Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s online five-week Summer Success Program (SSP) was confirmation for Belleville East High School graduate Treyvoyn Perkins that the University was the right fit for him. Perkins highlighted some of the program’s positive attributes during SSP’s virtual closing ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 30. 

“I learned that time management and organization is key in college,” said Perkins, who spoke at the graduation on behalf of the 2020 SSP cohort. He is a freshman majoring in theater performance. “I also learned to be more responsible about the choices I make. I was happy with the Summer Success Program, because it made me feel comfortable and ready to be productive and effective in college.” 

Perkins was one of 14 students who participated in the SSP’s second annual ceremony, which was a celebration of determination and perseverance during an international pandemic and social unrest, according to Fannie Acoff, SSP program coordinator. 

Program guests offering statements and appearing live via Zoom included SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, PhD; Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Scott Belobrajdic, EdD; and Interim Assistant Provost for Academic Equity and Inclusive Excellence Jessica Harris, PhD. 

The virtual program also included a recap of summer activities and student acknowledgments. SSP teaching assistants Dominique Peel, Karagan Romoser and Lakenzie Walls each recognized the Most Interactive student in their small group. The awardees were Mia Trautman, Taylor Meek and Geraldine Evans. 

Jeff Spinks, lecturer in the Office of Learning Support Services and SSP summer course instructor, recognized students for Outstanding Performance in a Virtual Classroom. The winners were Evans, Perkins and Christian Shadowens. Students voted for their peers in categories of Most Inquisitive, Most School Spirited, Most Likely to Log-in Early and Life of the Virtual Party. 

“I’m glad I attended the Summer Success Program,” said Heidi Kassab, a freshman majoring in biological sciences and graduate of O’Fallon Township High School. “I learned about services that are provided to us, such as resume help, job research and how to use Blackboard and Zoom. I definitely see the program giving me a slight advantage upon entering the University.” 

 “The program was beneficial, because although it was online, we had interactions that made it feel like we were together,” said Trautman, a freshman nursing major and graduate of St. Clair High School. “The program made me more confident about how to handle classes that are online and how to interact with peers.” 

The SIUE Summer Success Program is designed to provide assistance to incoming first-year undergraduate students. It works collaboratively with students to engage in an ongoing transitional process from high school to college, and creates a foundation for persistence towards a timely graduation, according to MaKesha Harris Lee, EdD, assistant director for Pre-Collegiate Programs. 

“The program is open to a select cohort of newly admitted first-year students who demonstrate a financial need or hardship, and those who may self-identify as first-generation college students,” added Harris Lee. “The three major components of the Summer Success Program include academics, campus resources and social development.” 

Photos:
Treyvoyn Perkins is a freshman theater performance major. 

Mia Trautman is a freshman nursing major.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the Latino Roundtable of Southwestern Illinois, Busey Bank (the sponsor) and additional partners will host the virtual conference, “Immigrants in Our Midst,” from 8 a.m.-noon on Friday, Oct. 2. The conference’s focus will be on how to better serve the U.S. immigrant workforce. 

SIUE alumnus Raffi Mikaelian is helping to coordinate the event that includes presentations by regional specialists in the fields of immigration law, immigrant demographics, Latino outreach, employment services and state resources. Professionals and students, who seek to increase their involvement with immigrant communities in and around St. Louis, are expected to attend.

“I’ve attended and heard many inspiring presentations at the ‘Immigrants in our Midst Conference,’” said Latino Roundtable Chairperson Katie Heaton. “Dedicated professionals share their stories and offer insight that can be educational and relevant to current trends.”

Past conference participant and immigration law practitioner Jessie Chappell, founder of Chappell Grant Immigration LLC, noted the importance of the SIUE supported conference to immigrants and professionals working in the international community. “Even though I work with immigrants daily, I am still surprised by all of the new information I gain at this program,” said Chappell. “Hearing how vital immigrants are to our neighborhoods and economy helps me recognize the instability that mass deportations would cause.

“This conference teaches how to effectively research local immigration trends. I also learned how to connect foreign and U.S.-born communities. This expertise provides the tools to connect my clients with the many resources that can help them succeed in their personal and professional lives.”

Speakers at the conference will include: Kathy Bernard, CEO of WiserU.com; Alicia Plemmons, PhD, assistant professor in the School of Business's Department of Economics and Finance; Tony Fuhrmann, Madison County Workforce Development; Matthew Jones, St. Clair County Workforce Development; and Diana Alfaro, Latino Business Development manager in the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment. 

The event is open to the public and costs $20. To register, visit Immigrants in Our Midst. For more information about registration, contact Cynthia Cobetto in SIUE’s Office of Educational Outreach at 618-650-2164 or cgorsag@siue.edu. 

The Latino Roundtable (LRT) Southwestern Illinois is a group comprised of representatives from community organizations, businesses, colleges, universities, agencies and more. It has a unified purpose of serving the Latino community in the St. Louis Metro East area. LRT’s mission is to work together to develop and expand available resources of social services to the Latino community in Metro East area. Contact the Latino Round Table at thelatinoroundtable@gmail.com.

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

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

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) program is proud to announce their annual student award winners. Awardees are nominated by their peers annually for outstanding leadership and service inside and outside of the classroom, then considered by CSPA faculty through a rigorous and competitive selection process.

The CSPA program provides students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the study of college student development and college administration. With a strong focus on community development and participation, students are encouraged to participate in social events, conferences, and other professional development opportunities along with their traditional studies. Those selected for CSPA awards have been chosen for their diligence, leadership and professionalism.

