachian, she oversaw the campus Multicultural Center, LGBT Resource Center and Women’s Center, as well as the ASCEND Supplemental orientation and mentor program to welcome under-represented student populations to campus. For offering students outstanding assistance, Wagner received the Most Helpful Faculty and Staff award in consecutive years.

Wagner also was assistant director of residential life at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., from 2009-10. Her responsibilities included supervising assistant area coordinators regarding social justice awareness, residential education, social, passive and active programming efforts.

Wagner was a Syracuse University (SU) residence director from 2005-09 in Syracuse, N.Y. During her SU tenure, she also was an intergroup dialogue circle facilitator for the Conversations About Race and Ethnicity (C.A.R.E.) program.

Wagner earned a bachelor’s in international studies in 2003 from Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa,  and a master’s in counseling and student development in 2005 from Kansas State University.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high quality, affordable education that prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose to shape a changing world. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace and make our communities better places to live. Situated on 2,660 acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River’s rich bottomland and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis, the SIUE campus is home to a diverse student body of more than 13,000.

Photo: Lindy Wagner, director of the SIUE Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion.

The Greater St. Louis Area Council for the Boy Scouts of America will host its annual University of Scouting event at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Morris University Center, Peck Hall and Science East on Saturday, Jan. 18. Approximately 1,000 scouts and adults are expected to attend and receive training for all levels of scouting.

The University of Scouting is designed to provide knowledge about many areas of the Boy Scouts of America and its programs. “University of Scouting is a day-long event that offers the widest variety of training opportunities, in all program areas, all in one place,” said Cory Reeves, event chancellor. “Offering more than 130 classes, attendees will find just about anything to do with scouting.”

A welcome ceremony begins the agenda at 8:45 a.m. A vendor fair will be available. Among the wide variety of courses offered are leadership training, special needs scouting, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) topics, teaching and training, scouting skills and merit badges. The class schedule is available at scoutingevent.com.

For more information about the Boy Scouts of America, visit scouting.org. To contact the Greater St. Louis Area Council, call 314-361-0600 or visit stlbsa.org.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing (SON) and Lake Land College have renewed a partnership that provides an accelerated, seamless path to a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the SIUE SON.

Lake Land College nursing students interested in the option are dually enrolled in the SIUE program during their second year and can take several co-requisites and general education courses at Lake Land. Once students successfully complete the Lake Land associate degree nurse (ADN) program and obtain licensure as a registered nurse (RN), students may progress through the remaining RN to BS nursing courses through the SIUE online program.

“Our partnership with Lake Land College demonstrates our mutual dedication to ensuring lifelong learning for our students, and our commitment to preparing the nursing workforce for the region and beyond,” said SIUE SON Dean Laura Bernaix, PhD, RN.

“We know so many of our nursing graduates find employment in their hometowns and have limited options to complete a bachelor’s degree,” said Cheryl Beam, Lake Land College nursing instructor/director nursing programs. “This partnership eliminates geographic boundaries and provides a seamless opportunity for students to complete their goals.”

The partnership provides students with the opportunity to advance their careers in the nursing field, while simultaneously saving money and gaining valuable work experience.

Lake Land’s ADN program is a competitive special admission program, providing students with a rigorous two-year program. Fully-equipped nursing labs provide students with hands-on learning, allowing students to master required skills before completing clinicals in area healthcare facilities. In May 2019, more than 70 percent of Lake Land ADN program graduates were employed as an RN by graduation.

The schools originally collaborated in 2016 and have continued to expand their partnership since. For more information about the SIUE RN to BS completion program through Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu/high-demand and see the nursing option. Review the ADN checklist and application procedures to meet the application deadline of Feb. 1, 2020.

Photo: SIUE School of Nursing Dean Laura Bernaix, PhD, RN.

Ernest Jackson, DMD, Southern Illinois University’s School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) alumnus, is the keynote speaker at Eureka College’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. program on Tuesday, Jan. 21. 

Jackson earned his doctorate of dental medicine in 1987 from the SIU SDM. He is the first and only board certified African American forensic odontologist. 

Read more about Jackson in a Eureka College online article.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is introducing a master’s of arts in teaching (MAT) for summer 2020 through the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s (SEHHB) Department of Teaching and Learning.

The MAT allows students, who have an undergraduate degree in areas other than education, the opportunity to earn a master’s, as well as gain certification to teach special education in grades K-12. Students can earn state licensure and a master’s in just two years. The MAT program provides integrated coursework focused on diverse learners, as well as field experiences that require theoretical and practical knowledge application. 

“With a growing need for special educators nationwide, as well as anticipated continued growth, MAT graduates have a wide range of employment opportunities,” said Susanne James, PhD, program director and associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning. “Our graduates are licensed to teach students with a wide range of disabilities in kindergarten through age 21. There is a dramatic need for special education teachers in Illinois.”

The MAT prepares candidates for Learning Behavior Specialist I licensure, which requires teachers to build a knowledge base to identify and intervene with students who exhibit a wide range of disabilities. Students with undergraduate degrees in teacher education are not eligible for this program.

MAT candidates complete six semesters, totaling 45 hours of coursework while engaging in field-based, hands-on learning experiences in public school settings. Students progress through the program as members of a cohort, with each new group beginning during the summer term. Licensure will cover grades kindergarten-12 in special education.

MAT coursework is designed to allow candidates the opportunity to evaluate and conduct research in the classroom. A series of developmentally sequenced field experiences are required for all ages, types and ability levels, as well as collaborative opportunities appropriate to the special education teacher. All experiences must be completed prior to student teaching, are supervised by qualified professionals, and are arranged through the SEHHB Office of Student Services.

