“What are you?” “Where did you come from?” “You don’t look Black.” These are a sample of some of the irritating, ignorant, and in some cases, racist questions and statements that biracial and multi-racial people endure.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s (SEHHB) Dismantling Racism through Education, Advocacy and Mobilization (DREAM) Collective will host a live panel discussion entitled, “The Commodification of Racial Ambiguity” at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26. 

Guest panelists include Nate Williams, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning’s secondary education program and DREAM Collective member; Kaleb Germinaro, doctoral student at the University of Washington; Brittany Pitts, social work PhD student at Virginia Commonwealth University; and Caroline Ware, teacher in Chicago Public Schools. Register here for the panel discussion, or watch The Dream Collective YouTube channel. A question and answer session will follow. 

Black bi-racial scholars will discuss:

• Monetary exploitation of racial ambiguity (Famous folks who are not Black, but profit from presenting themselves as racially ambiguous)
• The commodification of Black existence through the fetishization, objectification and taking of Black identities (Monoracial folks telling Black people who they are as Black-biracial people)
• How bi-racial people navigate their racial ambiguity during times of racial unrest. 

“By attempting to ‘categorize’ biracial individuals, those in the monoracial community end up asking inappropriate questions and making demeaning remarks,” said Jessica Krim, EdD, chair and associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning, secondary education program director and DREAM Collective member. “This panel will support and provide validation for Black-biracial listeners and raise awareness in monoracial listeners, so that they can be understanding of this perspective. 

“Anti-Black practices occur across many behaviors, ideals and actions. Many of these actions go unseen to most non-Black people,” said Williams. “For example, there is a common trend in social media and among some famous people who present themselves as racially-ambiguous, but are not members of any historically marginalized melanin people. Specifically, there are non-Black people who present themselves as being part of the African Diaspora by altering their physical appearance. These folks often do so in-order to profit and/or increase their celebrity by stealing aspects of the identities of Black, bi- and multi-racially Black people.” 

“This panel presentation will present the extent that white supremacy has forced the positionality and social identities of people who identify within various racial and ethnic classifications within the U.S. racialized caste system,” said Jennifer Hernandez, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning, and DREAM Collective member. “People holding multiple racial identities in a white supremacist caste system face issues of belonging, acceptance, ambiguous cultural identifiers, multiple cultural histories and the perceptions others hold of them. These challenges are unique to people who identify as racially ambiguous as they move within the U.S., a country that accesses a black/white racial binary in its social institutions.” 

“The goal of the panel discussion is to bring awareness, attention and representation to the larger public about the lived experiences of people who are racially ambiguous,” continued Hernandez. “For attendees not identifying as racially ambiguous, I hope they learn about the lived experiences of this group and self-reflect on their own behavior towards this community.” 

For more information, contact TheDREAMCollective@siue.edu. 

Photo:
The DREAM Collective will host a live panel discussion entitled, “The Commodification of Racial Ambiguity” at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26.

With banners flying, horns honking and joyful shouts of greetings and well wishes, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students were welcomed to campus during a Reverse Parade held Sunday, Aug. 23 on the eve before fall classes.

Nearly 35 vehicles filled with SIUE administrators, faculty, staff, students and community members lined up for the creative greeting. The parade route took participants past each of the University’s four residence halls and through each side of Courage Village. Residents peered out of their windows or stood outside with masks on to view the parade.

“We typically have many different opportunities to gather in person to show our students we are excited they’re here,” said Domonique Crosby, assistant director of Residence Life. “We wanted to find a way to allow our community to welcome new students into the Cougar family and welcome back our returning students. The Reverse Parade was an opportunity to show students that despite things being different this year, we are thrilled to have them on campus, and ready to kick off a great year!”

The Reverse Parade also wrapped up the SIUE Experience, an extended orientation program designed to help new students navigate the process of transitioning to the campus community. More than 800 first-year students participated in events that helped them embrace new traditions and build friendships with campus community members both in-person and virtually.

“With many of the SIUE Experience events held virtually to allow participation from students living locally and at a further distance, it was nice to add some new traditions this year like the Reverse Parade, Drive-in Movie Nights and many more activities,” said Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Miriam Roccia.

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) has a slate of Cougar Welcome activities being held during the first week of classes, Aug. 24-28. Activities include a virtual gaming night, caricatures being drawn via Zoom, an ice cream social and a Netflix trivia party.

Photos: Nearly 35 vehicles filled with SIUE administrators, faculty, staff, students and community members participated in SIUE’s Reverse Parade, which offered a safe and creative way to welcome students to campus.

A furry friend joined in the fun of SIUE’s Reverse Parade, bringing smiles to new students.

SIUE Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple, PhD, gathers with a group of students as they prepare to greet new students during the SIUE Reverse Parade.

The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (NCERC at SIUE) has added Aimee Dillenberger as its new public policy and business development specialist.

Dillenberger, of Waterloo, earned a master’s in business administration last month from the University of Mississippi, where she also earned a bachelor’s of public policy leadership in 2019 and minored in Spanish.

 “With the onset of COVID-19, and the subsequent downturn in the economy, it became increasingly important for NCERC to have someone on staff who can simultaneously work both public policy and business development,” said NCERC Executive Director John Caupert. “NCERC found that individual in Aimee Dillenberger. Her undergraduate public policy degree complemented by her MBA makes her the perfect candidate to handle those dual responsibilities.”

Dillenberger will be responsible for developing internal business development plans for external sales of NCERC’s analytical, consulting, fermentation and pilot plant services. She will also develop programs to engage stakeholders and prospective clients about contractual research and collaboration opportunities with NCERC. Additionally, she will assist with biorenewables public policy and outreach to academic institutions, trade associations and the private sector.