The following students have been honored with this year’s CSPA awards:

• CSPA Student of the Year: Brittany Buchanan, of Chicago Heights
• CSPA Community Award: LaShatá Grayson, of Gary, Ind.
• Outstanding Final Project: Andy Koch and Lexi Baysinger

The CSPA Student of the Year award is presented to a graduating or recently graduated CSPA student who has demonstrated academic success, leadership, and commitment to the CSPA program and the profession of higher education and student affairs administration. Buchanan was considered by faculty for this award due to her outstanding involvement in the classroom, professional practice and commitment.

While completing her master’s, Buchanan served as the graduate assistant for Community Engagement in the Kimmel Student Involvement Center. During this time, she organized, facilitated and evaluated volunteer programs offered by the center, while working to maintain partnerships with non-profit agencies in the Greater St. Louis area. After graduation, she accepted a position as the resident director of American Campus Communities at Prairie View A&M University in Texas.

“Brittany articulately discusses topics of higher education across a variety of competencies and functional areas,” wrote Melinda Stitzel, Leadership Programs coordinator. “Brittany always does her research to ensure she is providing the best possible experience for her students. The CSPA program is stronger with Brittany as a soon-to-be alum, and I am sure she will be called on time and again by her cohorts, professors and former colleagues for support and advice.”

Formerly known as the Outstanding Contributions by a CSPA Student award, the CSPA Community Award is presented to CSPA students who have provided outstanding voluntary and non-compensated service, while contributing to the enhancement of the CSPA program, SIUE community and the higher education profession. During her time at SIUE, Grayson participated in a fall practicum with the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, and served as the graduate assistant for Fraternity and Sorority Life.

“The student affairs community definitely stands to benefit from the addition of LaShatá Grayson,” wrote MJ Abdullah Jr., Fraternity and Sorority Life coordinator. “She wants to see the best in everyone and constantly encourages her peers. She has role modeled a high level of engagement and advocacy through her various avenues of co-curricular involvement, while maintaining high levels of academic performance.”

Some notable achievements during Grayson’s time at SIUE include planning a University-wide community service event for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service to address local homeless and food insecure individuals, and developing large-scale events for Greek life at SIUE. After graduating with a master’s in higher education administration, Grayson joined Missouri State University as the assistant director of involvement.

CSPA’s Outstanding Final Project award honors students who have demonstrated a significant commitment to the scholarly contribution of the profession and its intellectual pursuits. Both Koch and Baysinger where recognized for their diligent efforts in contributing to the research and knowledge of higher education and student affairs administration.

Photo: (top-bottom) CSPA Award winners Brittany Buchanan, LaShatá Grayson, Andy Koch and Lexi Baysinger.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Tim Jacks, PhD, has co-authored a new book entitled The World IT Project: Global Issues in Information Technology. Officially released by World Scientific Publishing in May 2020, the book focuses on understanding the key IT issues facing firms within their surrounding contexts as critical for the firm, government and their international counterparts.

Jacks, associate professor of Computer Management and Information Systems in the SIUE School of Business, combined with an international cast of Prashant Palvia, professor of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Jaideep Ghosh, PhD, professor of Decision Sciences, Operations Management at Shiv Nadar University in India; Alexander Serenko, PhD, lecturer in the faculty of information at the University of Toronto in Canada; Aykut Hamit Turan, PhD, professor in the School of Economics at Sakarya University in Turkey.

In response to the dominant and pervasive bias in Information Systems (IS) research towards American and Western views, the World IT Project was launched and is the largest study of its kind in the field. The book captures the organizational, technological and individual issues of IT employees across 37 countries.

Jacks said the project was the brainchild of Palvia, who was Jacks’ dissertation chair at UNC Greensboro. “After I graduated in 2012, we launched the World IT Project in 2013,” Jacks said. “This was something that had been percolating with Prashant for years, but it wasn't until I finished my dissertation on IT occupational culture that he felt ready to start collecting data around the world. We included measurements that I developed as part of my dissertation into the World IT Project survey.”

Their core research team of six people was bolstered by colleagues from the Global Information Technology Management Association. Over the years, members have come and gone for various reasons, so Prashant and Jacks are the only original members. The other five contributors have been with the team for the last four years.

The book enables management and staff to formulate business and IT-related policies and strategies. Likewise, it allows policymakers, governments and vendors to address important issues at the national level, as well as to respond to the needs of partners and stakeholders in other countries. It also offers current and future academic scholars an understanding of the international IT environment, and provides a sound foundation to launch many international IT studies.

Jacks sees the book as primarily a scholarly reference. “There’s the possibility of someone using it as a textbook for a course on Global Information Technology,” Jacks said. “The overall World IT Project will most likely make a larger impact in terms of our journal publications. Five journal articles have been published already, and another five are forthcoming. Plus, dozens of conference proceedings are scheduled. In terms of research output, it’s been amazing.”

Jacks’ inspiration in the topic of culture was the late Dr. Geert Hofstede, who got Jacks interested in 2002 when he was pursuing a master’s degree. “I'm so happy that we got his son, Dr. Geert Jan Hofstede, to write the forward to our book. To get his son, who is also in the same field, to write our forward was quite meaningful for me. Sometimes, things do come full circle.”

To help make his first book become a reality, Jacks is grateful for the support of the SIUE School of Business, which provided the $10,000 Poos Research Award for the World IT Project during summer 2017. 

For more information, visit worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/11508.

About World Scientific Publishing

World Scientific Publishing is a leading international independent publisher of books and journals for the scholarly, research and professional communities. World Scientific collaborates with prestigious organizations like the Nobel Foundation and U.S. National Academies Press to bring high quality academic and professional content to researchers and academics worldwide. The company publishes approximately 600 books annually and 135 journals in various fields. For more information, visit worldscientific.com.

