While COVID-19 has thwarted numerous in-person engagement opportunities, individuals continue to serve through reimagined outreach efforts. The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) demonstrated its ability to pivot and provide during National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) in February.

Throughout the month, 38 third- and fourth-year SDM students engaged with more than 600 children, teachers and parents through virtual presentations at seven area schools. Oral health topics included proper dental hygiene, tooth decay prevention, healthy diet and nutrition, oral/systemic connections, and more.

“We are grateful for the teachers who made it a priority for their students to experience oral health education during National Children’s Dental Health Month,” said SIU SDM Director of Community Dentistry Katie Kosten, DMD. “Amid the pandemic, we know the adjustments that teachers have had to make have not been easy. We have a huge appreciation for their efforts and for the SIU SDM’s community partners. One of the most important relationships we have is with our area teachers.”

In years past, children have traveled to the SDM’s Alton campus to enjoy educational activities and receive a dental screening. While the screenings were not able to be performed given COVID-19 safety restrictions, SDM students leveraged technology to significantly increase the number of students they were able to reach.

“We know that oral health education is important, and in order to get the message out, we have to adapt and meet people where they are,” Kosten noted. “We choose to look at these challenging times as opportunities to learn, grow and make our programs even better, so that we can continue to be of service to our community. We look forward to continued relationships with schools, community groups, and community stakeholders in order to make a positive impact on oral and overall health.

Photo: A student practices brushing teeth during a 2019 visit to the SIU School of Dental Medicine. (photo taken pre-COVID)

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville online master’s in healthcare informatics program has been ranked 3rd nationally by intelligent.com in its 2021 Best Master’s in Health Informatics Programs. The SIUE program also was designated “best online program.”

Healthcare informatics professionals integrate the worlds of medicine and technology by combining their expertise in data management, patient care and information technology systems. The master’s in healthcare informatics emphasizes the application of state-of-the-art computing technologies to healthcare.

“Consistent national rankings, and our 2020 accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education has led to an all-time high in program interest,” said Program Director Frank Lyerla, PhD, RN. “We are committed to providing an excellent program that leads to a fulfilling career by preparing our graduates with the knowledge and skills to meet industry needs.”

SIUE developed the program in a corporate partnership with BJC Health Care in 2010 to ensure its workforce would be well-trained to meet demands related to implementing electronic health records and securing patient data across the system. The healthcare informatics program has more recently partnered with the School of Nursing to offer a dual major master’s in healthcare nursing administration and with the School of Pharmacy to offer concurrent graduate degrees.

According to intelligent.com, demand for health service managers is expected to increase by 32% with 133,000 new jobs created by 2029. The average salary for medical and health service managers is more than two times the average worker’s $39,810 salary.

Intelligent.com’s methodology evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost and reputation. A score is calculated for each program on a scale from 0-100. The top picks for the best master’s in health informatics program are affordable, respected and flexible.

For more information, visit siue.edu/healthcare-informatics or contact Lyerla at flyerla@siue.edu.

Photo: Frank Lyerla, director of SIUE’s master’s of healthcare informatics program.

Birthed and nurtured as a dancer in the dynamic, rhythmic world of Dunham Technique and driven to shape other dancers in the same legendary, compelling method, Ta’Shayla Montgomery now teaches in the same performing arts program, located in her hometown of East St. Louis, where she began her training at the age of nine.  

Montgomery is the assistant director and dance consultant at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center (ESLC) for the Performing Arts. Homer Simmons is the program director. 

“My training in Dunham Technique has molded me into the dancer I am today,” said Montgomery, who teaches ballet, contemporary jazz, Afro Cuban and acting. “I want to train and provide students with the same accuracy and precision required to become a professional dancer. The Dunham Technique conditions dancers to form a broad versatility in cultural movement, as well as strengthens their technical diversity, which enables the ability to transition into other forms and techniques.” 

Katherine Dunham was a renowned dance pioneer, anthropologist and social activist who is hailed for creating the Dunham Technique. The dance method engages the body, mind and spirit and is informed by traditional dances of the African Diaspora, as well as modern and ballet. Dunham founded the Performing Arts Training Center (PATC) at the ESLC in 1967 and adopted the City of East St. Louis as her second home around the same time. PATC later became known as the ESLC for the Performing Arts. 

Montgomery, who earned a bachelor’s in theater arts from Howard University, was trained by former ESLC Performing Arts staff: (the late) Director Theodore H. Jamison, Jamila Ajanuku, Andrea Smythe, Jack Williams and Keith Williams (no relation). She also trained with Ruby Streate, Heather Himes and James Belk at the Katherine Dunham Children’s Workshop in East St. Louis. Montgomery graduated from Central Visual and Performing Arts High School and was a student company member at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA), both in St. Louis. 

“I am proud to continue Mrs. Dunham’s global and artistic legacy,” Montgomery emphasized, “because she created and developed such a rare form of artistic genus, all while making such a difference in the lives of many, including my own, across the globe. Her work as a social activist, humanitarian and anthropologist is remarkable. The Dunham Technique has been the foundation and power to succeed inside and outside of the dance studio and classroom. I have learned self-discipline and developed a strong work ethic, but most importantly, gained confidence.” 

“As a teen struggling with self-doubt, I had a habit of walking around with my head down,” she continued. “Mrs. Dunham and Mrs. Streate would scold me and insist that I keep my head up, stand proud and strong, and leave life’s problems outside of the dance studios. It was a wonderful seed that was planted. Today, I walk with confidence, and continuously strive for growth as an individual dancer, teacher and choreographer.” 

All of the benefits Montgomery received from the world of dance are the same gifts she is now excited to pass along. “My goal is to comprehensively prepare all my students,” she shared, “with well-rounded physical and mental knowledge of all art forms for ongoing success in their professions and in life.” 