“NCERC is a shining example of a public/private partnership success story,” said Caupert. “Public, meaning NCERC was created by Congress in the 1996 Farm Bill. The efforts of the U.S. Congress were complemented by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois General Assembly.

“The Illinois General Assembly recognizes NCERC as a Biorefining Center of Excellence. The efforts by Congress and the General Assembly were to drive private sector companies to the NCERC for proof of concept, validation and technology scale-up. For nearly 17 years, NCERC has been the leading example of how public/private partnerships should work.”

About the NCERC
The NCERC is a nationally recognized research center dedicated to the development and commercialization of biofuels, specialty chemicals and other renewable compounds. The Center’s fully functional dry grind pilot plant and laboratories are equipped with advanced biofuels capabilities, including corn fractionation, pretreatment, and a fermentation suite with 5, 30, 150 and 1500L scale-up. Facilities are staffed by industry veterans with more than 100 years of collective experience in fermentation and biofuels production. This knowledgeable team has the flexibility and expertise to design and carry out projects in any region of the advanced biofuels or specialty chemicals space. For more information, contact Claire Weinzierl at cweinzierl@ethanolresearch.com or visit ethanolresearch.com.

Photo: Aimee Dillenberger, NCERC at SIUE public policy and business development specialist.

Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine has received a full accreditation report from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which completed its site visit to the Alton campus in November 2019.

“Full accreditation with no reporting requirements is the best possible report,” said SDM Dean Bruce Rotter, DMD, who noted that the School has been continuously accredited since the mid-1970s. “We are grateful for our wonderfully talented faculty and staff, and their dedication to the School.

“There is so much time and effort put into preparing materials for the site visit and meeting with the site visit team. Meanwhile, everyone kept normal School operations functioning smoothly while the site visit occurred.”

CODA accredits dental schools and programs, including advanced dental education programs and allied dental education programs in the U.S. The commission functions independently and autonomously in matters of developing and approving accreditation standards, making accreditation decisions on educational programs, and developing and approving procedures that are used in the accreditation process.

All accredited programs receive a follow-up site review every seven years. The SDM last received a CODA site visit in 2012.

The site visit evaluation’s purpose is to obtain in-depth information concerning all administrative and educational aspects of a program. The site visit permits a team of CODA-appointed peers to assess a program’s compliance with the accreditation standards and with its own stated goals and objectives. The site visit verifies and supplements the information contained in the comprehensive self-study document completed by the institution. Every effort is made to review all existing dental and dental-related programs in an institution at the same time.

CODA was established in 1975 and is nationally recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) as the sole agency to accredit dental and dental-related education programs conducted at the post-secondary level. CODA’s mission is to serve the oral healthcare needs of the public through the development and administration of standards that foster continuous quality improvement of dental and dental-related educational programs.

A crucial part of a graduate student’s collegiate journey includes participating in opportunities that enhance academic development and career preparedness.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville exercise and sport psychology graduate students are benefitting from such an opportunity at the national level. Alyssa Lowe, of Mt. Zion, and Kimberly Ferner, of Wayne, NJ, are among 20 in the nation to receive an Abstract Award from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) Foundation.

Abstract Awards are offered by the AASP Foundation with the purpose of recognizing outstanding work in sport psychology, while providing students with a chance to present their work in a conference setting. Lowe and Ferner will present their research during the AASP 35^th Annual Conference being held virtually Oct. 21-24.

“AASP is the largest Sport Psychology Conference in North America,” said Lindsay Ross-Stewart, PhD, graduate program director and associate professor of exercise and sport psychology in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s Department of Applied Health. “Our program had 12 students whose work was accepted, which is a great achievement. On top of that, to have two of our students honored in this way is a testament to the work all our graduate students are doing to excel in the field.

“The October conference is an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about the field and demonstrate their knowledge. This support for Kim and Alyssa will serve to further enhance their experience.”

Lowe’s abstract, “Development of Mental Training Manuals to Teach the Scientific-Practitioner Model in Sport Psychology Graduate Students,” focused on the obstacles facing graduate students to get involved in practical experiential work. Throughout this project, she worked with Ross-Stewart, Ferner and six other classmates, including Cameron Pryor, Courtney Kendrick, Savana Robinson, Patrick Scipio, Harben Branco Filho and Maria Ogata Negri da Silva.

“I am both surprised and deeply honored to be chosen as one of 20 graduate students to receive this award,” said Lowe. “I am grateful for this award, which is an excellent morale-booster that will encourage me to continue doing my best work. I am also appreciative of my classmates and Dr. Ross-Stewart for their time and effort during the process.”

After graduation, Lowe hopes to transfer her leadership, fundraising, communication, marketing and mental health expertise to a non-profit organization.

“I am fascinated by child development, and how exercise and sport psychology have positive impacts on young children,” she said. “Ultimately, I have an interest in mentoring children, while teaching the tools to make positive choices for a healthy body and mind.”

Ferner utilized a project previously implemented by Ross-Stewart that taught coach education through podcasts. Her abstract, “Using Podcasts for Coach Professional Development,” discussed the positives of the coach education podcast project in detail.

“I’m happy that our abstract caught the attention of judges, and feel good going into the conference knowing our abstract is one of the best,” said Ferner. “This is my first AASP conference, which is exciting and nerve wracking.”

After finishing her master’s, Ferner hopes to earn her doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology. She later hopes to work as a sport psychologist for college athletes and teach at the college level.