For more information, contact James at 618-650-3489 or sjames@siue.edu, or visit siue.edu/mat.

Photo: SIUE’s Susanne James, PhD, associate professor in the School of Education Health and Human Behavior’s Department of Teaching and Learning.

Madison County court programming is serving as an effective framework to be emulated statewide and nationally thanks to a long-standing partnership with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Jeremy Jewell, PhD, and his published research now appearing on IllinoisCourts.gov.

For nearly two decades, Jewell, a professor of psychology in the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior, has shared his expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical child psychology, juvenile delinquency, risk assessment, and program evaluation with the Madison County Probation and Court Services Department.

Through this active partnership, Jewell has offered research-driven service to Madison County by creating and implementing programs aimed at helping probation clients improve their ability to manage anger and increase compassion for others. Other endeavors have included the measurement of program effectiveness in the Adult Drug Court and Veteran’s Court.

Jewell’s published analyses and outcomes from this work have now been shared online by the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts, as academically-sound resources for individuals and courts nationwide.

“Dr. Jewell has been instrumental in the implementation of evidence-based practices throughout the Madison County Probation and Court Services Department,” noted Department Director Jackie Wiesehan. “Our goal is to provide effective programming to our clients that will change criminal behavior and reduce recidivism. Dr. Jewell has been able to evaluate what we do to ensure our actions are effective. The Department has been awarded numerous federal and state grants with Dr. Jewell’s assistance. Because of the research he provides, we have been able to expand both our Drug Court and Veteran’s Court to better serve those in need of drug treatment in our community.”

“My collaborative role has expanded over time,” Jewell explained. “For the last 10 years, we have expanded the implementation of our Compassion Approach to Learning Meditation (CALM) program for detained youth to five days a week. I’ve also helped assess and improve the effectiveness of the Adult Drug Court and am now working with the Veteran’s Court.”

“Our programs aim to improve anger management and increase compassion, so that clients will be less likely to commit crimes in the future,” he added. “The court-involved population, especially juveniles as well as substance abusing adults, is interesting to me because although they have all committed crimes, they also usually have been victims of abuse and trauma themselves.

“So, while they may have broken the law, they’ve also been victims and deserve good treatment. Programs that help these individuals also benefit others by decreasing future crime in our community.”

According to Madison County Juvenile Detention Center Program Coordinator Scott Elliff, Jewell’s programs have provided rewarding, enriching and educational experiences for area youth, center staff and the SIUE undergraduate students who he mentors and involves in program implementation.

“We can’t thank Dr. Jewell enough for providing our facility with such an array of beneficial programs, including individual client counseling, outcome measures, psychological assessments and staff trainings,” Elliff said. “He freely offers his time and resources to improve the quality and therapeutic effectiveness of the services we provide.”

“The CALM program, in particular,” he added, “continues to afford our youth effective methods to manage stress, anxiety and anger while detained, as well as coping skills to take with them wherever they may go. Regarding individual counseling, it is encouraging to see how his graduate students easily develop rapport and express concern for their respective clients in the Juvenile Detention Center. Center youth look forward to and benefit from these sessions.”

The sharing of published research on the Illinois Courts website is highly valuable for users.

“We are trying to understand which trends that occur in national research studies might also occur locally,” Jewell explained. “For example, we know that drug court is an effective program nationally, but we have also confirmed its effectiveness in Madison County. In addition, we are trying to understand if there is anything happening locally that may be different than national trends. For example, our research on Madison County drug court clients found that those who are older and have more serious charges are more likely to graduate from drug court, which is different than other studies from across the U.S.”

To view Jewell’s research and other court-involved publications, visit probation.illinoiscourts.gov/data/illinois-publications.

Photo: (L-R) SIUE’s Dr. Jeremy Jewell, Madison County Juvenile Detention Center Superintendent Jon Volkmar, Probation and Court Services Department Director Jackie Wiesehan, Probation and Court Services Chief Managing Officer Craig Cooper and Juvenile Detention Center Program Coordinator Scott Elliff.

US Black Engineer has recognized the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering’s (SOE) Mechanical Engineering Program as one of the top 15 best affordable mechanical engineering programs in the country. View the entire list here.   

“SIUE offers one of the largest mechanical engineering programs in the St. Louis region,” said SOE Dean Cem Karacal, PhD. “Our strong mechanical engineering program features excellent faculty and facilities, and the majority of our students complete either internships or coops before graduation. As a result, our graduates are praised by employers for their job preparedness and emerge as technical leaders in our region.”

US Black Engineer published data from Affordable Schools (AS), a higher education resource, which used statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to locate 4-year bachelor’s programs in mechanical engineering. AS staff considered the average undergraduate tuition from the 2018-19 academic year, programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), and student-faculty ratio.

“Finding the best affordable mechanical engineering degree programs is smart for students to switch gears into an in-demand STEM career with little debt,” AS staff said in the survey. “Getting an economical mechanical engineering degree can prepare innovators for making futuristic things like self-driving cars, drones, supersonic aircraft, and robots a reality.”

Photo: SIUE School of Engineering Dean Cem Karacal, PhD.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Offices of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs have announced the creation of the Military and Veteran Resource Center (MAVRC) to be located in the Morris University Center’s (MUC) second floor, with an opening targeted for the fall 2020 semester.