The DREAM (Dismantling Racism through Education, Advocacy and Mobilization) Collective at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will host the webinar, “Why Whiteness is a Problem,” featuring Zak Foste, PhD, assistant professor of Higher Education at the University of Kansas, and Lauren Irwin, PhD student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at the University of Iowa. 

The conference will be at 2 p.m. Thursday. Sept.10. The registration link is available here and visit DREAM’sYouTube livestream link. 

The webinar will tackle such questions as:

• “What is white complicity?
• “Isn’t Black Lives Matter reverse racism?
• What’s the problem with saying, “All Lives Matter?”

Foste’s research critically explores whiteness in higher education, and his work examines how whiteness functions to underwrite racially hostile and unwelcoming campus climates for students of color. It also investigates the ways in which white college students understand their relationship to race and whiteness. 

Foste’s most recent work scrutinized how whiteness structures students’ experiences in campus residence halls. 

Irwin’s research critically examines how processes of racialized legitimation shape co-curricular contexts in higher education, like leadership education.  Irwin also has professional student affairs experience in leadership development, residence life and InterGroup Dialogues.  

A question-and-answer session will follow.  

A team of faculty activists from the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior launched the DREAM Collective in June. The group is building on decades of scholarship to conduct the important work of Dismantling Racism through Education, Advocacy, and Mobilization. Its team of faculty activists seek to create effective programming and foster cultural competency in responsive educators and community members. Members include education faculty Jennifer Hernandez, Ph.D.; Jessica Krim, EdD; J.T. Snipes, Ph.D.; Nate Williams, Ph.D.; and SEHHB Dean Robin Hughes, PhD. 

For more information, contact the DREAM Collective at TheDREAMCollective@siue.edu and follow the DREAM Collective on Facebook @dreamcollective20, Twitter @DREAMcollect20 and Instagram @DREAMcollective20. 

Photo:
Zak Foste, PhD, assistant professor of Higher Education at the University of Kansas

SIUE alumna Jeannine Butler, sixth-grade teacher at St. Jacob Triad Middle School, has been honored with the 2020 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching for her innovative and compassionate approach to remote learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The award is presented by Illinois nonprofit Golden Apple to honor outstanding teachers for their roles in having lasting, positive effects on students and their school communities. Butler is one of ten award recipients among 730 nominations in the state.

Butler earned her bachelor’s in speech pathology and audiology from the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior in 1993. Read more about Butler and the Golden Apple Award in the Riverbender.

SIUE alumnus and Lewis and Clark Community College Trustee Kevin Rust has joined the Illinois Community College Trustees Association’s Executive Committee as the Southwest Region’s Chair for fiscal year 2021.

Rust earned his bachelor’s in 1974 and master’s in 1978 from the School of Business. Currently, he serves on the SIUE Foundation Board of Directors as treasurer and chair of the Finance and Investment Committee. Read more about Rust and his new appointment in Advantage News.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s DREAM Collective and Anti-Racism Task Force are hosting a webinar, entitled “Re-thinking Diversity & Multicultural Trainings for Professions” from 10:30 a.m.-noon CDT Wednesday, Sept. 16. 

Registration is available at https://siue.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z5IqmjpeQnCt48e-BGxXIA. College faculty, administrators, presidents and others are invited to join.

For a few decades, higher education has operated under the model that having a designated “diversity” or “multicultural” course in certain program curricula would provide degree seekers with competency in these areas. With the growing presence of movements like #BLM and #metoo in the cultural zeitgeist, is an update to this model warranted?

This panel discussion will explore the experiences of teaching multicultural content in the training of helping professionals, including examples of how said content has been/can be embedded across program curricula.

Featured speakers will include SIUE’s Courtney R. Boddie, PhD, LCPC, NCC, associate dean of students for diversity and inclusion and director of counseling services; J.T. Snipes, PhD, assistant professor and co-director of the College Student Personnel Administration program in the Department of Educational Leadership; Jayashree George, DA, ATR-BC, LMFT, SEP, assistant professor in the Art Therapy Counseling program; and Jennifer Hernandez, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning.

A team of faculty activists from the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior launched the DREAM Collective in June. The group is building on decades of scholarship to conduct the important work of Dismantling Racism through Education, Advocacy and Mobilization. SIUE’s Anti-Racism Task Force includes University administration, and a faculty of experts in equity scholarship and advocacy.

For more information, contact the DREAM Collective at TheDREAMCollective@siue.edu and follow the DREAM Collective on Facebook @dreamcollective20, Twitter @DREAMcollect20 and Instagram @DREAMcollective20.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Nursing (SON) record enrollment of 1,877 students highlights SIUE’s fall 2020 enrollment picture. The University’s overall graduate and professional enrollment hits 2,918 students, its highest mark in 43 years.

With its 5% increase from fall 2019, the SON saw record enrollment for the second consecutive year. SIUE’s graduate and professional enrollment includes 849 doctoral students, from all levels, the most in the history of the institution.

Twenty-nine percent of the SIUE student body reports an ethnicity or race other than white, making this fall’s student body the most ethnically diverse for the University. Enrollment includes record numbers of Latinx students (637) and students who identify as Asian, Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (370).

SIUE continues to experience an increase in local students with a 1% increase (5 students) from Madison, St. Clair and Monroe counties.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic making the marketplace more challenging than ever for prospective students, SIUE continues to develop initiatives to enhance enrollment growth,” said SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook. “In this environment, our faculty and staff have quickly enhanced our high quality, online academic offerings. Meanwhile, we strategically seek to implement innovative academic programming, creating flexibility for students who have academic interests spanning disciplines for both traditional and non-traditional students.”