Photo: SIUE graduate students (L-R) Kimberly Ferner and Alyssa Lowe will present their research during the Association for Applied Sport Psychology’s virtual conference in October.

A resume brimming with long, consistent and committed work involving advocacy for equity and social justice on behalf of working families in the region earned Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumnus Louis Damani Jones a spot on the Catholic Charities of St. Louis board of directors. 

Jones, who graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s in social work from SIUE in May 2020, was appointed to the board in June. Currently, Jones is in the Master of Social Work program at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, where he is also a research assistant at Brown’s Center for Social Development. Jones is also an EngageDemocracy Fellow at the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement. 

“While on the board, I plan to do my best to keep Catholic Charities’ mission at the center of its operations,” said Jones. “I am serving on the Mission Integration and Advocacy committee, which helps to set the policy priorities for the fiscal year. This committee helps to incarnate our mission to advocate on behalf of the most marginalized and vulnerable populations in Missouri.” 

The impact of Catholic Charities is valuable and far reaching, according to Jones, who is excited about his important role in effecting change. 

“Catholic Charities of St. Louis, one of the largest social service providers in the state of Missouri, plays an enormous role in the well-being of working families and vulnerable people throughout the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis,” he added. “Our mission is largely a quiet one of charity and justice, touching the lives of diverse persons in need, ranging from domestic violence survivors, to those in mental health crisis, to immigrants and refugees.” 

Jones’ aim remains the same while he is on the board, “My goals are to continue to strive on behalf of working families in the region. The St. Louis Metropolitan Area, including parts of Southern Illinois and Eastern Missouri, contain a rich tapestry of diverse, and sometimes tragic, stories. 

“At the heart of those stories are the people who strive to make ends meet, take care of family members and realize personal fulfillment in the face of economic and social barriers. We must create policies that make the American Dream a reality for every family.” 

Serving on the Catholic Charities of St. Louis board of directors is an extension of Jones’ individual calling, he emphasized. “My life’s mission is to love God with my whole heart, mind, soul, strength, and love my neighbor as myself. Realizing this on a personal and societal level is the work of a lifetime.”

Photo:
SIUE alumnus Louis Damani Jones is a board member of the Catholic Charities of St. Louis.

Students are best motivated when they are empowered to make their own decisions, according to Geoffrey Edwards, EdD, new director of Retention and Student Services at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 

“There is a careful balance that staff need to maintain in order to provide enough support and information for students, while allowing students to do the work themselves and make the decisions they feel are best for them,” said Edwards, who assumed the post effective July 1. “Do what you enjoy and capitalize on your skills, and allow SIUE to help you delve more into those interests and make new discoveries.” 

Helping to motivate students and assist them in achieving their goals is at the crux of the what the Office of Retention and Student Services does, according to the new director. 

“In order for our office to be successful, we have to be available for students from the beginning of their experience to the end,” continued Edwards. “In working together across departments, connecting services to provide smoother transitions and supplying consistent information, we better serve students to make their goals a reality. We need to do our best, so students see a place where everything is designed with their success in mind.” 

Success looks different for different people, and its meaning can change along the way, he noted, which is why the Office of Retention and Student Services will also adapt to students’ needs. 

“It is understandable that life happens, and sometimes our goals change,” offered Edwards. “One’s definition of success can change over time, and that means that constant re-evaluation of personal and academic goals is necessary. We have a great team of faculty and staff to help students work through those decisions.” 

Edwards said he joined the SIUE community, because he wanted to make a difference in the lives of students and was impressed with SIUE and its recent efforts to increase retention rates. 

“SIUE has had a strong focus on helping students make it through their first year,” he observed. “We are doing a lot of things right to provide support to our first-year students through programs and initiatives that focus on students getting involved on campus, being successful academically and improving their learning skills. 

 “SIUE has continued to improve its reputation and profile over the years. It is a diverse place that attracts students from different areas for different majors and academic outcomes. It is clear that SIUE meets students where they are and is committed to working with students to achieve personal goals, while educating them on how to become agents of change in their community and world. The jobs of the future are still being created. We live in a rapidly changing world, and students need the ability to adapt to those changes in order to thrive.”

Photo:
Geoffrey Edwards, EdD, director of Retention and Student Services at SIUE.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has selected Morris Taylor, PhD, as its vice chancellor for administration (VCA) following a national search. Pending approval by the SIU Board of Trustees, Taylor officially assumes his new responsibilities on Thursday, Oct. 1.

The VCA is responsible for support functions of the University, including planning and budgeting, human resources, financial affairs, administrative services, facilities management and public safety.

“I am thrilled that Dr. Taylor has agreed to serve as vice chancellor for administration,” said SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook. “He has devoted himself to SIUE for more than two decades and brings a unique skill set to the position. In particular, his police experience, abilities in coalition building and understanding of SIUE will allow him to hit the ground running. 

“I also want to thank outgoing VCA Rich Walker for his more than three decades of service to SIUE. The VCA Office will continue to provide essential support to the University. I also wish to thank the search committee chaired by Provost Denise Cobb for its outstanding work during the search process.”  

“I am extremely appreciative of the efforts of both the search committee and university leadership for their highly professional and rigorous assessments of my qualifications throughout the entire selection process,” said Taylor, a St. Louis native. “My vision for this office will focus on ensuring the effective, efficient, equitable, and safe operation of the entire University for those functions for which I am responsible. This includes ensuring equity with respect to diversity and inclusion.”

Taylor understands that he is entering a leadership position during a challenging time. “Given the uncertainty associated with COVID-19, public safety will be a top priority juxtaposed with being a good steward of scarce University resources during these uncertain and dynamic times,” he said.  