The military student population at SIUE is among the largest in the state with Military and Veteran Services currently supporting more than 700 military-connected students and their families. SIUE leads Illinois public institutions in the number of GI Bill recipients with 496. 

“Whether a student is current military, veteran or a dependent, there are specific transitional roadblocks,” said Military and Veteran Services Director Kevin Wathen. “Our mission is to eliminate roadblocks for a simplified transition and to support these students until graduation. 

“The MAVRC will provide a central location for our military-connected students to seek assistance and also provide a networking place for like-minded individuals who have shared similar military cultural experiences.”

The project is funded by an SIUE Innovation Grant from the Office of the Chancellor.

Photo: SIUE Military and Veteran Services Director Kevin Wathen (second from right) with the administrative support team outside the current resource center in Rendleman Hall. 

Listening, deciphering and diagnosing problems with speech, language and hearing involves many things – including being culturally competent. The latter is one reason why students registered a newly formed affiliate of the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  

“When we are evaluating and treating people with communication disorders, we have to be aware of cultural differences,” said Kathryn Brady, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Applied Health and faculty advisor for SIUE’s NBASLH student chapter. “We have to be extremely cognizant of the fact that culture deals with the way we communicate. Racial and ethnic groups are just one part. If we lose that part of it, our evaluations will be completely skewed.” 

“Our mission is to raise awareness in the community about the need for more minorities in the field, whether they be black or otherwise,” said Nydraisha Geeters, president of NBASLH at SIUE and a senior majoring in speech-language pathology. “Because language is an organic thing and is constantly changing, this could lead to us wrongly diagnosing someone with a disorder, who could just have a different way of speaking due to different cultural influences. For this reason, we need more minorities in the field, and we also need to raise awareness that there aren’t currently enough.” 

Alicia Boyd, who earned a bachelor’s in speech-language pathology in 2019 from SIUE, did the initial groundwork to bring the NBASLH to SIUE, according to Brady. 

“Then a group of students stepped in this year and got approval to re-register the chapter with the Kimmel Student Involvement Center,” added Brady. “We are still in the organizational phase, where we are establishing goals and direction. 

“The biggest goal right now is to attend the national convention in April 2020 in Houston. NBASLH is fundraising for that. Also on our radar is to go into area high schools, such as the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School, to make black students aware of this field.” 

Photo:
Members of the National Black Association for Speech-Language Hearing (NBASLH) at SIUE will attend the group’s national convention in April 2020 in Houston. Shown from left to right are Jeanette Peebles, secretary; Kierston Jamison, vice president; Sydnee Lollis, secretary; and Nydraisha Geeters, president.

An exquisite and alluring multi-media experience, featuring Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Assistant Professor of Piano Angela Kim, will kick off the second half of SIUE’s Arts and Issues series for 2020. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30 in the Dunham Hall Theater.

Kim’s performance will be the center of a unique presentation, Chaos Magick, which will include classic repertoire, electronic sound, graphic design, animation, and dance. Created by artists of different genres from across the country – Michael Robert Boswell (graphic designer), Peter John Kearney (motion designer) and Kim (pianist) – this show will take the conventional concert experience to a different level. The performance will also incorporate the work of composer Dan VanHassel and choreographer Kevin Hockenberry, assistant professor in SIUE’s Department of Theater and Dance. 

Praised by international press as “a pianist who meets the highest standard of technique,” Kim is one of the rising young pianists showing her versatility through colorful imagination and intense musical expression. As a scholarship student at the Eastman School of Music, Kim received the prestigious Henry Cobos Endowed Piano Prize for demonstrating excellence in piano performance. Kim has performed throughout the U.S., South America, Italy, Germany, Austria and Korea.

“This is the first time an SIUE faculty member has been the headliner for an Arts & Issues performance,” said Grant Andree, director of Arts & Issues. “We’re excited to present such a creative and accomplished group of artists.”

General admission is $20 for adults, $18 for SIUE staff, faculty, retirees and alumni, $15 for students and free for SIUE students with a valid ID. Tickets can be purchased online at artsandissues.com, by phone 1-866-698-4253 or at the Morris University Welcome Desk.

The program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council and is sponsored by WSIE 88.7 FM The Sound.

 Arts & Issues is tied to the academic mission of the University. For more than 35 years, the series has presented some of the world’s finest performing artists and showcased speakers from across the spectrum in areas such as science, history, literature and politics. The program also offers unique opportunities for students, faculty, staff and the community to engage with these performers and speakers through master classes and special sessions. 

Working to prepare Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students for impactful careers that will help shape a changing world is one of the key reasons behind the partnership between the SIUE’s elementary education program and the Career Development Center (CDC). 

“We are motivated and galvanized behind our common purpose,” said Barbara Martin, EdD, assistant professor in the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s Department of Teaching and Learning. “Every year, the elementary education program works closely with the SIUE Career Development Center to provide a wide variety of career development services for our soon to be graduating seniors. The career development opportunities start in the fall, take place periodically throughout the semester and continue into the spring.” 

“Our elementary education faculty work closely with CDC Assistant Director Carrie Smolar to strategically plan how we will best support our teacher candidates, as they get ready to seek teaching jobs,” added Martin. “We host resume development sessions, interview preparation workshops, mock interviews with area administrators and education-based career fairs.” 

“The partnership is important for both the CDC and the students, because employers reach out to us with their job opportunities throughout the year,” said Smolar. “One of our main goals is to connect students with employers. This partnership allows the students to be more aware of the services we provide and helps connect them to future career opportunities.” 