SIUE East St. Louis Center for Performing Arts After School classes are offered 5-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday on campus. For more information and to enroll, visit the ESLC Performing Arts website page and click on register. 

The SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts has a long, rich history. The legendary dancer, anthropologist, and social activist Katherine Dunham founded the Center for Performing Arts at the SIUE East St. Louis Center in 1964. At its peak in the 1990s, the East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts provided year-round instruction to more than 1,000 youth and became a training ground for professional artists of all disciplines. For decades, the East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts provided performing arts classes to students and community members to develop local talent and to cultivate a love of the arts. Classes often culminated in musical and theatrical productions. 

Photos:
Ta’Shayla Montgomery, assistant director and dance consultant at the SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts, works to pass down the Dunham Technique dance legacy of excellence and empowerment to students.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Legacy Leadership students fashioned a Little Free Library and donated it to the public on Saturday, March 20. The library, located near the entrance of The Gardens at SIUE, was created to encourage children and young adults to read, and to provide for those who may not be able to afford books, according to Emily Skowron, Legacy Leadership member and program director in the Office of Education Outreach. 

“Developing and installing the Little Free Library has been a humbling and memorable experience,” said Skowron. “It was touching to see the joy and excitement of everyone who participated. Members of the SIUE Legacy Leadership organization made this incredible project a reality. 

“The purpose of this capstone initiative was to make the world a better place, and offer children and adults the opportunity to read and learn. I am extremely proud and honored to have been a part of this initiative, and I hope it will benefit society for generations to come.” 

SIUE’s 2020-21 Legacy Leadership program is led by Brett Bertok, Legacy chair of the Student Leadership Council and geography graduate student; and Melinda Stitzel, assistant director of Leadership Programs in the Kimmel Student Involvement Center. Other members include Brigid Aslin, Meredith Bates, Rachell Crayton, Hannah Dietz, Taylor Ewing, Chris Heaton, Alicia Iannece, Jacob Meier (library project leader), Ally Moulton, Lindsy Perry, Hailey Phillips, Elizabeth Rechtien, Evan Senat, Tami Tutor and Megan Walsh. 

SIUE’s Men’s Soccer, of which Meier is a team member, will sustain the Little Free Library. The library was built by local volunteer carpenter Dave Mueller, of Edwardsville.

Photos:
SIUE Legacy Leadership students created a Little Free Library for public use. It is located near the entrance of The Gardens at SIUE.

In pursuit of the ongoing well-being of employees, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/Early Head Start administrators attended the National Center on Health, Behavioral Health and Safety’s (NCHBHS) virtual Staff Wellness Institute from Tuesday-Wednesday, March 23-24. 

“The overall wellness of staff remains a high priority, which is why we were delighted to participate in the conference,” said Lisa Tate, SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start assistant program director/center operations. “The theme was Staff Wellness and Community of Practice.” 

Also attending were Denise Brown, health program coordinator; Adrienne Kaesberg, instructional services program coordinator; and Shameka Brown, special services program coordinator. 

“The conference’s goal was to support Head Start and Early Head Start grantees in creating a culture of wellness, positive morale and respect for staff through a systematic, program-wide approach to staff wellness,” explained Tate. “Addressing health and well-being helps staff understand that they are a valued component in providing the care and nurturing needed for our children to thrive.” 

Tate listed three important takeaways from the meeting:

• How to build an effective staff wellness team
• How to create components of an effective staff wellness plan
• How to develop strategies to support implementation and sustainability of an action plan 

“The NCHBHS will offer monthly training and technical assistance calls from April through September to support implementation of our action plans,” she added. 

The SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program serves more than 860 families and children birth through age five, including children with special needs, throughout St. Clair County. The program also provides services to expectant mothers. The program is housed in 12 early childhood centers, seven managed directly by SIUE staff and five collaborations. The program includes a rigorous school readiness program and provides comprehensive services, such as health/ dental screenings and family engagement and support activities. 

Photo:
L-R: Lisa Tate, SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start assistant program director/center operations; and Carolyn Jason, interim SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start program director.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Army ROTC Cadet Paige Hall has never let her hearing impairment prevent her from pursuing her dreams and standing out as a high achieving student and leader.

Hall is a junior pre-pharmacy major from Washington, Mo. She is currently a participating cadet, with hopes of being contracted upon a favorable medical review.

In a recent feature shared by the U.S. Army, Hall’s perseverance, leadership strengths and positive attitude were highlighted. Written by Michael Maddox and posted Monday, March 22, the article follows.

“Hearing impaired Cadet has aspirations of one day becoming an Army officer”

Being a soldier, a leader, means having the skills to adapt and overcome obstacles to achieve success in any situation. Every ROTC cadet faces their own challenges, and for Cadet Paige Hall her hearing impairment could be seen as one by some – but not to her.

Hall, who is a pharmacy major, has had hearing loss since she was three-years-old and has been using hearing aids ever since. Thanks to being diagnosed at such an early age and learning to adapt, she has been able to take part in ROTC at SIUE.

She chose to start taking ROTC, because she thought it would accent the skills needed to be a pharmacist.

“I knew I would be needing excellent leadership skills as well as other skills for pharmacy school, so I decided to join the ROTC program due to learning that they offer scholarship and volunteer opportunities, help improve physical fitness, leadership skills and discipline,” she explained. “So far, ROTC has taught me that everyone can be a leader.”

“I know for a fact that ROTC has bettered me as a person by teaching me how to communicate with others,” Hall added. “I also feel they bettered me as a person and a leader by having several volunteering opportunities and helping me go outside of my comfort zone.”