SIUE’s fall 2020 enrollment is 12,860 as part of the SIU System that enrolls approximately 25,000 students, including the Carbondale and Springfield campuses. SIUE total enrollment is 1.5% behind fall 2019 (13,061). The University welcomed 1,554 new freshmen or 113 (6.7%) fewer than last fall.

“After receiving a record 12,077 applications (an increase of 14% over 2019) and offering admission to a record 7,520 students (an increase of 19% over 2019), we are extremely appreciative of the trust placed in SIUE by our new class and their families,” said Scott Belobrajdic, EdD, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management. “We also are equally appreciative of all of the effort put forth by faculty and staff in getting everyone enrolled, and getting the fall term underway.”

Other positives include increased enrollment of 137 students (+8.5%) in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB), and 43 students (+3%) in the School of Business.

Due to its response to the COVID-19 pandemic environment, SIUE this fall has a record 5,416 (42%) students taking courses exclusively online and 7,444 (58%) enrolled with at least one on-ground course. Last fall, 1,618 students (12%) were enrolled exclusively online.

The freshman-to-sophomore retention rate of 78% is 0.75% behind last year’s record number. “Although we have a goal of surpassing 80%, the fact that we are less than 1% behind last year during this COVID era denotes something special about our students, the faculty who developed and delivered their spring and fall courses, our advisors, all staff supporting students, financial aid staff distributing CAREs Grants, Aim High Grants, and ITS’ support of everyone,” Belobrajdic noted.

The promising fall 2020 enrollment follows SIUE experiencing a 2% increase in 2020 summer enrollment over 2019. Summer enrollment reached its highest level since 2017 with 6,165 total students. As a result of the enrollment surge, credit hours taken increased 3.5%, and full-time equivalency enrollment was up 7%.

SIUE Fall 2020 Enrollment Facts and Figures

• School of Nursing record enrollment of 1,877 students
• Graduate and professional enrollment is 2,918 students, highest mark in 43 years.
• Record 849 doctoral students
• Record 637 Latinx students
• Record 370 Asian, Hawaiian or Pacific Islander students
• Record 5,416 students (42%) taking courses exclusively online
• 29% of students report ethnicity other than white, most diverse class in school history
• School of Education, Health and Human Behavior increases 137 students (+8.5%)
• School of Business increases 43 students (+3%)
• First-year retention rate second-highest in history at 78%

As a direct response to the incidents of racist violence and social upheaval of the past several months, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center is hosting a three-part workshop series, “So You Want To Be An Anti-Racist?”

Monthly workshops will be held from 5-7 p.m. via Zoom. Topics include:

• Thursday, Sept. 17 - The Language of Anti-Racism 101
• Wednesday, Oct. 14 – What is Race and Racism? Past, Present and Future
• Thursday, Nov. 12 – Race and Racism: What is my Part?

“Our goal is for community members to have the knowledge and skills they need to dismantle hierarchies of human value on SIUE’s campus and in the broader world, and to understand how racism affects all of our daily lives,” said TRHT member Elizabeth McKenney, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist and associate professor in the Department of Psychology. “We envision these workshops as a series that can help people deepen their understanding and engagement on topics of oppression, privilege and racism, but also welcome participation in individual sessions.”

According to McKenney, session one, led by Lindy Wagner, director of SIUE’s Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI), and Tarsha Moore, assistant director, will offer an overview of terms that one commonly hears in anti-racist discussions, such as oppression and privilege. Session two will examine the local history and present reality of racism in St. Louis and Southern Illinois. The final session will offer a deep dive into how racism has shaped individuals, even those who do not think of themselves as racialized beings. Sessions two and three will be facilitated by TRHT core members and a TRHT community partner, Ro Kicker, youth program manager with NCCJ St. Louis.

Registration is open for session one, The Language of Anti-Racism 101, at siue.zoom.us/j/92877724651.

For more information on the TRHT and to access registration details for future “So You Want To Be An Anti-Racist?” workshops, visit siue.edu/provost/trht.

Photo: SIUE TRHT core planning team members include (L-R) Drs. Courtney Boddie, Elizabeth McKenney, Jessica Harris, Connie Frey-Spurlock, Kathryn Bentley and Bryan Jack.

Cone Huggys owner Jeff Hughart has worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Business Specialist Marti Wieland since September 2018 to successfully create and launch Ice Cream Caddie, the world’s first ice cream cone to-go container.

Each Ice Cream Caddie contains any mess or dripping that may occur when transporting an ice cream cone. The unique, functional, multi-purpose design consists of a three-piece container. The bottom portion allows for dripping and maintains the structure of the cone, keeping it from being damaged or crushed. The center tray serves to stabilize the cone and is slotted from dripping, and the top lid keeps the ice cream itself intact, keeping the cone covered and cool. 

The Ice Cream Caddie concept came to life 2-1/2 years ago when Hughart attempted to bring a to-go ice cream cone home for his four-year-old son. He found himself – and his four-year-old – extremely disappointed as the cone melted down his hand on the ride home. Following this, he started to go around asking for to-go ice cream cones.

Hughart quickly found that none of the top fast food chains and convenience stores offered any options for transporting to-go cones safely and securely. He realized there must be a better way to do this and immediately made it his mission to create the first ice cream cone to-go container. He taught himself 3-D printing, while adjusting and perfecting his design. Soon thereafter, a prototype was created.

In May 2018, Hughart took his idea to producers of the TV show “Shark Tank,” where he gave a short pitch and explained his prototype. While the producers loved his idea, they recommended he come back once he had sales. He is grateful for the Shark Tank experience, and plans to return to audition once sales are coming in.

After talking to multiple ice cream shops, feedback has been quite positive. Some shops want to replace their various sundae cups/lids with Ice Cream Caddies. Other shops see Ice Cream Caddie as a way to safely serve cones through their drive-thru window. Consumers want to buy it for their homes, so kids don’t spill ice cream cones served at home.