The CDC hosts an annual education career fair that elementary education candidates are required to attend, according to Martin and Smolar. 

“Administrators from the Metro East and St. Louis area, and even nationally, attend to meet our qualified candidates and recruit them to teach in their district,” noted Martin. 

“This year’s Spring Education Career Fair will be from 3-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 in the Morris University Center’s Conference Center,” added Smolar. “Employers conduct on-site interviews at the career fair, and some students have been presented employment offers at this event.” 

“This semester, we will also offer an Education Mock Interview Day for both elementary and secondary education students,” said Smolar. “This will bring more employers on campus to connect with our students and help them gain a valuable skill.”  

“We analyze feedback data after the career fair and mock interviews to help inform our elementary education program,” said Martin. “This data gives us suggestions for continued improvement so that our candidates continue to be highly sought after and employed by area administrators.” 

For more information on the upcoming mock interviews and spring career fair, contact the CDC.  

Photos:
SIUE student Lawrence Gilmore, now a senior, attends the CDC’s Engineering Spring 2019 Career Fair. 

SIUE student Hannah Boehme attends the CDC’s Education Spring 2019 Career Fair.

An intellectual sanctuary and a place for creative and innovative work were just a few ways that the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for Faculty Development and Innovation (CFDI) was described during its open house, held on Thursday, Jan. 16 in Lovejoy Library. 

SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, and Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb were among many faculty, staff and supporters who came out to participate in the open house. 

“This is a great location for a think tank, where faculty can work together, plan projects and research,” said School of Nursing (SON) Dean Laura Bernaix, PhD, RN. “When faculty are in their offices, they can get interrupted by students and administrators. The Center offers a home away from home to do creative, innovative work.” 

The CFDI officially opened in January 2019, according to Lynn Bartels, PhD, director of faculty development and professor in the Department of Psychology. 

“The idea has been around for a long time,” said Bartels. “It’s hard to trace back to when the idea was first introduced, but there have been many people pushing for it over the years.

“The purpose of the Center is to facilitate access to a wide range of development opportunities for faculty, as they build their careers at SIUE. Many universities have Teaching and Learning Centers. We have a broader mission, to support overall faculty success.” 

“I’m able to come here and focus,” said Tim Jacks, associate professor in the School of Business’ Department of Computer Management and Information Systems. “Getting out of your normal office environment helps to stimulate your thinking, and helps to get you more creative and focused on work. When I come, I research and focus on writing. Writing for me is like pulling teeth, and I need to concentrate. Right now, I’m coming every couple of weeks, but would like to come more often.” 

Elza Ibroscheva, PhD, associate provost, agrees that the CFDI is a good place to avoid interruptions. “It is an intellectual sanctuary,” she said. “It’s also good working here, because you have quick access to the library and can get back to your work station without major disruptions.” 

A few of the CFDI’s short-term goals include: 

• Increase awareness of the space
• Increase faculty participation in faculty development activities
• Continued collaboration with faculty development leaders from across campus 

Bartels also listed long-term goals which include: 

• Continue to develop new programs that meet the needs of faculty
• Identify and work to meet the needs of various faculty sub groups, such as mid-tenure faculty and STEM faculty 

“The space signifies campus support for faculty professional development,” said Bartels. “It demonstrates that SIUE is committed to helping faculty succeed.” 

Photo:
Attending the Center for Faculty Development and Innovation’s Open House are (left to right): Randy Pembrook, PhD, SIUE chancellor; Denise Cobb, PhD, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs; Matt Paris, associate professor in the Lovejoy Library, Matt Schmitz, associate director of online and blended education in Informational Technology Services; Lynn Bartels, PhD, director of faculty development and professor in the Department of Psychology; Marie Klopfenstein, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Applied Health; Cathy Santanello, PhD, professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the School of Pharmacy; and Jocelyn DeGroot, PhD, associate professor and assistant chair in the Department of Applied Communication Studies.

Seven Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students received $2,000 scholarships from the “Get to Know the Metro East” campaign that awarded 12 scholarships to area college students. The SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB) provided four of the winners.

The SEHHB students included: Carmen Cornejo, a sophomore from Bloomington; Lindsey Courtoise, a senior from Bethalto; Emily Ellis, a sophomore from Belleville; and Olivia Middendorf, a senior from Edwardsville.

Fellow SIUE recipients included: Zach Fillback, a junior from Edwardsville in the School of Engineering; Pourya Kargar, a teaching assistant in the Department of Civil Engineering; and Evan Senat, a junior from Belleville in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Applicants were tasked with completing an essay outlining what they love most about their community and the Metro East. Get to Know the Metro East committee members selected essays that they felt exemplified the many benefits the Metro East has to offer.

“We are very excited for the 2019 scholarship recipients and want to congratulate them all,” said Carol Bartle, project manager of the Get to Know the Metro East campaign. “We had many well-deserving students apply this year, and it was a difficult decision to select only 12 individuals. We congratulate them and thank everyone who applied.”

The other recipients included Southwestern Illinois College’s Brady Arnold, Hannah Parke, Andrea Serna and Arajah White, and McKendree College’s Demarco Brownlee.

Get to Know the Metro East was formed to bring area organizations together to implement sustainable programs that improve area residents’ quality of life, while also enhancing the image of the Metro East as a great place to work, visit and live. To learn more about the campaign, visit www.get2knowthemetroeast.com.

Photo (L-R): Back row - Zach Fillback (SIUE), Andrea Serna, Demarco Brownlee and Pourya Kargar (SIUE).