The Washington, Mo. native said that while hearing loss presents its own obstacles, she has been able to use it to push herself to take on any challenge.

“I have always had challenges due to my hearing loss, but my parents raised me so that none of those challenges would affect me and my future. This may involve a little more studying, or asking more questions, but I have been able to overcome all of these obstacles to get me where I am today,” she explained.

Hall added that her hearing impairment has led to a life with no regrets.

“I have always had ups and downs when it comes to my hearing impairment, but if I didn’t have this, I believe my life would have looked very different. I wouldn’t have met some of my closest friends, and I wouldn’t have gone to the same school district when I was younger, from elementary through high school,” she said.

It’s those experiences that help her inspire others in and out of ROTC.

“I believe that I bring positivity to other cadets while being in the ROTC program as a STEM major. I like being able to show people that I can be a STEM major and an Army ROTC cadet at the same time. I believe this encourages other people to consider joining the program, no matter their major,” she said.

Lt. Col. Timothy Clark, professor of military science at SIUE, said Hall does exactly that, and with extra enthusiasm that shows.

“Paige comes to everything and ‘gets it’ - that this is a team sport and a hands-on contact sport. You have to be present and give your best to get the most out of it,” he shared. “While other non-contracted cadets in simpler degree paths quit or skip events, she is reliable and always has a great attitude. Others are drawn to her naturally, though she probably would describe herself as quiet and reserved. I have seen the positive attitude that results within any squad she is assigned.”

Currently, Hall is a participating Cadet, but both she and the ROTC staff hope that status will change in the future if her medical review returns favorable.

“We hope to get Cadet Hall through her medical review and contract her. However, if ROTC cannot gain a waiver, we have also helped her link up with AMEDD recruiters for a future direct commission,” Clark said. “She has told me after being around ROTC, being visited by alumni or other military leaders, that she absolutely knows she wants to be an Army pharmacist. We are always linked in with AMEDD recruiters to help us tell their story and our story to those low-density student fields. Meeting with them at some leadership labs last year and more discussions this year helped endear her to both ROTC and the Army.”

Clark said along with everything else, Hall is also one of the ROTC’s biggest promoters on campus.

“Paige brings the message to many of those intensely focused and fast-track minded students that No. 1, ROTC is a benefit to everyone - regardless of race, gender or even with a handicap. No. 2, ROTC doesn't interfere but amplifies their college experience, making them competitive for the next level,” he explained. “No. 3, she breaks down stereotypes of what the average person thinks the Army experience is.

“It’s not drill sergeants screaming or a rigid mold that you are forced into. And No. 4, she displays that for the lower density and difficult STEM majors, and varsity athletes, Army ROTC flexes to ensure you succeed in your primary mission - college graduation, because the Cadre know there is no ‘Lieutenant Hall’ until there is ‘College Graduate, Pharmacist Hall,’ or whatever STEM, nursing, or upper level professional degree path a student may be in.”

Hall is hopeful she will receive a medical waiver, but if not, she plans to continue to stay positive.

“Don’t let anything get in the way of what you want to do in life. There will be obstacles and people who will tell you that you cannot succeed, but that’s when you push yourself to be the best that you can be and prove them wrong,” she said. “The motto I have always gone by in life is, if you want something bad enough, you will push through every obstacle you come across to get it.”

Army ROTC is one of the best leadership courses in the country and is part of your college curriculum. Through classes and field training, Army ROTC provides you with the tools to become an Army Officer without interfering with your other classes. ROTC also provides you with discipline and money for tuition while enhancing your college experience.

For more information on the SIUE Army ROTC program, visit siue.edu/rotc.

Photo: SIUE Army ROTC Cadet Paige Hall.

Real-world applications are essential to college student development, specifically for those pursuing data sciences. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Center for Predictive Analytics’ (C-PAN) Data Science Internship (DSI) Program is providing students with the opportunity to gain applied experience in data analysis to prepare for their future careers while aiding the local region with affordable and novel data solutions.

C-PAN was founded in 2019 to support the growing need for big data and machine learning solutions on the SIUE campus and surrounding area. By assisting campus researchers and local industries, C-PAN provides innovative data analysis solutions and real-world training opportunities to the next generation of data scientists.

C-PAN is currently recruiting graduate and undergraduate student interns to provide data analysis skills for a variety of projects. Student interns at the undergraduate level gain exposure to real-world datasets while receiving hands-on training they can utilize in their future careers. Graduate student interns work on data science projects while serving as project managers and coordinating teams of undergraduate students.

“What we are finding with training students in data science is that coursework is invaluable and has its rightful place, but students also need hands-on training in order to develop the data skills they’ll need in the workplace,” said C-PAN Director Carolyn Butts-Wilmsmeyer, PhD. “The DSI Program will help students develop those important job skills before they graduate.”

Within the DSI Program, interns can expect to conduct data analysis, compile data, help researchers find and evaluate data analysis tools, help others understand their analysis, and troubleshoot coding errors in R, SAS, Python, Excel, and Business Intelligence software.

Geography major Courtney Flach, of Montrose, is C-PAN’s inaugural DSI graduate student. Flach applies her background in math, computer science, and geography to solve complex data problems while mentoring undergraduate students.

“Through C-PAN, I have had the opportunity to work with several different types of data, been exposed to different methods, and gained experience interpreting data and reporting it in a way that others can understand,” said Flach. “These are valuable skills in preparing for a future career that I would have not otherwise gained.”

Flach has contributed to numerous C-PAN projects, including leading “An Analysis of Housing in St. Louis by Race, Income, and Parcel Vacancy Rates.” She is currently managing C-PAN’s Data Science Help Desk while working on risk assessment, weather, and geospatial models.