Along the way, the SBDC and Wieland provided Hughart assistance with obtaining his LLC, marketing research and various referrals.

“Marti has helped open many doors along the way,” Hughart said. “This has led to making my company what it is today.”

“It has been a pleasure to work with Jeff,” says Wieland. “One of my first memories of eating an ice cream cone was how most of it dripped off my elbow! Jeff’s invention is a great idea, and I am confident it will be successful. He saw an opportunity and pursued it – the mark of a true entrepreneur.”

Hughart has used the food-to-go nature of the current COVID-19 pandemic to his company’s benefit.

“We were hesitant at first to launch during this time, since we didn’t know how the ice cream industry would be affected,” Hughart shared. “But we took a chance and found with the increase in carry-out foods, the timing actually couldn’t be better. Ice Cream Caddies offer a much more sanitary and safe way of getting your ice cream during the pandemic.” 

Hughart is passionate about making people smile through his work and is thankful for all of the support he has received. 

Looking to the future, Hughart plans to turn Ice Cream Caddie into a successful company. He hopes it becomes an essential product in every ice cream store, fast food chain and convenience store, revolutionizing what it means to take a cone to-go. 

Contact Ice Cream Caddie at 618-210-5760 or icecreamcaddie@gmail.com. For more information, visit Facebook and Instagram at Ice Cream Caddie or visit icecreamcaddie.com.

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

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

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

Photo: Ice Cream Caddie creator Jeff Hughart.

Salutations, acknowledgements and well wishes coupled with inviting and smiling unmasked faces from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville administrators, faculty and staff greeted students during four different Student Welcome Receptions via Zoom Monday-Thursday, Aug. 31-Sept. 3. 

Students who identified as Hispanic/Latinx, LGTBQIA+, Black and Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American (APIDA) tuned into their respective receptions to find eager faces awaiting them. Some administrators attending the sessions included SIU President Dan Mahony, PhD; SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook; Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD; Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple, PhD; Vice Chancellor for Administration Rich Walker, and Associate Chancellor for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer Venessa A. Brown, PhD. 

“Welcome and Welcome back. I don’t think there has ever been a better time to be at SIUE,” said Mahony. “That may seem a strange thing to say, given all that we’re dealing with, but we have a lot of leaders who are willing to listen and willing to make some real changes. Now is the time for real change. 

“We have been working on two major issues – the COVID-19 crisis and being anti-racist. Concerning the matter of COVID-19, we are working with local health departments and medical experts from all over our system. We have been relying on them throughout the pandemic to give us advice on how to do things the healthy and safe way.” 

Mahony also listed several efforts systemwide efforts addressing institutionalized racism. “I’m a true believer that we have suffered from systemic racism in higher education, and we need to change that. Some of the bias is intentional, and some of it is unintentional.” 

“Diversity and inclusion are core values of SIUE,” said Pembrook. “I hope you will create a calendar, and put on it some of our great activities and programming. On Fridays, we have Inclusive Conversations, which resulted from a student saying, ‘I don’t know anyone to talk to about the important things in my life.’ Our Student Government Association has created Town Hall meetings, and Dr. Brown and her office will host Diversity Day from Oct. 14-15.” 

Throughout the receptions, Pembrook encouraged students to get involved. “There are so many people on this Zoom who are wonderful resources,” he said. “We have faculty and staff members, and I hope you get to know them. They are here to help you. The reason for these receptions is to provide a sense of community. We want you to feel a part of this University.” 

During the receptions, Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI) Director Lindy Wagner informed students of various campus activities and resources. Her presentation included CSDI programming such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon Celebration, Sustained Dialogue, First Generation Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Non-Traditional Student Week and various Heritage Month celebrations. 

Wagner also told students about CSDI’s collaborations with the Student Government Association, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Foreign Language Training Center, Interim Assistant Provost for Academic Equity and Inclusive Excellence Jessica Harris, PhD; Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT); Accessible Campus Community & Equitable Student Support (ACCESS) and more. 

“So many faculty and staff attended every reception to show they were committed to our students,” said Wagner. “The students also really seemed to enjoy their interactions with one another. It is important, at this time, for students to feel a sense of connection and belonging.” 

 “All of the Student Welcome receptions were engaging, informative and inclusive of all of the services offered at SIUE,” said Brown. “I think there was a substantial amount of information about programs and engagement opportunities in all of the receptions to support students.”  

 “Hola, and welcome everyone,” said José Licon-Oppenheimer, Spanish instructor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature, who spoke at the Hispanic/Latinx student reception. “Help is always welcome to students. It’s not only about learning the language, but learning your culture and sharing your values with the University community, which is extremely important.” 

After introductions and presentations, students were directed to breakout rooms with other students, faculty and staff. 

“I really liked the breakout sessions,” said Lacie House, a senior social work major who attended the LGBTQI+ reception. “It forced people to get to know one another. My favorite part was the second breakout room with only students. I got to see genuine interactions between other students. I would like to see another meeting set up just for LGBTQ+ students. I believe the goal was met with making the students feel more connected within their communities.” 

“The Black Student Welcome Reception was such a nice hello and embrace to me as a transfer student,” said Micah Austin, a freshman business major. “My favorite part was our breakout sessions and being able to connect and have more personal discussions within my tribe (my new family). I also loved how the staff, faculty and administrators stressed the importance of supporting us and seeing us succeed and graduate. I’m grateful to have experienced this event and have joined a family who will encourage and help me become the best version of myself.” 