An associate professor in the SIUE Department of Public Administration and Policy Analysis which he has chaired since 2014, Taylor has been an SIUE faculty member since 1997 and brings 22 years of experience in higher education to the position. At SIUE, he has taught courses in public management, policy analysis, public law, program evaluation, ethics, homeland security and public safety. He is an editor for the Journal of Public Management and Social Policy.

During his SIUE tenure, Taylor has been extensively involved in campus leadership. He has served as the chair of various committees, including the Planning and Budgeting Council (UPBC), Faculty Senate Rules and Procedures Committee, College of Arts and Sciences Academic Policies and Curriculum Committee and the Thesis Committee. He has also served on the chancellor’s University Leadership Team, Enrollment Management Council, Extended Chancellor’s Council, University Quality Council, Provost’s Space Committee, Teaching Excellence Award Committee, Graduate Council Program Committee and Graduate Studies and Research Committee.

Prior to joining SIUE, Taylor was an administrator with the Social Security Administration in St. Louis. He was a police officer for both St. Louis City and St. Louis County during the 1970s. He was also a senior attorney negotiator for the State Farm Insurance Cos. From 2004-2005, he served as the Ira Glasser Racial Justice Fellow for the American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri.

Taylor believes his public safety experience will be particularly beneficial to the campus community. “Having served in two large urban police departments as a patrol officer, I am keenly aware of the need for ensuring public safety,” he said. “That experience is supported further by my professional activities on various public service organizations focusing on public safety, which will serve me well to help ensure a safe campus.” 

Taylor’s public and community service include being a member of the United States Attorneys’ Hate Crime Task Force for Eastern Missouri, the board of directors for St. Louis Area Regional Response System (STARRS), the Southwestern Illinois City Manager Association (SWICMA), the ACLU of Eastern Missouri and a variety of other public policy-focused organizations.

“As a member of the Board of Directors for the St. Louis Regional Response System (STARRS) for more than 15 years, my knowledge and experience planning for terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and pandemics will enable me to address any emergent issues,” Taylor said. “Plus, my experience working in and with four different unions, both private and governmental public combined with my understanding of equitable negotiation practices, should be beneficial in this role.” 

 Taylor earned a bachelor’s in liberal studies from Saint Louis University (SLU) in 1985 with a specialization in organizational development. He earned a master’s in public administration from SIUE in 1992 and a doctorate in public policy analysis with a specialization in social jurisprudence from SLU in 2000.

Taylor succeeds Rich Walker, who is retiring at the end of September. They will have the opportunity to work together for two weeks during the transition.

“Given VCA Walker’s 34 years of higher education experience and his demonstrated ability to work under very challenging conditions, I expect this will help make for a smooth transition,” Taylor said. “I am looking forward to working with Rich and gaining valuable insights into the operation of the VCA Office.”

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: Morris Taylor has been named SIUE vice chancellor for administration.

In one small way to combat a more than “400-year-pandemic” of institutionalized racism in the U.S., Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB) Dean Robin Hughes, PhD, is working in a deliberate and calculated way to make her University better, stronger and more equitable by hiring a group of faculty members of color, known as cluster hires.  

“I thought about a request for a cluster hire of faculty of color, when I learned about strategic hiring funds during my interview visit,” said Hughes. “In this case, it’s a hiring process that recruits and hires a number of faculty of color who are experts in the fields of education, applied health and specifically psychology. We intentionally sought to hire a number of individuals to fill multiple positions in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior.” 

Hughes’ first plans involve hiring four faculty members of color. One position is still in negotiation. The current three SEHHB cluster hires are:

• Nate Williams, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning’s secondary education program and pedagogical, curricular and leadership support at the SIUE East St Louis Charter High School
• Cherese Fine, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership
• Rachel Tenial, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology 

 “The University has a commitment and strategic goal to hire faculty of color,” noted Hughes. “We responded to the University’s goals.”  

Hughes also points to research that shows the benefits of hiring faculty of color. 

“Faculty of color support students’ growth and social well-being in myriad ways,” she continued. “They are role models. They increase students’ sense of belonging. They support student retention overall, and retention of students of color specifically. 

“For instance, our Department of Psychology was intentional about responding to the needs of students of color. They noted that about 20% of their students were Black, and they had no Black faculty. Psychology faculty believe it is important to hire faculty of color.” 

The SEHHB cluster hires were achieved through the University’s Strategic Hiring Funds made available through the Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion.  

“The funds include a three-year start-up. The units are responsible for funding after that,” explained Hughes. “The SEHHB administrative team is well aware of the fiscal responsibility for every hire. This is nothing new to me as a leader. All hires are fiscally strategic. All hires are made to support the expertise of the unit. All hires are made to support the community.” 

Hughes also named three additional hires: 

• Cedric Harville, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Applied Health
• Candace Hall, EdD, lecturer in the Department of Educational Leadership and co-director of the College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) program
• Divah Griffin, SEHHB development officer 

“We deliberately recruit the most brilliant and most qualified in every candidate pool – all of the time,” added Hughes. 

Once hiring faculty of color, a university also has to be calculating about retaining them, according to Hughes. 

“This means critically reviewing policies that typically drive away faculty of color,” she shared. “The SEHHB is working to strategically restructure these policies, among other things, to make sure that we keep people once we recruit them. For instance, when a faculty member of color goes up for tenure and has to publish in a ‘top tier’ journal (which is racist in its subtext and is always ill-defined), we have to make sure that our policies are inclusive of the top tier work that they do. Not ‘top tier’ according to a few people who made that decision 400 years ago when Harvard first became a university or by the current group of scholars who are affirmed and perpetuate western cannon notions of what’s good and ‘top tier.’” 