Front row - Arajah White, Lindsey Courtoise (SIUE) and Evan Senat (SIUE).

Not pictured: Brady Arnold, Carmen Comejo (SIUE), Emily Ellis (SIUE), Hannah Parke and Olivia Middendorf (SIUE).

When Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty and students from the Departments of Political Science and Environmental Sciences were selected to present at the 2020 Southern Political Science Association (SPSA) Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Jan. 9-11, none of them anticipated the earthquakes that would rock the small island during their visit.

Political Science Professor Laurie Rice, PhD, arrived in San Juan a few days before the conference began, so she experienced both the magnitude 5.8 and 6.4 earthquakes that occurred on Jan. 6 and 7, respectively. The southern California native is used to experiencing earthquakes, but she was not expecting them while in Puerto Rico.

“When the magnitude 5.8 earthquake woke me up in my 10^th floor hotel room, it took me a while to figure out the shaking was an earthquake,” said Rice. “Based on previous experience with earthquakes, I figured either I was somewhat far from the epicenter or that it wasn’t very strong, and I promptly went back to sleep. The 6.4 was different - it started strong and got stronger and the shaking lasted longer. There was a moment as the shaking was intensifying where I thought if it got much worse there might be impacts in San Juan. Thankfully, that didn't happen.”

In San Juan, the only major consequence of the earthquakes was a power outage. The southern part of the island was not as fortunate. Many Puerto Ricans lost their homes, which was especially tough for an island still recovering from the devastation left by Hurricane Maria in 2017.  

“I had the chance to talk to locals in San Juan and I was glad to be able to use my own experience with earthquakes to bring some calm and reassurance,” added Rice. “The earthquakes had them really rattled. You can’t anticipate them and plan for them in the same way as you can a hurricane.”

Despite the earthquakes, the SPSA Conference continued as planned. In a hotel powered by generators, Rice and colleague Ken Moffett, PhD, presented their research on how involvement in the MeToo movement and other issues such as immigration policy and gun control is connected with increased civic engagement among young adults. This paper is part of a larger project the pair intends to publish as a book.

SIUE Political Science and Environmental Sciences Professor Nicholas Guehlstorf, PhD, also attended the conference with his students, SIUE Environmental Sciences graduate student Krista Russell and SIU Carbondale Environmental Resource and Policy doctoral student Courtney Breckenridge. The group presented the research paper they co-authored, “Renewable Fuels and Agriculture Land Use: Questioning the Corn-ethanol Causation.”

“Presenting our work on the Renewable Fuel Standard to political and environmental science faculty and students would have been an exciting way to start 2020 regardless of the destination, but the conference’s location in Puerto Rico made it quite the dramatic experience,” said Breckenridge. “While the devastating earthquakes that hit the southern part of the island remain a humanitarian crisis, we were fortunate to be able to experience the beauty and culture of San Juan without noticeable impacts.”

Despite the lower-than-normal conference attendance, the SIUE students and faculty still enjoyed opportunities to connect with their colleagues from across the county. They also gained valuable feedback on their respective research.

“Attending the SPSA conference was a once in a lifetime experience for a graduate student,” said Russell. “I am thankful for the collaborations at SIUE that have helped support my master’s research and provided the opportunity to present at my first academic conference. After significant preparation, I was thankful that considering the recent earthquakes we were still able to attend. I look forward to utilizing the feedback from the conference to further improve this research on the Renewable Fuel Standard.”

Photo: From left, SIUE Department of Political Science Professors Laurie Rice, PhD, and Ken Moffett, PhD; SIUE Department of Environmental Sciences graduate student Krista Russell; SIUE Departments of Political Science and Environmental Sciences Professor Nicholas Guehlstorf, PhD; and SIU Carbondale Environmental Resource and Policy doctoral student Courtney Breckenridge

University professor and founding member of a professional classic rock band. These might seem like divergent career paths, but not for Roger Boyd, PhD (’97 and ’98). The retired faculty member in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Social Work was also a founding member of the legendary rock band Head East. According to Boyd, these careers fulfilled two of his lifelong dreams.

“When I left the University of Illinois in 1970 to play music, the School of Engineering dean told me I’d never come back,” said Boyd. “My greatest accomplishment in my education was returning to school in 1995 and continuing on to earn my PhD.”

Boyd earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from SIUE in 1997 and 1998, respectively, but he didn’t stop there. He continued his education at Saint Louis University, where he earned a doctorate in 2003.

While earning his degrees, Boyd never parted with his first love, rock ‘n roll. From Head East’s first concert on Aug. 6, 1969, at the Golden Gauntlet in Carbondale, Boyd has remained loyal to the band he helped found. Today, he is the only remaining member of the original band, but he is the force that has kept the band a relevant part of the classic rock music scene for the past 50 years.

Boyd and his current bandmates are celebrating that milestone this weekend with back-to-back 50th anniversary shows on Jan. 24-25 at the Wildey Theater in Edwardsville. They will perform the band’s 1979 double-live album, “Head East Live,” which includes many of the songs from their most well-known album, “Flat As A Pancake,” including “Never Been Any Reason” and “Since You Been Gone.”

“Recording ‘Flat As A Pancake’ is one of my proudest accomplishments as a musician,” said Boyd. “The album is still viable today – 45 years later. It took us from being a regional band to being a national act. It also gave us the freedom to perform our own songs.”

Boyd attributes changes in the music industry to making it possible for him to go back to school and eventually become a faculty member at SIUE in 2003. Instead of touring year-round, many bands began touring only in the summer – a schedule that aligned well with the academic calendar in higher education.