“Since the program’s establishment, many students have become involved, which is wonderful to see,” added Flach. “Each student plays an integral role that is geared towards their interests. The housing project involved geospatial analysis, which is directly in line with the type of work I want to pursue. Having the opportunity to build on my skills in this field is extremely beneficial.”

Flach aspires to work in the geography field, preferably GIS or weather-related, where she can continue to work with and mine data.

“As every discipline becomes progressively more data-driven in this digital world, a lot of brilliant researchers are finding themselves in a position where they have collected an amazing dataset but need to use statistical and data science resources in order to analyze their data,” added Butts-Wilmsmeyer. “The DSI Program helps to provide a resource to researchers both on campus and at nearby industries, while providing interns the chance to gain data science and statistical analysis experience under the guidance of a faculty member.”

Students interested in C-PAN’s DSI program can contact Butts-Wilmsmeyer at cbuttsw@siue.edu or 618-650-2682. To meet C-PAN’s current DSI students, visit siue.edu/cpan/about/who-we-are.

Photos: DSI students surround C-PAN Director Carrie Butts-Wilmsmeyer (second from left), including (L-R) Michael French, Courtney Flach, Elijah Florence and Ugochukwu Eleonu.

C-PAN Director Carrie Butts-Wilmsmeyer (center) mentors DSI students Courtney Flach (right) and Elijah Florence (left) as they work on data analyses.

Fascinating research projects and excellent creative endeavors will be featured during the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Graduate Student Research Symposium to be held virtually Tuesday, April 6.

Hosted by the SIUE Graduate School, the annual symposium is a much-anticipated event for graduate students to share their research and creative projects with the campus community. And, thanks to a positive outcome of the need to go virtual, broader community members can explore their presentations, too.

“This event provides a professional development opportunity for graduate students, as they gain experience in describing the impact of their work to others outside of their discipline and benefit from the constructive feedback of faculty evaluators,” said Jill Smucker, director of graduate education. “As we celebrate our 24^th annual symposium, we will host the event virtually for the first time. Although this change in format was initially driven by COVID-19 restrictions, we look forward to a wider audience being able to attend.”

The symposium is open to all SIUE graduate students from all graduate programs. This year, each student researcher will summarize their work during a five-minute period, followed by a 10-minute question and answer session with the audience. The presentations will be divided into two sessions. Session one will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. and session two will take place from 3-4:30 p.m.

A sampling of featured presentations (and the program from which they’ve been developed), includes:

• Negative Shapes of the Body: Research in Painting and Sculpture (art studio)
• Changes in Species Composition and Diversity of Remnant Illinois Wetlands (biological sciences)
• Attitudes towards Interracial Relationships (media studies)
• Examining the Relationship between Coaching Style and Athlete Grit (kinesiology – exercise and sport psychology)
• How Gender and Parental Stereotypes Influence Financial and Career Outcomes for Mothers (industrial/organizational psychology)
• Development of Robotic Technologies Tailored for Precision Agriculture (computer science)
• A Simulation Study of Improving the Efficiency and Equitable Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccine (master’s of business administration)

To view presentation information and for the Zoom links to each session, visit siue.edu/graduate and click on Research Symposium.

Photo: A student showcases his innovative research project to interested attendees at the 2019 Graduate School Research Symposium.

Reaching and keeping Black students in a comprehensively supportive academic community in which they can flourish is entrenched into Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Quality Initiative (QI) goal of becoming an anti-racist institution. 

The University’s QI, an important part of its reaccreditation process with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), was the backdrop of SIUE’s 2021 Virtual Diversity and Inclusion Spring Summit, “The Fierce Urgency of Now: Recruitment and Retention of Black Students Through an Antideficit Lens” held Wednesday, March 24. 

“I view recruitment and retention as two sides of the same coin,” said Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Jessica Harris, PhD. “If we aspire to increase the numbers of Black undergraduate and graduate students at SIUE, and retain and graduate them, we must assess our readiness to genuinely respond to students’ needs and our preparedness to facilitate their success. We must also critically examine our policies, practices and campus climate, and do the work necessary to ensure that this is a university that Black students not only want to attend, but also a place where they will thrive.” 

“All students admitted to institutions of higher learning deserve a fair opportunity to excel and persist to graduation,” said Courtney Boddie, PhD, associate dean of students for diversity and inclusion and director of Counseling Services. “If our institution is to do as it says it will – embed anti-racism – we are also to recognize the historical role of factors like enslavement and its sequelae in contributing to why some Black students struggle academically and/or socially, instead of blaming the individual student or the student’s racial groups for their outcomes.” 

Carolyn Butts-Wilmsmeyer, PhD, director of the Center for Predictive Analytics (C-PAN) and associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, presented “Current Trends in Retention and Opportunities for Successful Intervention.” The report was a joint effort by C-PAN and the Office of Enrollment Management. 

In the report, Butts-Wilmsmeyer revealed numbers that showed one- and two-year retention rates for Black students, the second largest cohort at SIUE, as considerably lower than any other group on campus. For instance, across cohorts of students entering the University between 2013 to 2019, the one-year Black male retention rate, adjusted for high school grade point average (GPA), were approximately 6% lower than the campus average. 

The numbers are also similar when it comes to graduation rates. Based on 2020 graduation data, four-year graduate rates were 4.62% for Black males and 13.38% for Black females, compared to 30.89% overall. Likewise, five-year graduation rates were 16.78% for Black males and 22.57% for Black females, compared to 42.63% overall. Similarly, six-year graduation rates were 18.88% for Black males and 36.54% for Black females, compared to 50.61% overall. 