The SEHHB dean posed a few questions for SIUE and other colleges and universities to consider in seeking to move from an exclusive mindset, practice and environment in higher education to a more inclusive one. 

Specifically, in response to questions about how hiring faculty of color advances the goals of any organization, Hughes points to a counternarrative and asked, “How has hiring all white or predominantly white staff and faculty improved and advanced a college or university? How has not paying attention to purposely hiring faculty and staff of color impacted your college or university? 

“It’s 2020, and colleges and universities are just now deconstructing racist policies. We have some catching up to do.”  

Photo:
SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior new hires include (top row L-R): Candace Hall, EdD, lecturer in the Department of Educational Leadership and co-director of the College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) program; Nate Williams, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning’s secondary education program and pedagogical, curricular and leadership support at the SIUE East St Louis Charter High School; and Rachel Tenial, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology. (Bottom row L-R): Cherese Fine, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership; Cedric Harville, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Applied Health; and Divah Griffin, SEHHB development officer.

As the second week of the fall 2020 semester gets underway at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, students, faculty and staff are reflecting on a what has been a different, yet successful transition back to campus and into the new normal of academic and student affairs.

“We hope this momentum continues, as the first week went smoothly and our students were able to enjoy slightly modified versions of our traditional Cougar Welcome events,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple, PhD. “We see students getting to know each other in a variety of ways, whether it’s through events we’re offering in both on-ground and virtual formats or by engaging in activities like playing sand volleyball or utilizing the Student Fitness Center in the evenings.”

SIUE administrators, faculty and staff worked tirelessly throughout the summer to maintain student support in areas such as University Housing and Health Services, and prepare for the fall semester. The behind the scenes efforts that are now being realized have students feeling confident about the Return to SIUE.

“It’s been different, and while we can’t hang out quite like we used to, I’m grateful that campus is open,” said continuing senior Jochabay McGeebey, of East St. Louis, a biochemistry major and student worker in Event Services. “As a production clerk, I get to clean and sanitize all the surfaces that many students will engage with, and I feel some type of honor with that responsibility. I just pray that everyone continues to do what they can to make sure campus stays open by wearing their masks and washing their hands.”

This summer, the Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs engaged an Academic Continuity Task Force to develop balanced ways to reflect priorities of health, safety and academic quality through the academic semester.

“Certainly, we are excited to get back to a new semester for so many of our students,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD. “We have prioritized the safety and well-being of our community, but our faculty and staff members have done extraordinary work to develop high impact and quality educational opportunities. It has taken creativity and thoughtful work to imagine how to create these opportunities we value so deeply, so they can be preserved for students this academic year. I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to and worked to support the implementation of our plans.”

Courses are being offered in a variety of modalities including online, hybrid and on-ground, with combinations of synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities to ensure students stay actively engaged and part of SIUE, even if they are not on campus.

“This summer allowed for careful planning and our faculty members engaged in professional development opportunities to support inclusive academic excellence,” Cobb said. “Students may have a mixture of on-ground, hybrid, or online (synchronous or asynchronous) courses. For on-ground courses, students and faculty members are interacting in physically distanced learning in classrooms that have been set up for safety with participants wearing masks. Online courses delivered this semester will have the same level of quality and rigor as the equivalent in-person courses. Regardless of modality, our faculty members are excited to be able to work with their students again and interact with them in ways that enrich their learning experiences.”

Students are remaining optimistic, expressing their appreciation for the extensive health and safety measures the University has in place.

“I’m just going to try to keep up with everything and make the best of it,” said Sebastian Mendez, a sophomore robotics and mechatronics major. “I know these are tough circumstances, but you need to just enjoy life.”

“It’s weird not seeing everyone’s faces in class,” said junior biology major Kerstyn Deichmann, of Pocahontas. “I come to campus to use study rooms. I meet up with my friends who are in my same classes, and I use my office at home to keep up with my coursework.”

“The first week of classes went great,” added Kiarra Brimm, a freshman dance major from Forsyth. “I chose SIUE, because the dance faculty is amazing and extremely knowledgeable in the field of dance. It’s a lot of work, so I’m trying to get things done as soon as possible, drink water and get rest.”

For updates on the Our Cougar Commitment: Return to SIUE plan, please visit siue.edu/coronavirus.

Photos: With mask on, continuing senior Jochabay McGeebey’s eyes shine as she smiles and engages in a Cougar Welcome activity.

SIUE students find ways to connect and enjoy each other’s company while walking on campus.

SIUE freshman Kiarra Brimm dances on the Quad during the first week of the fall semester.

It’s not their first time coming to college or receiving college instruction. Still, college students transferring to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville benefit from instructions tailor-made for them. That’s why SIUE’s Kelly Atkins, assistant director for transition services, created Transfer Talk Tuesdays for college students transferring to SIUE. 

Transfer Talk Tuesdays will offer its first session from 12-1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept.1 with the Kimmel Student Involvement Center. More than 1,700 transfer students received the Zoom link in their SIUE email account, inviting them to participate. Transfer Talk Tuesdays will convene the first Tuesday of each month from 12-1 p.m. through December. 

“I’ve joined forces with campus partners to give transfer students information they need in real time,” explained Atkins. “When students come to the University, emphasis is placed on incoming freshman. When students are preparing to leave, emphasis is placed on internships, practicums and graduation. Transfer students and others may assume they don’t need the same kind of information that freshmen receive. They do.” 