“We would tour all summer, and when Labor Day came, I would put my rock ‘n roll clothes in the closet and put on my mortar board,” said Boyd. “Then on Memorial Day, I’d pack my mortar board away and put on my rock ‘n roll clothes.”

This schedule allowed Boyd to focus all of his attention on his students while an SIUE faculty member. From 2003 until his retirement in 2011, Boyd taught in the Department of Social Work and also courses in sociology and criminal justice. He learned firsthand about social issues such as addiction and substance abuse while in the music industry, and he wanted to teach students how to support individuals who may be dealing with these issues.

One of the ways Boyd helped his social work students gain empathy for their clients was through the “Single Parent Family Day” activity he created. His students would spend a day simulating life as a single parent trying to complete everyday tasks, such as caring for their children and getting to work, on a limited budget without reliable transportation.

“It was a way to give my students a better idea of what their future clients might be going through on a daily basis,” explained Boyd. “I received great feedback from them down the road about how the exercise helped them in their work.”

Even in retirement, Boyd is still supporting SIUE students. He and his wife, Rita, who also earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at SIUE in 1978 and 1991, respectively, created the endowed Rita E. Boyd Scholarship in Nursing through the SIUE School of Nursing (SON). Rita worked and then taught at the SIU School of Medicine for 15 years. She then became a faculty member at the SIUE SON, earned her doctoral degree from SIU Carbondale and accepted a position as a tenure-track faculty member at SIUE. She and Roger met in 2003 during faculty orientation at SIUE.

“Both Rita and I received incredible support from SIUE for our education during our time there, so we wanted to return the support,” said Boyd.

As Boyd gears up for the 50th anniversary shows at the Wildey Theater this weekend, he has no intention of making them the last milestone shows he performs with his band.

“As long as I can still lift my synthesizer over my head like I do at the end of every show, I’ll keep playing,” said Boyd. “At this point in time, I don’t see an end in sight.”

Photo: SIUE retiree and alumnus Roger Boyd, PhD.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” On the day that the nation honored King’s birthday, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI) hosted its second annual MLK Day of Service. 

More than 65 SIUE students, staff and their families assembled 164 winter care kits for homeless shelters on Monday, Jan. 20, and they did so with diligence and delight, according to Tarsha Moore, CSDI assistant director. 

This year, the CSDI held the donation drive because of an idea shared by CSDI Graduate Assistant Dyamond Ross. 

“The purpose of the drive was to help supply those in need with items that will help them make it through the rest of the winter,” said Moore. “Winter weather is harsher in January and February, and we wanted to help individuals experiencing hardship to better combat the weather.” 

“Each kit was unique based on items that were donated,” said Ross. “Donated items included hats, gloves, scarves, canned goods, oatmeal, water and various types of hygiene products. Volunteers also stuffed each bag with handmade cards with inspirational quotes and pictures.” 

“Our intention was to align the service project with the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” noted Moore. “More specifically, to provide students, faculty and staff with an opportunity to serve the community and to give back to those in need during the King holiday.” 

The care kits were taken to the following: Holy Angels Shelter in East St. Louis, Gateway 180 Homeless Shelter, Ronald McDonald House Charities and Haven House, all in St. Louis. 

The Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion provides resources and support through programming, mentorship and advocacy. It is a space for students to engage socially, culturally and intellectually. Staff members work directly with students to help them develop a sense of belonging and achieve success in the SIUE campus community. 

Photos:
Volunteering their time on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service Day at SIUE are (L-R): Zach Stinebaugh and Stephen Baumgartner, both graduate students in industrial-organizational I/O psychology; Tyler Wheeler, a senior in education; Kyle Johnson, a senior in business management; and David Robinson, a senior in biology. 

Helping bring in food for care packages are (L-R): Bekah Anderson, Natalie Kulpinski and Morgan VanCleave, all graduate students in industrial-organizational I/O psychology.

The Association of American Colleges and Universities has added Southern Illinois University Edwardsville among 13 institutions to host Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Campus Centers. An initial group of 10 institutions was selected by AAC&U in 2017.

“AAC&U is thrilled to partner with these outstanding institutions on our way to establishing 150 centers across the country to ensure that higher education is playing a leadership role in promoting racial and social justice,” said AAC&U President Lynn Pasquerella.

In partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation effort, AAC&U works with higher education institutions across the country to develop self-sustaining, community-integrated TRHT Campus Centers. Organized around the five pillars of the TRHT framework—narrative change, racial healing and relationship building, separation, law, and economy—the Centers seek to prepare the next generation of leaders to confront racism and to dismantle the belief in a hierarchy of human value. 

The 13 newly added institutions are:

• Adelphi University (N.Y.)
• Andrews University (Mich.)
• Big Sandy Community and Technical College (Ken.)
• Dominican University (Ill.)
• George Mason University (Va.)
• Marywood University (Penn.)
• Otterbein University (Ohio)
• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
• Stockton University (N.J.)
• University of Arkansas–Fayetteville
• University of California, Irvine
• University of North Carolina Charlotte
• University of Puget Sound (Wash.)

Institutions were selected based on their vision for their TRHT Campus Center, the demonstrated commitment of leaders on campus and in the community to the goals of the TRHT framework, and their ability to provide evidence for the need of a TRHT Campus Center in their community. AAC&U will provide strategic direction to the TRHT Campus Centers with the support of the TRHT advisory committee, a network of national advisors and experts. 