“It is important that supportive spaces are created for Black students, faculty and staff where the full expression of Blackness is accepted, appreciated and invited,” said Kathryn Bentley, associate professor in the Department of Theater and Dance, director of the SIUE Black Studies program and co-chair of the Black Student Welcome Reception with Tarsha Moore, CSDI assistant director. 

“The faculty and staff leaders in attendance committed to engaging with students throughout the year and throughout their academic careers,” she continued. “We are committed to seeing our students graduate!” 

To that end, the entire SIU system is working to assist all students and provide an inclusive environment, according to Mahony. 

“Specifically, when I think about the LGBTQIA+ community, I remember a time when it was incredibly hostile for LGBTQIA+ students and there was little support,” he recalled. “I’m also glad to say that I remember when Safe Zone trainings first started at universities. I’m not naïve to think we’ve dealt with all issues we need to. As we are continuing our path to becoming a more welcoming community, we want everyone to have a sense of belonging. 

“Everyone has a right to learn in a safe, supportive environment, and we want that for all of our students.” 

Photos:
SIUE hosted the following Student Welcome Receptions.

SIUE’s Adriana E. Martinez, PhD, associate professor in the Departments of Geography and Environmental Sciences, was interviewed in two ProPublica articles about the erosion of a privately funded border wall in South Texas.

A practicing geomorphologist, Martinez previously studied the impact of the border barriers on her hometown of Eagle Pass, Texas. In the articles, posted July 2 and July 29, reporters Perla Trevizo and Jeremy Schwartz discuss erosion and the impact of Hurricane Hanna on the stability of the privately funded border.

The first of a series of robust conversations surrounding the history of slavery and its lasting legacies will explore the difference between memorial and monuments, the current public discourse regarding Confederate monuments, and the goals and purposes of monuments and memorialization.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center, specifically its membership of the international Universities Studying (USS) consortium, will launch the Sankofa Lecture and Dialogue Series with a virtual discussion, entitled “Monuments in the Age of Black Lives Matter: The View from St. Louis” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24.

Anyone interested in this important subject is encouraged to attend. Registration is available at https://siue.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fGLYYaT0Tr6bHEHgWW9Zpg

The Sankofa Lecture and Dialogue Series will feature SIUE faculty and other speakers presenting on a variety of topics within the framework of slavery in the region.

“These presentations are designed to facilitate discussion with the community and illuminate histories that have previously been understudied or are not well-known by the general public,” said TRHT member Bryan Jack, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Historical Studies. “The goal is to provide context for a better understanding of the legacies of slavery in our region and to dismantle the idea of a hierarchy of human value.”

Presenters of “Monuments in the Age of Black Lives Matter: The View from St. Louis” include Katie Poole-Jones, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Art and Design; and Erik Alexander, PhD, and Jeff Manuel, PhD, both associate professors in the Department of Historical Studies.

The speakers will create discourse around such questions as:

• Does removing monuments erase history?
• How else can or should we remember history if not through monuments?
• What do we choose to memorialize and why?

The Sankofa Lecture and Dialogue Series is one of the University’s many anti-racism initiatives. For more information on the TRHT and its future programs and initiatives, visit siue.edu/provost/trht.

Photo: Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center logo.

Excellence has been achieved by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing (SON) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) 2020 cohort. All 29 students reported a first-time pass rate on the two exams they are eligible to complete. That 100% achievement surpasses the approximately 86% national average for both exams, based on 2019 data.

According to the SON’s Valerie Griffin, DNP, PPCNP-BC, FNP-BC, PMHS, FAANP, clinical associate professor and director of nurse practitioner specializations, 15 students took the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Board (AANPCB) exam and 13 took the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam. One student completed both exams, achieving a first-time pass on both.

“Our FNP specialization program provides students with a robust and contemporary, evidence-based curriculum that superbly prepares them for certification and practice as an advanced practice nurse,” said SON Dean Laura Bernaix, PhD, RN. “I am not surprised to see this perfect pass rate as I know that our FNP faculty work extremely hard, as do the students, to achieve these types of results year after year. This type of performance is one of the many reasons why our program is so attractive to prospective students and to employers who seek our graduates.”

A worthy accomplishment any year, the 100% first-time pass rate is a remarkable feat in 2020 given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the public health crisis’ impact on developing and practicing nurses. One of the biggest COVID-19 challenges faced by nurse practitioner programs across the nation in March was that students were not allowed to complete their clinical practicums.

“Clinical agencies were unsure how to continue offering healthcare to their patients, and most made the decision to discontinue graduate clinical practicum experiences while they worked through their own concerns,” explained Griffin. “Our certifying bodies, the AANPCB and the ANCC, require a minimum of 500 clinical practicum hours to be eligible to sit for those exams. At SIUE, we require 690 clinical practicum hours.”

While some universities were unable to overcome and help their students fulfill those requirements, the SON’s dynamic team exhibited extreme flexibility and persistence as they pursued alternative arrangements in support of their students.

“In March when the pandemic was declared, I immediately reviewed our student clinical hours in our documentation system and was relieved to find that all 29 students had already completed a minimum of 500 hours,” Griffin recalled. “That was a relief. We were able to complete the remaining seat time with other types of clinical activities, and all 29 students were able to graduate in May.”

“I was extremely proud of the way our students handled the stress of the pandemic,” she continued. “They had spent 3-4 years in this rigorous program and were just weeks from completion. The students remained calm and waited for our guidance on how they would complete those final requirements, including clinical hours, doctor of nurse practitioner project dissemination, immersion, and finally the certification exam. We want our students to be safe, effective and compassionate nurse practitioners, and our faculty modeled that behavior in their interactions with our students during these difficult times.”

Photo: All 29 students in the SIUE School of Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice 2020 cohort reported a first-time pass rate on the two exams they are eligible to complete.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 2009 Alumni Hall of Famer and celebrated artist Edna Patterson-Petty re-introduced her “baby” after completing restoration work on “Monty, The Turtle.” 