Suggested corrective measures included:

• Proactive recruitment at both undergraduate and graduate levels
• Enhanced academic and social support, expanded opportunities for student engagement
• Intentionally designed opportunities for engagement with diversity in the curriculum and co-curriculum
• Campus-wide diversity training and education for faculty, staff, students and administrators
• Revision of current and the adoption of new policies, procedures, and practices to advance anti-racism and inclusive excellence 

 Woven throughout the summit were the goals of the QI and the SIUE’s Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF), convened by SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook in June 2020, which proposed short- and long-term actions that the University can take to dismantle racism on campus.  

“We want to make sure we are supporting our students to the best of our ability,” said Butts-Wilmsmeyer. “There is not a one-size-fits-all solution.” 

“I am glad to be part of a university that is willing to roll its sleeves up and get to work on such a crucial subject,” said Harris, “and is willing to bring about solutions that will make the entire community better and stronger.” 

Associate Provost Elza Ibroscheva, PhD, also served as a presenter. 

Following the presentations, the more than 140 participants were divided into the following breakout rooms for discussion and planning: recruitment, retention and graduation, graduate/professional students, and campus-wide training. 

Summit planning committee members included Harris, Boddie, Jamie Ball, JD, director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access and Title IX Coordination; Shane Taylor, director of development for Lovejoy Library and the School of Pharmacy; and Beth Giese, assistant director of University Marketing and Communications. 

Photo:
SIUE’s 2021 Virtual Diversity and Inclusion Spring Summit presenters and planning committee.
(Top L-R) Jamie Ball, JD, director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access and Title IX Coordination; Jessica Harris, PhD, vice chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Courtney Boddie, PhD, associate dean of students for diversity and inclusion and director of Counseling Services. (Bottom L-R) Carolyn Butts-Wilmsmeyer, PhD, Center for Predictive Analytics (C-PAN) and associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences; Beth Giese, assistant director of University Marketing and Communications; Elza Ibroscheva, PhD, associate provost, and Shane Taylor, director of development for Lovejoy Library and the School of Pharmacy.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is donating Ramsey Solutions’ Foundations in Personal Finance curriculum to Belleville West High School, SIUE East St. Louis Charter School and Collinsville High School. Foundations in Personal Finance is the premier curriculum for teaching financial literacy to students. 

Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey created Foundations in Personal Finance, an easy-to-use, turn-key school curriculum that teaches students the value of saving, spending and giving to guide them down the path of financial literacy.

“Students often come to college with a limited understanding of how to manage their money,” said SIUE CORE T.E.A.M. Director MaKesha Harris Lee, PhD. “Financing a college education and managing living expenses can be more complicated than most students realize. This lack of financial literacy can quickly lead to an accumulation of debt, stress and worry not only for the student, but also for their families, as well.

“It is our hope to support our local high schools in providing life-changing educational experiences that will teach them how to live debt-free. We believe with early preparation, it is possible.”

The SIUE CORE T.E.A.M. is home to several of the University’s premier college preparatory programs, including the SIUE Summer Success Program and the SIUE Pre-Collegiate Program. These programs work with first-generation and low-income high school students, and new first-time college students by providing comprehensive college preparatory and social development skills. These skills play a crucial role in helping students excel both academically and personally in their respective high schools, and prepare them to transition successfully to the college or university of their choice.

More than 5-million students have taken Foundations in Personal Finance in middle schools, high schools and universities nationwide. Foundations in Personal Finance can be used as a resource to fulfill requirements in mathematics, economics, family and consumer sciences, business mathematics, and personal finance. For more information about the curriculum, visit ramseyeducation.com/.

About Ramsey Solutions

Ramsey Solutions is committed to empowering people in the areas of money, business, leadership and personal development using Biblically-based, common sense principles and education. Every day, Ramsey Solutions reaches millions with nationally syndicated radio shows and columns, #1 national best-selling books, products and courses, and industry-renowned podcasts and video channels. Ramsey Solutions’ world-class speakers and authors give inspiration, practical advice and hope to audiences across the country. Recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the best places to work in the country, Ramsey Solutions and its team of more than 900 are dedicated to doing work that matters. For more information, visit ramseysolutions.com.

Photo: SIUE CORE T.E.A.M. Director MaKesha Harris Lee, PhD.

Creating, cutting and arranging pictures into patterns, completing math-related puzzles in the nick of time and answering questions arranged in a popular game format, were some of the activities that Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) students completed during their first virtual (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) STEAM/Pi Day on Thursday, March 25.  

“We are so excited to virtually offer our first STEAM/Pi Day,” said Liza Cummings, PhD, CHS STEM instructional coordinator and STEAM/Pi Day project leader. “Our teachers have worked hard to make the activities challenging and fun. Although we can’t participate in person, we wanted to continue this wonderful annual event.” 

The students were able to participate in three of the following online CHS instructor/staff-led activities: 

• Tessellations Challenge (Stephanie Newton and Carolyn Kribs):
  Students arranged shapes closely fitted together in a repeated pattern without gaps or overlapping. 

“I learned how to create and make a design of a tessellation,” said CHS freshman Theodric Belt. “I am enjoying the creation, and the design of it is endless.” 

“It’s like a puzzle,” said CHS junior Sydney Williams. “I like it, because it’s different.” 

• Realistic Sketch Challenge, (Hope Jordan and Colin Neumeyer):
  Students showed their skills of drawing techniques using character sketching, doodles, shapes, proportions, perspectives and more while sketching their favorite teacher from a photograph. 

• Escape the Room Challenge version one, (Johnathan Tate and Bridget Nelson):
  Players were put in a factoring/distribution escape game where they had to work together in a race against the clock to solve a series of increasingly challenging puzzles. 

• Escape the Room Challenge version two (Greg Laktzian and Ron Irving):
  Players were put in a(n) area/perimeter mathematics escape game, where they had to work together to solve a series of increasingly challenging puzzles with a limited amount of time. 