The SIUE TRHT Campus Center team will be comprised of Jessica Harris, PhD, interim assistant provost and associate professor in the Department of Historical Studies; Bryan Jack, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Historical Studies; Kathryn Bentley, associate professor of theater performance in the Department of Theater and Dance, artistic director of SIUE’s Black Theatre Workshop and director of Black Studies; Connie Frey Spurlock, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Sociology and director of SIUE’s Successful Communities Collaborative; Elizabeth McKenney, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychology; and Courtney Boddie, PhD, director of SIUE Counseling Services.

During the pre-proposal period, the SIUE team made connections with potential community partners whose current activities are aligned with the goals of the TRHT effort: NCCJ St. Louis, the I Am East St. Louis Foundation and the City of East St. Louis Mayor’s Office. During the next year, the SIUE TRHT Center team will seek out additional partners on campus and in the community to advance the mission of the campus center.

In June 2020, teams from the 13 newly selected institutions will return to AAC&U’s annual Summer Institute on Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Campus Centers to refine their transformative action plans. At the Institute, participating teams will be mentored by leaders from the original TRHT Campus Centers during topical workshops and consultation sessions. In addition, teams will practice designing and co-facilitating Rx Racial Healing Circles, an integral component of the TRHT framework.

TRHT Campus Centers will join colleges and universities across the country to mark the fourth annual National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH) on Tuesday, Jan. 21. The NDORH is an opportunity for people and organizations to come together in their common humanity and take collective action to create a more just and equitable world.

“Given the growing divisions in our country, the launch of thirteen additional TRHT Campus Centers reminds us of the possibilities for healing and unity in our society,” said Tia Brown McNair, AAC&U vice president for diversity, equity, and student success and TRHT Campus Centers executive director.  “We must focus our efforts on preparing the next generation of leaders to dismantle the misguided beliefs and actions that promote a hierarchy of human value.”

About AAC&U 

AAC&U is the leading national association dedicated to advancing the vitality and public standing of liberal education by making quality and equity the foundations for excellence in undergraduate education in service to democracy. Its members are committed to extending the advantages of a liberal education to all students, regardless of academic specialization or intended career. Founded in 1915, AAC&U now comprises 1,400 member institutions, including accredited public and private colleges, community colleges, research universities, and comprehensive universities of every type and size. For more information, visit www.aacu.org.

 Photo (L-R): Courtney Boddie, director of SIUE Counseling Services; Elizabeth McKenney, associate professor in the Department of Psychology; Jessica Harris, interim assistant provost and associate professor in the Department of Historical Studies; Connie Frey Spurlock, associate professor in the Department of Sociology; Kathryn Bentley, associate professor of theater performance in the Department of Theater and Dance; and Bryan Jack, associate professor in the Department of Historical Studies.

The SIUE Esports Arena continues to make headlines as a great new space for student gamers to perfect their technique and gather together as a gaming community.

STL TV highlighted the new arena and the growing popularity of esports during STL TV Live on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Host Sarah Thompson welcomed University Housing Director Mallory Sidarous and Assistant Director of Recreational Programs in Campus Recreation Natalie Hawkins for a segment detailing how the arena came to fruition, and how the University is committed to meeting the needs and interests of current and prospective students. View the segment here.

Thompson then visited with SIUE Club Sports Coordinator Phil Leyerer and junior psychology major and Esports Club member David Sissac. Leyerer and Sissac offered insight into the competitive gaming world and shared how SIUE’s club has experienced dramatic growth in student participation. View the segment here.

Photo: (L-R) STL TV Live Host Sarah Thompson, SIUE’s Mallory Sidarous, Natalie Hawkins, David Sissac and Phil Leyerer.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumna and instructor Stephanie Cann has been appointed to become superintendent of the Granite City School District for the 2020-2021 school year. Cann received her superintendent certification from SIUE in 2017, and is currently working towards earning a Doctor of Education in curriculum and instruction at McKendree University.

Cann assumes her new position in July with over 20 years of experience serving as a teacher and administrator in Illinois. She began her career in education as a high school teacher and department chair in the Roxana Community Unit School District #1, where she later went on to serve as assistant principal. Before earning her superintendent certification, she was the principal of Wolf Ridge Elementary and Junior High in Bunker Hill.

“Educators come in all forms and abilities, and I quickly realized that teaching at each grade level requires its own set of special instructional and social skills,” said Cann. “My appreciation for the educational process and my realization as to its importance in child and citizen development led me to desire to make an even greater impact.”

Currently, Cann continues to work toward this goal by working as an instructor and supervisor in SIUE’s Department of Teaching and Learning. During the past year, she has worked directly with both elementary and secondary teacher candidates in their field placements.

“We’re grateful to Dr. Cann for the year she has devoted to educating future teachers at SIUE,” said Paul Rose, PhD, associate dean of the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB). “While she will be missed, it’s gratifying to applaud an alumna who is advancing her career and making a difference in the region. Dr. Cann joins a distinguished group of superintendents throughout the Metro East who are proud alumni of SIUE’s educational administration program.”

Cann thanks SIUE’s Department of Educational Leadership, claiming the faculty played an integral role in her ability to finish her certification for superintendency in Illinois by encouraging her to ask “real world” questions and actively engage in relevant district dilemmas and progress.

“I often feel as though I have grown educationally right along with SIUE,” added Cann. “Watching the campus, students and programs grow from my first experience at SIUE in 1983 until currently as an educator, accurately puts in perspective my career growth. My memories here hold a large and special place in my heart.”