Transfer Talk Tuesdays is also designed to provide information when the student can best use it, according to Atkins, “Many students are frontloaded with information when they start at the University. When it comes to utilizing the information they need, they may have forgotten about it, because it was in the first week of the semester. Transfer Talk Tuesdays will give them information throughout the semester when they need it.” 

“We plan to offer transfer students a semester-long orientation to the University with the hopes that come January 2021, they are equipped with the tools they need to not just keep going, but to excel,” she continued. “I’m excited about this program and hope that this fall orientation will grow in student and campus partner participation.” 

Information about upcoming Transfer Talk Tuesdays can be found at siue.edu/oaa under the Get Advised tab. 

Photo:
Kelly Atkins, SIUE assistant director for transition services.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has received the 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. SIUE joins a select group of 33 institutions that have earned the distinction for seven consecutive years.

As a recipient of the annual HEED Award, a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, SIUE will be featured along with 90 other recipients in the November 2020 edition of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

“The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being accomplished every day across their campuses.”

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected SIUE based on its exemplary diversity and inclusion initiatives, and the ability to embrace a broad definition of diversity on campus, including gender, race, ethnicity, veterans, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and others.

“SIUE’s strong commitment to diverse programming, equitable practices, and our diversity and inclusion online learning community position the University as a model for the region,” said Venessa A. Brown, PhD, associate chancellor and chief diversity officer. “SIUE values and appreciates a diverse and inclusive campus community. We are intentional about discussing various issues in our state, region, nation and world that impact our campus culture.

 Brown said SIUE’s annual Diversity Day on Thursday, Oct. 15 will be delivered in a virtual environment for the first time.

SIUE’s diversity programming during the 2019-20 academic year included: DiversityEdu Learning Courses for campus community members, Hispanic Heritage Month, the newly formed Anti-Racism Task Force, the continuing Implicit Bias Series, National Coming Out Day, the Inaugural Ed Roberts Champions of Accessibility Celebration Dinner, National Disability Employment Awareness Month and World AIDS Day.

For more information about the magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com

About INSIGHT Into Diversity

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is the oldest and largest diversity publication in higher education today and is well-known for its annual Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, the only award recognizing colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across their campuses. In addition to its online job board, INSIGHT Into Diversity presents timely, thought-provoking news and feature stories on matters of diversity and inclusion across higher education and beyond. Articles include interviews with innovators and experts, as well as profiles of best practices and exemplary programs. Readers will also discover career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived, and digital issues of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine are available online at insightintodiversity.com.

Photo: Venessa A. Brown, PhD, SIUE associate chancellor and chief diversity officer.

As COVID-19 has prevented many traditional, face-to-face summer camp activities from taking place, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s STEM Center got creative with the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois to offer young girls an engaging virtual STEM camp from July 13-17.

“It is important to help girls explore STEM concepts in small, single-gendered groups,” said SIUE STEM Center Program Coordinator Emily Stanley. “The Girl Scouts have been encouraging girls in STEM from the beginning of the organization in 1912. Their methods for learning mirror ours for outreach—kids learn math and science concepts better when they are able to demonstrate it themselves.”

STEM Camp: Unleashed was attended by 25 girls, entering grades 1-8. For an hour each day, the youth learned about electricity and circuits, engineering design, STEAM, and math and patterns.

“We were grateful to collaborate with the SIUE STEM Center to share activities in a new way this year,” said Mary Buchanan, director of program engagement with the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. “Phillips 66 – Wood River Refinery also helped sponsor STEM camp, so it was a true community effort. The girls were resilient and excited to learn. It was fun to see them adapt to our current circumstances with their same enthusiasm for STEM.”

“The one component I didn’t think we would see is cooperative learning, but the Zoom environment and small group interactions made for interesting conversations between participants,” Stanley reflected. “Girls were able to demonstrate experiments and activities they did on their own and answer questions from the activity leader and other girls.”

“Kids in this age level are still learning about their environment and themselves,” added Stanley. “Introducing STEM concepts to young learners helps them shape their world, even if they are not all going to be researchers, engineers or statisticians. My goal with any outreach program is to encourage the growth of a generation of critical thinkers.”

Since its inception, the STEM Center has been highly involved with the Girl Scouts, marking 2020 as the eighth year of providing summer STEM activities for young girls in the area. A priority of the center is to provide public outreach activities for youth to inspire them and build their confidence in math and science.

This successful virtual experience has inspired the STEM Center to plan a STEM Careers event using the same online format used with the Girl Scouts. Details are forthcoming.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois serves approximately 9,000 girls and engages 3,500 adult volunteers in 40.5counties in Southern Illinois. Join Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois today! Adult volunteers and girls in K-12 are welcome. Call 800-345-6858 or email customercare@gsofsi.org. Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit organization supported by various United Ways, businesses and individual donors throughout the region. 

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach comprises an independent group of researchers and educators, innovating ways to engage students and the public in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Within the SIUE Graduate School, the Center brings together research faculty, graduate students and practitioners to conduct education research. The Center contributes educational expertise to SIUE undergraduate classes and provides professional development for K-12 teachers. The Center boasts a significant library of equipment and resources, which are available for loan at no cost to campus and regional instructors. For more information, visit https://www.siue.edu/stem/ or contact STEM Center Director Sharon Locke at (618) 650-3065 or stemcenter@siue.edu.

Photo: SIUE STEM Center Program Coordinator Emily Stanley (top, second from left) leads a STEM activity during a virtual camp attended by members of the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois.

The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (NCERC at SIUE) has welcomed Visiting Research Fellow Brad Smith.

Funded by the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, the nine-month Fellowship Program is intended to provide training and hands-on experience to prepare the next generation of engineers and scientists for work in mid-to high-skill jobs in the bioeconomy. 