• Jeopardy (Agathe Ilunga and Marquita Holton):
  Students were challenged in answering topics related to STEAM. 

• Bingo (Edith Laktzian and Mildred Fort):
  It was a race to get four in a row, column, diagonal or corners of STEAM topics. 

• Sudoku Challenge (Aaron Vance and Anna Turner):
  The classic game involved a grid of 81 squares. Students had to adhere to the rules that each of the nine blocks, columns and rows have to contain all the numbers 1-9 within the blocks, columns and rows. Each number can only appear once in a row, column or block. 

• Rose Slime Challenge (take home assignment)
  Students were charged to create a moist, soft and slippery substance. 

A total of 21 prizes, each a $20 Amazon gift card, will be awarded to the winning students on Monday, April 5, according to Cummings. 

“This hasn’t been just like schoolwork,” said CHS freshman Angel Belt. “Learning from STEAM activities has been fun.” 

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:
Liza Cummings, PhD, CHS STEM instructional coordinator and STEAM/Pi Day project leader.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville summer session 2021 offers a quality education that features flexibility and convenience. SIUE offers nearly 1,000 summer classes, including online and on-ground options.                   

Registration begins Monday, March 29 at siue.edu/summer/apply-or-register.

A variety of introductory general education, required upper-division classes and graduate seminars are offered during summer session. Classes begin Monday, May 10.

“SIUE’s summer session courses reflect the high-quality instruction our students expect,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD. “Summer session provides an important opportunity for students to advance toward graduation.”

At SIUE, summer classes are taught by full-time faculty. Students will experience the same academic excellence and personal attention from faculty that they received during fall and spring semesters. 

Students don’t have to go far to mix sun and activity with their academic schedule, as SIUE’s campus is abuzz throughout the summer. The University’s beautiful campus features The Gardens at SIUE, sand volleyball courts, a disk golf course, Cougar Lake and miles of scenic bike trails.

A complete list of activities and registration details can be found at siue.edu/summer.

Photo: SIUE summer session 2021.

Original, electrifying and surprising musical performances that excite, entertain and even educate is a deserved reputation that the Grammy-Award-winning percussion quarter, Third Coast Percussion, holds. The Chicago-based group will delight audiences during a free concert presented by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Arts & Issues at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 31 on the ensemble’s YouTube channel. The ensemble will interact live with the audience via YouTube Chat throughout the premiere. 

For 15 years, Third Coast Percussion has toured the world, creating performances that constantly redefine the classical music experience. “The ensemble has forged a unique path in the musical landscape with virtuosic, energetic performances that celebrate the extraordinary depth and breadth of musical possibilities in the world of percussion,” according to its website. Third Coast Percussion was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 2020. 

“I’ve been interested in bringing in Third Coast Percussion for a number of years, but frankly, we couldn’t afford them for a live performance,” said Arts & Issues Director Grant Andree. “Since we’re not doing live shows this year, this was an opportunity to bring them into our season with a virtual concert and a live chat. They’re known for working with a wide range of artists and composers.” 

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. 

The Alestle and 88.7 WSIE FM The Sound are Arts & Issues media sponsors. 

Arts & Issues is tied to the academic mission of the University. For 36 years, the series has presented some of the world’s finest performing artists and showcased speakers from across the spectrum in areas such as science, history, literature and politics. The program also offers unique opportunities for students, faculty, staff and the community to engage with these performers and speakers through master classes and special sessions. 

Photo Credit: Barbara Johnson, University Photographer, Copyright University of Notre Dame.

TRANSforming Community TRANSforming Care is a newly launched partnership between the Metro Trans Umbrella Group and Planned Parenthood. As a patient and through their work as the housing and outreach coordinator for the Metro Trans Umbrella Group, SIUE alum Beth Gombos has helped underscore the need for expanded health care services for the transgender community.

St. Louis Public Radio detailed the partnership and the need for enhanced services in a St. Louis On the Air segment published Wednesday, March 24. Listen and read more here.

For one highly successful St. Louis area entrepreneur, growing his business, Blue Stingray, meant making mistakes and learning what he valued. Now, Brian Rehg is able to share those lessons as a new board member of the Metro East Business Incubator (MEBI), providing valuable insight and mentoring to other local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Jo Ann DiMaggio May, director of the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is a fellow MEBI board member. “I am sure that Brian will be willing to advise many MEBI clients, as well as entrepreneurs in our SBDC network,” she said. “There is potential for Blue Stingray and the SBDC to work well together, and I can certainly see SBDC clients being referred to Blue Stingray.”

 In 2009, Rehg registered Blue Stingray for $70. He started the business from his kitchen table, working as a consultant and building enterprise cloud-software solutions. The company now makes millions annually and is headquartered in downtown St. Louis.

Rehg takes a “cowboy approach” to entrepreneurship. When he started, he had no plan, no mission statement and no loans. He learned business lessons from trial and error, gradually establishing his reputation. Eventually, he started to gain more clients through word-of-mouth.

“I offered excellent service at a great price,” Rehg says. “When that’s your position, you’ll get clients. The difficult part is figuring out how to expand from there.”

Demand for his services continued to increase. In 2011, he hired his first employee. This allowed Rehg to increase his client load considerably and take his business to the next level. As his staff grew, he quickly noticed the amount of time and money that his company spent on training.

To help solve this challenge, his team built a training program that would efficiently get new hires up to speed and adequately equip them for their role in the company, which allowed Rehg to hire relatively inexperienced applicants and build their expertise. “We hire based on personality more than expertise,” Rehg says. “Expertise is helpful, but maintaining a strong company culture is incredibly important.”