Patterson-Petty unveiled her work of art at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus on Friday, Sept. 4. For two months, the artist lovingly and tediously worked to repair “Monty” after he was vandalized. The turtle’s head was damaged, and it sustained a large gash on his right side, with much of the inside materials spilling out. 

“When I first saw it after the attack, I didn’t know if I could do it again,” said Patterson-Petty. “It was like an assault on me. When I did start working on it, I was nervous and wondered if I could restore it.” 

Patterson-Petty’s restoration work was done under a tent, and when it came time for “Monty” to be presented, the artist was anxious. 

“Now that the tent is gone and ‘Monty’ is exposed, I’m nervous,” said Patterson-Petty. “It’s like giving birth and presenting your ‘baby’ to the world.” 

Patterson-Petty created a new head and fixed “Monty’s” side. On the turtle’s side, she added BLM for Black Lives Matter, a crescent moon, a unicorn and word “smile.” 

“I won’t say it is a new turtle,” shared Patterson-Petty. “It’s like going to rehabilitation. I hope ‘Monty’ has many, many years left.” 

Photo:
SIUE 2009 Alumni Hall of Famer and celebrated artist Edna Patterson-Petty rests with her newly restored work of art, “Monty, The Turtle” at the East St. Louis Higher Education Center.

Each year, the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) provides approximately $50,000 worth of free dental care for children in need during Give Kids a Smile Day.

The SIU SDM is excited to offer its 15^th annual Give Kids a Smile Day on Monday, Oct. 12. Free comprehensive dental care will be provided to qualifying children (those eligible for free and reduced-priced meal programs) ages 3-13. Appointments are required. Parents or guardians are invited to make an appointment by calling Holly at 618-474-7200.

“At SIU School of Dental Medicine, we always enjoy this wonderful opportunity to provide treatment to as many children as possible,” said Katie Kosten, DMD, Director of Community Dentistry. “Generally, children are off of school on this date, so it affords the opportunity to have their urgent and routine dental care needs addressed.”

“It’s important for interested participants to note that this year, unlike year’s past, appointments are required to receive this free care,” Kosten added. “We are doing everything possible to keep our patients, faculty, staff and students safe amid COVID-19.”

One parent or guardian must accompany each child getting treatment. Comprehensive care includes examinations, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, sealants, stainless steel crowns and extractions. All dental services will be provided by SIU SDM faculty, students and staff.”

Give Kids a Smile Day is a national event sponsored by the American Dental Association. 

Photo: A child receives free dental care during the 2019 Give Kids a Smile Day event at the SIU School of Dental Medicine in Alton.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will not require standardized SAT and ACT scores in spring and fall 2021 for incoming freshmen and transfers (with fewer than 30 credit hours) to be considered for admission. In addition, SIUE will consider freshmen for merit scholarships and direct entry admission options based on grade point average (GPA) or a standardized test score.

 “Because of COVID-19 gathering restrictions in Illinois, most of our prospective students have not had access to the SAT or ACT standardized tests,” said Scott Belobrajdic, EdD, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management.

For admission through fall 2021, students with a cumulative 2.6 high school grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale will be automatically admitted. Students with a cumulative 2.0-2.59 high school GPA will be considered by the admission review committee, which may require additional information such as a 7th semester high school transcript and statement. For more information, visit siue.edu/undergraduate.

In regard to direct entry, students can be considered for direct admission to SIUE’s most competitive programs in the Schools of Business; Education, Health and Human Behavior; Engineering; and Nursing, as well as conditional entry to the School of Pharmacy. All programs have test-optional criteria. Visit siue.edu/direct for details.

Scholarships will be more readily accessible as test scores are no longer required for consideration. Freshmen can qualify for a merit scholarship by meeting any one of the following criteria: 1) Cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale; 2) minimum SAT ERW + M only score of 1,130; or a minimum ACT score of 23. Need-based scholarships are awarded to admitted students demonstrating financial need as funding is available. For more information, visit siue.edu/financial-aid.

“We would like to adopt the policy permanently in recognition of research demonstrating testing bias and inequities,” Belobrajdic said. “A national trend has been developing for several years, which is likely to remove the standardized testing requirement from the admission process for many schools within the next five years.”

Based on preliminary research completed by Carrie Butts-Wilmsmeyer, PhD, director of SIUE’s Center for Predictive Analytics, “both GPA and ACT (standardized) test scores can predict the likelihood of student retention at SIUE. GPA is much more important than ACT test scores overall. There may be some majors where this is not true, although the general major area did not suggest this is a concern. However, in general, high school GPA was weighted approximately 6.5 times more heavily.” Her research analysis shows SIUE students with a high school GPA of 2.6 have a 78.6% probability of returning for year two.

The SIUE Commitment

For all Illinois residents whose family income is $63,000 or less AND assets are $50,000 or less (based on FAFSA data), SIUE will cover the remaining tuition and mandatory fee balances after applying all federal, state and institutional aid to student balances (no loans).

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Kevin Leonard, PhD, is focused on listening, learning and asking questions such as, “How can we more effectively serve students?” 

Leonard assumed his role on July 1. He most recently served as professor and chair in the Department of History at Middle Tennessee State University since 2017. Prior to that, he served as chair of the Department of History at Western Washington University from 2011-17. Leonard’s administrative experience includes strategic planning, recruitment, hiring, mentoring and evaluation of faculty, program assessment and budget management. 

As an educator, Leonard is an innovator and risk taker. 