A Smithton native, Smith earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from SIUE in May 2019. He worked as an NCERC extra help operator and as a lead operating technician, during a 2019 contractual research project. 

“NCERC benefits from mentoring recent college graduates, who have specialized areas of study in instrumentation, electronics, process control and mechanical engineering,” said NCERC Executive Director John Caupert. “In the role of engineering fellow, Brad will serve under the guidance of two supervisors. A faculty mentor/advisor will work with him to connect their industrial research to academic theory, and an NCERC research engineer will oversee his daily projects and provide professional mentorship. This joint supervisory model ensures the connection of theory to practice, and builds upon the Fellow’s academic degree through applied, hands-on learning in an industrial setting.”

During the Fellowship, Smith will gain experience through assignments in process control and programming, project design and implementation, instrumentation and electronics coding and maintenance, revising and developing standard operating procedures, troubleshooting and maintenance, data collection, analysis, reporting, and more. 

 “I’m hoping to familiarize myself with the PCS 7 (a distributed control system), so I can handle whatever it throws at me,” Smith said. “I’m also looking to gain some leadership experience once more trials start up again, and hopefully when the Fellowship is over, I will have the opportunity to stay on full-time at NCERC.”

Upon completion of the Fellowship Program, graduates will be qualified to work in the biofuels, pharmaceuticals, refining, brewing and chemical industries.     

“NCERC extends a special thank you to the Illinois Corn Marketing Board for providing the funding necessary to conduct the Engineering Fellowship program,” said Caupert.

About the NCERC
The NCERC is a nationally recognized research center dedicated to the development and commercialization of biofuels, specialty chemicals and other renewable compounds. The Center’s fully functional dry grind pilot plant and laboratories are equipped with advanced biofuels capabilities including corn fractionation, pretreatment, and a fermentation suite with 5, 30, 150 and 1500L scale-up. Facilities are staffed by industry veterans with more than 100 years of collective experience in fermentation and biofuels production. This knowledgeable team has the flexibility and expertise to design and carry out projects in any region of the advanced biofuels or specialty chemicals space.  For more information contact Claire Weinzierl at cweinzierl@ethanolresearch.com, or visit www.ethanolresearch.com.

Photo: The NCERC at SIUE Visiting Research Fellow Brad Smith.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville political science professor, Andrew Theising, PhD, spoke about the importance of viewing political debates during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Because of the absence of door-to-door political canvassing, the need for televised and recorded debates are needed more than ever to fill in the gaps, according to Theising. 

Read and view more information in the Belleville News-Democrat at bnd.com/news/rebuild/article245307660.html.

SIUE’s Riza Demirer, PhD, professor and graduate program director in the School of Business’s Department of Economics and Finance, offered his insights on the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on stock markets and advice for individual investors in a WalletHub article published Thursday, Aug. 27.

Demirer is featured in the section titled “Ask the Experts: What Can We Learn From Hedge Funds?” View the article here.

There’s a new spot on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s campus for students, faculty and staff to grab a quick caffeine boost or sweet treat! Lovejoy Library is now home to a Starbucks Cart.

A ribbon was cut on Tuesday, Sept. 1 to mark the official opening of the Starbucks Library Cart, which offers a core menu assortment, and is located in the South entrance of Lovejoy Library.

“Today’s opening is a culmination of years of discussion, persistence and patience,” said Jeffrey Waple, PhD, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. “I thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication in making this concept a reality.

“Dining is elated that the library operation has finally come to fruition,” added Dining Services Director Dennis Wobbe. “The lengthy journey to this innovative and contemporary concept started nearly 12 years ago. We had carefully considered a multitude of different areas within the library, and a score of national and local coffee establishments. We truly appreciate the intuition and inventiveness of the chancellor, vice chancellors and the Lovejoy Library team to collaborate and present the SIUE community with this final premier location.”

The Starbucks Library Cart is open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Its menu includes hot and iced beverages, iced teas and some refreshers. Food options include sweet, savory and seasonal pastries. With respect to the library environment, no blended beverages are available at this location in order to reduce noise levels.

“This option allowed us to provide a wonderful service to our beloved campus and remain respectful to the peaceful environment the library provides for students. It was also a fiscally responsible venue to create,” noted Melissa McEldowney, associate director of Dining Services. “In working with a cart-like set up and with a franchise that we already have a relationship with on campus, we were able to offer the greatest impact to the community with the least amount of cost associated with the project.”

Both the Starbucks Library Cart and the Starbucks in the Morris University Center are run by SIUE’s Dining Services.

Photos: SIUE Dining Services Administrator Matt Turner (far left) and Director Dennis Wobbe (far right) hold the ceremonial ribbon while SIUE Student Government President Maddie Walters and Chancellor Randy Pembrook cut it, marking the official opening of the Starbucks Library Cart.

A core menu assortment is available at the new Starbucks Library Cart at the South entrance of Lovejoy Library.

Three years ago as a fresh-faced freshman, Jason Pappas took part in the Tour Ambassadors program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Now, SIUE’s 2020 Student Employee of the Year is the Executive Board Tour Ambassador in the Office of Admissions, where he has worked for 2½ years. 

Pappas’s accomplishments as a student worker were highlighted when he received the Student Employee of the Year Award on Friday, Aug. 28 in Rendleman Hall’s first-floor lounge. 

“I am grateful and overwhelmed,” Pappas said after receiving the award from Kathy Belden, program coordinator in the Office of Student Employment. “I enjoy my work. I come in early and stay until I get everything done. It’s helping the students and working in this office that is so rewarding.” 