Now, Blue Stingray has 20 employees. Rehg’s team has worked with major companies including Pepsi and TransAmerica, building large custom software solutions to fit each company’s needs. Blue Stingray offers complete cloud application development, e-commerce development, enterprise resource planning (ERP) integration and other services for clients in a variety of sectors.

The journey was not always easy. Rehg learned that finding clients with similar company values was difficult. As he encountered some “bad apple” clients, he began seeking clients who would aid in building a positive and professional relationship. Rehg credits this approach with Blue Stingray’s positive work environment.  

In addition to managing his company and team, Rehg is also highly involved in the community by mentoring for Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis, volunteering for LaunchCode, and serving on several executive nonprofit boards.

 For new entrepreneurs, Rehg recommends starting as slowly and small as possible. His other tip: remain focused on your niche and avoid losing focus as you grow.

“Starting small allows you to find and build clientele, and renting space instead of buying will enable you to evaluate your profitability and responsibly decide when to upgrade your physical space,” Rehg says.

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists entrepreneurs as well as existing business owners operating in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. 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.

SBDCs in Illinois are funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement among the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a service to the community. To learn how these no- cost services may help your business venture, contact the Metro East SBDC at 618-650-2929 or sbdcedw@gmail.com.

Photo: Blue Stingray Owner Brian Rehg.

The NCERC at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has named Jacqueline Pohlman as its director of business development and client relations.

Pohlman returns to NCERC after working at the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and leading its member relations efforts since November 2018. Prior to serving RFA, Pohlman was a specialist of commercialization at NCERC and led the onboarding of research clients while promoting NCERC’s research capabilities across various biorenewables industries. Pohlman began her career in the biofuel industry while earning a master’s of business administration at SIUE’s School of Business.

“I’m eager to return to NCERC and be part of the center’s next chapter in providing unrivaled expertise and research capabilities to the biorenewable industry’s most innovative companies,” said Pohlman. “NCERC is truly a one-of-a-kind organization that is poised to play an integral role in helping companies across the globe commercialize technologies that will pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. I’m thrilled to be a part of it, and contribute by connecting these companies to NCERC’s skilled staff and unique facility.”

Pohlman plans to revitalize NCERC’s business development strategy and build stronger relationships with current and potential biorenewable industries.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have Jackie as our director of business development and client relations, because this position is mission critical to NCERC’s success,” said NCERC Executive Director John Caupert. “Jackie served in exemplary fashion during her previous role as specialist of commercialization. She brought an unmatched awareness to the unique capabilities only NCERC can offer. From the time she left that role, we felt the impact.

“In this capacity, Jackie’s efforts will stretch far beyond the scope of client contractual research, as she will also seek sponsored project opportunities, as well as serve on the NCERC Research, Grants, Education and Training team. Additionally, she will also assume responsibility for all marketing, communications and promotions efforts.”

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 Jackie Pohlman at jpohlman@ethanolresearch.com, or visit www.ethanolresearch.com.

Photo: NCERC at SIUE Director of Business Development and Client Relations Jackie Pohlman.

The incredible contributions of inspiring women who embrace and promote diversity, equity and inclusion within their own lives and the lives of others were showcased during Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s annual Phenomenal Women’s Celebration held virtually on Monday, March 29.

The 2021 Phenomenal Women honorees included 14 leaders from a competitive pool of 26 nominations. At the celebratory event, coordinated by the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, kind remarks were shared by each of the honorees’ nominators, underscoring their worthiness of this distinct recognition.

“Congratulations to this year’s Phenomenal Women,” said Venessa Brown, PhD, associate athletics director for diversity, equity and inclusion, and chief diversity officer. “Each year we hear about new women across campus and in our communities, who are doing amazing things to embrace and advance diversity, equity and inclusion. We are proud to celebrate their incredible impact.”

Brown was among the 2021 Phenomenal Women. She and the other honorees were formally announced by Chancellor Randy Pembrook.

• Alicia Alexander, PhD: professor in the Department of Applied Communication Studies, and director of the local affiliate of Support the Girls – Edwardsville
• Carolyn Compton: assistant director of Community Engagement in the Kimmel Student Involvement Center
• Riane Greenwalt, RN: director of SIUE Health Service
• Candace Hall, EdD: instructor in the Department of Educational Leadership and co-director of the College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) program
• Jessica Harris, PhD: vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion
• Elizabeth Kamper: first year engagement and retention librarian in Library and Information Services
• Heather Kniffel: creative director in University Marketing and Communications
• Edna Patterson-Petty: SIUE 2009 Alumni Hall of Famer and celebrated artist
• Kylea Perkins: senior studio art major and Undergraduate Research and Creatives Activities (URCA) associate
• Britt Peterson, PhD: assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and IMPACT Academy trainer
• Amy Reed: interim coordinator of the School of Nursing’s Simulated Learning Center for Health Sciences, and instructor in the Department of Family Health and Community Health Nursing
• Stephanie Simpson: assistant director of Online Student Services in the Office of Online and Education Outreach
• Melinda Stitzel: assistant director of Leadership Programs in the Kimmel Student Involvement Center

Jay’nee Alston, a graduate student in the kinesiology program and former SIUE Women’s Basketball player, spoke about what it means to be a strong Black woman. 

“Being a woman in today’s society, we face many challenges such as sexism, lack of access to equal opportunities and overall lack of respect,” Alston said. “I respect every woman in this world who does not let today’s society define them by gender.”

Alston also underscored her mother’s strength, who led a single-parent household. Her presentation concluded with the reading of “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou.

The annual celebration concluded with the 2021 honorees sharing words of gratitude and motivated calls for increased collaboration within the accomplished group.