“Historians are not necessarily known for their risk taking in teaching,” he said. “But when I was at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, the classes were small. I used a discussion-based model. Then when I went to Western Washington University (Bellingham), I was not willing to go back to standing in front of a class and talking at students. The best way for students to learn is for them to actively engage with the material. 

“There are wonderful lecturers who tell great stories and students hang on their every word, but that’s not me or my style. I would use documents, music, video clips and discussions to involve students, and not have them be passive note takers.”   

As a dean and an administrator, Leonard says he’s all ears. 

“I want to listen carefully and get to know the College well. I don’t want to impose my ideas,” he explained. “What I can do is get people to ask, among other things, ‘Why are we doing it this way?’” 

Leonard prefers a team approach to administration. “One of the tremendous rewards of coming to SIUE was being part of an already established team that included Associate Deans Jennifer Rehg, PhD, and Bill Retzlaff, PhD, and Director of Business Affairs Shavonda Mitchom. We have a collaborative, team-focused approach.” 

Personally, Leonard said he is cautious in his approach to administration. “I’m extremely data driven,” he acknowledged. “There is nothing more frustrating to me than being asked to make a decision with incomplete information. I need to see as much information as possible. Then, I will consult with my leadership team, and we will figure out the best response.” 

When it comes to assisting faculty, Leonard believes being an excellent role model goes a long way. 

“If I set the tone that I want people to be the best they can be, it helps foster an even better environment,” shared Leonard. “I also see my job as finding those places where people want to improve, whether it’s in their teaching or research, and locating avenues where I can support that.” 

In turning his attention back to the essential purpose of any college or university – its students – Leonard offers two bits of wisdom. 

“You have to meet students where they are. You can’t jump to conclusions about a student’s ability or commitment based on what might readily be apparent,” he offered. “Also, always be ready to change to better reach students and meet their needs.” 

The Coronavirus pandemic has offered an excellent opportunity to do just that, noted Leonard. 

“COVID-19 has encouraged us to think about how we might do what we have done differently and better,” he continued. “There are already structures, like team taught courses, within SIUE that are useful and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.  

“What is new is the synchronous interaction online. Face-to-face instruction will not go away, but we may see a significant shift. We need to decide what courses work better being taught online. This creates more flexibility than what we previously had.” 

Leonard continues to reflect on the University as a whole, and how he and CAS can assist in making it better. One way, according to the dean, is CAS’s strategic plan. 

“The highest priority in our strategic plan has to do with improving recruitment and retention of diverse faculty, staff and students,” he said. “It is extremely critical and is my highest priority. I arrived here in a pandemic summer, that has been marked by the resurgence of a movement for racial justice in the United States. There is a remarkable opportunity for us to make tremendous progress as a society in terms of increasing justice.” 

Photo:
SIUE College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Kevin Leonard, PhD.

American identity. It’s not one size fits all. This sentiment was part of the conversation during a diversity training workshop for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) students, presented on Monday, Sept. 14 by Tabari Coleman, training consultant, director of Professional Development with the Anti-Defamation League and former CHS instructor. 

Coleman, who provides professional development and diversity training for various schools, agencies and non-profits, spoke via Zoom to juniors in the classes of CHS faculty associates Carolyn Kribs, social studies; Colin Neumeyer, English; and Stephanie Newton, literacy specialist. 

The instructors’ classes have been working on a collaboration of cross-curricular team teaching on “What Does it Mean to be an American?” project and exploring the question through history, literature and writing, according to Kribs.  

Coleman, who taught consumer’s education and public speaking at CHS from 2001-03, started off the discussion with: “What does it mean to be an American?” 

“Freedom” was one quick response. 

“And what does it mean to be a Black American? Are they the same thing?” asked Coleman. 

“No. We get racially profiled sometimes,” said one male student. 

“But, we do have the right to protest,” added one female student. 

“The question of what it means to be an American is broad and has continued to evolve over time,” expounded Tabari. “There are groups in this country who have been able to assimilate a lot easier. There are barriers that prevent us (Blacks) from being seen in ways that white people are seen as American. A lot of that has to do with our history.” 

“When using the descriptor of freedom as being an American, I’m not sure that describes the experiences of all people,” continued Tabari. “When I look around, I see a number of Americans who have not been given the same opportunities as other Americans. Unconsciously, I may have gone along with the idea that freedom is what all Americans enjoy. But, as I become aware and conscious, I may realize that it is not true for everybody. And if that is not true, what other things are not true?” 

Tabari also discussed multiple identities that can include race, gender and place of origin. 

“We will identify the experiences that have consciously and unconsciously shaped your identity, your assumptions about other people and your world view,” Tabari said.    

CHS students shared some of their encounters and feelings about being Black Americans. 

“The topics we talked about were relevant, especially in today’s society,” said J’Nyla Wilbourn. “I learned more about my history, as well. My favorite part was a quote from Frederick Douglass in talking about Black people, ‘The color line meets him everywhere, and in a measure shuts him out from all respectable and profitable trades and callings.’ What I took from that is the systemic racism, discrimination, etc. that limits Black people from opportunities.” 

“I wanted to provide students an opportunity to explore the various aspects of their identities,” said Tabari, “and for them to reflect on the notion of what is means to be an American, and how that may be experienced differently by people of color in the U.S., specifically folks of African heritage.” 

“I hope students realized that their experiences, feeling and voices are valued,” added Kribs. 

“Young people have to be encouraged to think critically about their identities, and to see themselves outside of more than just one aspect of their identity,” informed Tabari. “We must all understand our identities are multi-layered and intertwined with each other. Maybe then we will feel responsible for each other, and as a result make decisions that benefit everyone.” 

The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students’ talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century. 

Photo:
Tabari Coleman, training consultant, director of Professional Development with the Anti-Defamation League and former CHS instructor.