Pappas, who received an award plaque, $500 and an SIUE hoodie, was nominated by his former supervisor Ramón DeShazer. “Jason consistently goes above and beyond by not only ensuring Tour Ambassadors are comfortable with providing campus tours, but checking the well-being of the individual,” wrote DeShazer.  “Jason consistently obtains high-quality reviews from guests he encounters, as they highlight his attention to detail, care for the individual student and love for SIUE.” 

Pappas’s job duties also include working as a Springboard to Success student leader. His current supervisor is Regiere Lovett, coordinator for New Student Programs and team leader for Springboard to Success Freshman Orientation. 

“Last year, Jason was selected as our Springboard Student Leader ‘Rookie of the Year,’ an honor he richly deserved,” added Lovett. “As a first-year student leader, navigating 10 orientation programs can be daunting, but Jason excelled consistently. He is also a leader to incoming freshmen and motivates fellow student leaders to continually embody SIUE values.” 

Working in the Tour Ambassadors program is so much more than a job, according to Pappas, who is majoring in integrated studies with the focus areas of applied communication studies and sociology.  He plans to enroll in the College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) graduate program at SIUE in the spring. 

“It’s important, because these students have no idea what to expect,” continued Pappas. “These tours are giving students a huge head start and are a great way to get them interested and ready for the first day of classes.”

Photos:
Jason Pappas, SIUE 2020 Student Employee of the Year (right), was surprised with his award from Kathy Belden, program coordinator in the Office of Student Employment (left). 

L-R: Director of Undergraduate Admissions Todd Burrell, Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Scott Belobrajdic, PhD; Pappas, and Coordinator for New Student Programs Regiere Lovett.

The SIUE community is mourning the loss of colleague Kevin Martin, of Edwardsville, who died Sunday, Aug. 30 at his residence. He was 61.

A Toledo, Ohio native, Martin was Director of Special Projects and Internal Operations in the Department of Athletics. He joined the University Foundation in August 2000 and was the Director of Foundation Operations before shifting to athletics in 2019.  

“Kevin had a profound impact on our department, and there is no question that each of us are better humans due to the time we were able to spend with him,” said SIUE Director of Athletics Tim Hall. “Not only was he a respected member of the University community, but also a valued and beloved member of the athletics department family.”

Funeral arrangements are pending. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

As the Beet Box traveled to local communities and food deserts this summer, it not only made available healthy, delicious veggies, but also learning kits that inspired youth, primarily students in middle and early high school, to become environmental health investigators and citizen scientists.

Through a partnership with the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville STEM Center, the mobile farmer’s market offered the kits during its routine weekly stops in Fairmount City and Madison.

“This partnership came to fruition after the STEM Center reached out to members of the Goshen Community Market Board, and the two organizations saw this as a mutually beneficial opportunity,” said Carol Colaninno, PhD, research assistant professor in the SIUE STEM Center. “The STEM Center helped provide education content on the environment, ways to use the environment to make healthy food, and nutrition, while the Beet Box distributed that supplemental educational content to its patrons.”

The STEM kits were produced as part of two ongoing, externally funded initiatives led by the STEM Center. The Environmental Health Investigators project is funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from its Science Education Partnerships Award (SEPA). The Youth-Led Citizen Science Network for Community Environmental Assessment (Y-CITYSCI) is funded by the National Science Foundation.

“The Y-CITYSCI program allows students the opportunity to engage in authentic science experiences through citizen science applications,” said Colannino. “Environmental Health Investigators introduces students to various environmental concerns that affect human health. Then, students learn how they can develop solutions to environmental problems using local scientific data.”

“Our goal for the Beet Box partnership was to provide educational materials directly to students in Madison County that help them learn more about everyday science in their own community,” Colaninno added. “We also hoped that the kits and activities would engage them in science learning during these uncertain times when formal education is a little more challenging for students and their parents. These tools aim to get students outdoors and exploring their environments to more fully understand how they can contribute to science, and how they can make a difference in their community.”

“We are grateful to the Goshen Market Foundation for helping us bring STEM education to Madison County families,” said Sharon Locke, PhD, STEM Center director. “The Beet Box is an incredible resource in the region, and we hope this partnership will increase the public’s awareness of both organizations. By working together, we are expanding opportunities for youth to be empowered to contribute to positive change.”

The four Environmental Health Investigator kits explore the relationship between soil and food:

1. Garden Starter: Grow vegetables from seeds
2. Garden Soil Quality: Test soil quality in a planned garden plot.
3. Nutrition: Learn nutritional properties of vegetables in the garden starter kit and make tasty snacks
4. Seasonal Garden Kits: Plant a garden to match the seasons

The four Y-CITYSCI kits help learners become scientists and share their data using a variety of citizen science apps:

1. Spider Spotter: Photograph spiders and their webs
2. Cicada Safari: Take photos, sound recordings and observations of cicadas
3. iNaturalist: Collect information about local plants and animals
4. GLOBE Observer: Take photos of local fields and parks to understand how people use land and how it changes over time

SIUE STEM Center Graduate Assistant Xander Kalna received positive feedback while helping distribute the educational kits, noting comments such as, “I have a grandchild that loves plants and science!” and “My daughter loves learning about geography and satellites, so she will love reading about this.”

All of the environmental health investigator and citizen science activities, not the full kits themselves, are available for download at SIUESTEMCenter.org/environmental-health-investigators and SIUESTEMCenter.org/ycitysci.

Photo: SIUE STEM Center Graduate Research Assistant Christine Favilla hands an educational kit to 12-year-old Kelise Garrett outside the Beet Box.