Photo: A photo collage of the 2021 Phenomenal Women, including most nominees.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing (SON) and Carl Sandburg College (Sandburg) have agreed to offer an accelerated path to a bachelor’s in nursing (BS) that would allow students to complete their general education courses at Sandburg, earning an associate degree in nursing, and complete their baccalaureate nursing coursework online through SIUE.

Students can take classes at Sandburg and begin a job in their profession, while working online to obtain their BS from SIUE.

The SON accelerated registered nurse to Bachelor of Science (RN to BS) in nursing option is offered in a flexible, entirely online format to accommodate the needs of working registered nurses (RNs). The program format consists of eight-week courses, and can be completed in one year (three semesters) if most of the general education requirements are met at the time of admission. A student’s academic progression plan is customized to meet their individual needs. Those interested in attaining an RN to MSN or DNP may apply for accelerated graduate nursing options.

“Our nursing students will benefit from the partnership created between Sandburg and SIUE. This pathway offers the opportunity to further their nursing education with a highly respected institution at an affordable cost and in a timely manner,” said Dean of Health Professions Kristina Gray. “We are fortunate to partner with an institution that shares our commitment to student success and to high-quality nursing education.”

“The partnership between Carl Sandburg College and the SIUE School of Nursing demonstrates a mutual commitment of offering high-quality, affordable and accessible education to students who want to become nurses and advance within their profession,” said SON Dean Laura Bernaix, PhD. “This partnership will undoubtedly contribute toward ensuring a robust nursing workforce in Illinois.”

For more information, contact Sandburg at 309-345-3500 or sandburg.edu/Academics/Pathways/Health_Sciences or visit siue.edu/nursing/academic-programs.

About Carl Sandburg College

Carl Sandburg College is dedicated to serving the educational needs of western and central Illinois. The College has served the area for more than 50 years with accreditation that has been approved by The Higher Learning Commission. Individual and community improvement through education is the goal of Sandburg, and we strive to give individuals the ability to think critically, to realize their human potential, and to become a constructive force in their environment. The mission of Carl Sandburg College is to provide all students with opportunities for success.

Photo: SIUE School of Nursing Dean Laura Bernaix.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering (SOE) celebrated distinguished students and shared its gratitude for donor support during its annual Honors Day program held Sunday, March 28.

At the virtual event, 62 scholarships totaling nearly $70,000 were awarded to 53 students. The SOE recognized students who achieved the fall 2020 Dean’s List. It also honored its 2020 Outstanding Teachers and Researcher who were previously awarded for their exceptional efforts during the SOE Awards Banquet held in February.

“I am proud to be the dean of a School that has continuously strived to distinguish itself as the center of excellence in engineering education,” said SOE Dean Cem Karacal, PhD. “We would like to be known as the premier model in preparing the most technically competent future leaders in our region and beyond, as well as be the major source of technical know-how for our industry partners.”

Jon Klingensmith, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, was named the 2020 Outstanding Researcher. His current research project aims to develop a system to make a comprehensive assessment of cardiac fat using only 2D ultrasound, an inexpensive and portable imaging modality.

Both, Klingensmith and SOE donor and professor emeritus Raghu Bollini, PhD, were featured speakers at Honors Day.

Bollini joined SIUE in 1973 as an assistant professor, and retired as chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in 1999. He recently doubled his investment to the SOE in the Raghupathy and Sailarani Bollini Endowed Scholarship. The gift ensures scholarships for computer or electrical engineering students with preference given to those with financial need, as well as first-generation college students.

“We appreciate the generous support of Dr. Bollini and our many donors,” said Karacal. “In the School of Engineering, we work hard to increase the number of scholarships we can offer to our deserving students. We are constantly working to increase the number of endowed scholarship funds in the school to help support current students and recruit additional highly-prepared students.”

Two students also shared remarks, including MacKenzie Randolph, of Shipman, a junior pursuing a bachelor’s in computer science, and Jeancy Muleba, of Florissant, Mo., a senior in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering.

Randolph received the Grace M. Hopper Memorial Award. Randolph serves as a senator representing the SOE in SIUE’s Student Government, and is a member of the Society of Women Engineers, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, the External Affairs Committee and the General Education Committee. While at SIUE, she was offered a summer internship at Ameren in its cybersecurity division.

Muleba is the recipient of the Dr. Charles Alvin Wentz, Jr. National Society of Black Engineers Scholarship. He is president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers student chapters at SIUE. Upon graduation, Muleba plans to pursue an advanced degree with a focus on biotechnology and prosthetics.

A complete list of scholarship recipients, Dean’s List students and outstanding teachers is available at siue.edu/engineering/students-life/honors-day-2021. 

For more information on giving to the SOE, contact Director of Development Lisa Smith at lsmitag@siue.edu.

Photo: The SIUE School of Engineering Honors Day program featured presentations from 2020 Outstanding Researcher Jon Klingensmith, PhD, professor emeritus and donor Raghu Bollini, PhD, and students MacKenzie Randolph and Jeancy Muleba.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month across the nation, and the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Department is urging drivers to drop their phones and focus on the road with a not-so-subtle reminder: “Phone in One Hand. Ticket in the Other.”

“It has become all too common to see people driving down the road while looking at their phones,” said Chief Kevin Schmoll. “People are aware that texting and driving is both dangerous and illegal, but they do it anyway, putting themselves and others at risk. During April, you will see increased law enforcement efforts as officers stop and ticket anyone who violates distracted driving and other Illinois motor vehicle laws.”

In support of this effort, the SIUE Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies around Illinois the entire month of April.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a total of 26,004 people died in U.S. crashes involving a distracted driver from 2012-2019.

The distracted driving campaign is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation with federal traffic safety funds.

Photo: SIUE Police Chief Kevin Schmoll.