As superintendent, Cann will act as the face and steward of the Granite City School District. Her responsibilities include ensuring that all students and staff are safe, maintaining a healthy district budget, ensuring that approved curriculum meets district, state and national standards, and building and maintaining relationships with community members. Additionally, Cann will work to write and revise district policies and lobby on behalf of the district regarding relevant key political issues.

“Looking forward in this new role, I am extremely motivated to put my experience, education and passion for children into actions that will lead the Granite City School District into an exciting future,” said Cann.

Photo: SIUE alumna and instructor Stephanie Cann.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business Executive Education program has professional development courses and workshops available for spring 2020. 

Earned Value Management:  Friday, Feb. 21, 8 a.m.-Noon

Learn Earned Value Management (EVM) from expert David Hunter. The first two hours will focus on the basics to gain a firm knowledge of the building blocks and fundamental application of EVM. The remaining two hours will be an extension of EVM Basics focusing on developing and applying the skill to move to the next level, and features tips and techniques on how to truly use EVM to manage projects/programs, and to create more reliable estimates.

Risk Management:  Friday, Feb. 21, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Learn Risk Management from expert David Hunter. Every project has some level of risk associated with it. Risk Management is a valuable tool that project managers utilize to increase their probability of successful project execution. This four-hour class teaches a comprehensive risk management process and explains how to apply it to any size project. The course shows how to focus on the “critical few” instead of the “trivial many” risks. It also explains how identifying and capturing opportunities can help lower overall project risk. The course covers the following areas:

• Risk Management Planning
• Risk and Opportunity Identification
• Qualitative Risk Analysis
• Quantitative Risk Analysis
• Risk Response Planning
• Controlling Risks

PMP Prep - Foundations of Project Management:  Fridays, Feb. 28, March 6, 20, 27, April 3, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

This five-day course provides the basics and best practices of project management and preparation for the PMP® certification, using the newest version of the PMBOK. Successful completion awards the 35 educational hours required for the PMP® certification exam. (Exam taken separately)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Certification Prep Course:  Wednesday-Friday, March 11-13, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Companies are adopting agile frameworks for project management to improve customer satisfaction, increase team performance and instill continuous improvement. The Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is one of the newest certifications offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This certification is the largest growing of any professional, project management certifications. It is expected to become the industry standard certification for agile over the next few years. This PMI-ACP exam prep course is designed to teach the principles and practices of agile, including Scrum, Kanban, XP and Lean.

The three-day course satisfies the 21 contact hour requirements for the PMI-ACP exam with hands-on, personal attention. The instructor incorporates adult learner best practices, situational learning examples and real world practical agile knowledge to maximize the impact of the learning materials. 

The course will benefit those interested in agile framework project management methods, including fulfilling roles such as:

• Product owners and business stakeholders
• Agile team member practitioners
• Engineers, analysts, developers and testers
• Scrum masters and project managers
• Agile coaches
• Portfolio managers and program managers
• General business subject matter experts
• All levels of management
• College and university instructors, professors and department chairs

Building and Thriving in a Mature PMO:  Friday, March 6, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

This workshop explores the essential elements to building and maintaining a thriving Project Management Office (PMO). Whether a company is exploring starting a PMO or assessing the value and maturity of an existing PMO, this workshop will have benefits. Learn from Lisa Spahr, director, IT-Program Management at Maritz. Topics to be covered could include:

• Defining the maturity level of a PMO: what and who defines maturity?
• Hiring into a PMO: hiring practices and best candidate tips
• Building individual professional brand: how to market yourself in your company and network?
• Team member training: how to get resources successfully on board with the work of a PMO
• Innovative ways to stay relevant: So, you do your job well, but what else do you do?

Project Portfolio Management - What is it and how do I use it? Friday, April 3, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

PPM (Project Portfolio Management) is the industry buzzword and structure, just like Agile. Some companies are well on the PPM journey. Are you using the process and tools to prioritize and optimize projects to align with corporate objectives and strategic goals? Other companies are PPM immature. Regardless of where you are on this continuum, there is value in learning the PPM at the highest level. Spend a day with John Laverdure, PMP, senior IT project manager, to learn about PPM and walk away with valuable information.

Project Management Analytics: Friday, May 1, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

In today’s ever-changing world of digital transformation, projects and project managers must do more with less, make quick decisions and react to change faster. Having the information and understanding how it connects critical elements of projects, programs and delivery is critical. This course traces the evolution of a traditional PMO into a digital PMO, and reveals the advantages and pitfalls along the way. A case study is presented of one company approaching this challenge. It realizes and capitalizes on its return on investment in terms of better delivery, more actionable project communications and better balance among delivery teams and project managers.

SIUE Leadership Bootcamp:  Fridays, April 17, 24, May 8, 15, 22, 8:30 a.m.-Noon and 12:30-4 p.m.                 

Gain valuable leadership skills in this five-day leadership boot camp with morning or afternoon sessions. You can attend all five days or choose the sessions of most interest. Course descriptions will be available soon on the executive education website.

April 17: AM Session: Strategic Orientation / PM Session: Results Orientation

April 24: AM Session: Critical Thinking / PM Session: Change Leadership

May 8: AM Session: Team Leadership / PM Session: Team Problem Solving

May 15: AM Session: Power/Influence/Tact / PM Session: Communication & Listening

May 22: AM Session: Conflict Management and Negotiation / PM Session: Inclusiveness

To register, call Kristine Jarden at 618-650-2668 or Deanna Lotter at 618-650-5440, or visit siue.edu/business/executive-education/index.shtml.