From mask and disinfectant-related projects to a regional collaboration between a Belleville student and a St. Louis biological sciences research hub, the more than 60 projects presented at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s virtual Science and Engineering Research Challenge (SERC) were impressive.

The annual event is held in April and hosted by the SIUE STEM Center. It provides students grades 5-12 the opportunity to think like a scientist, make new discoveries and test theories beyond classroom curriculum.

“This event promotes independent critical thinking and the opportunity to learn through the scientific process,” said SERC Director Colin Wilson, instructor and outreach specialist in the SIUE STEM Center. “It also builds relationships between the University and local educators. SIUE is proud to support these students who may go on to study in STEM fields and become future industry professionals.”

This year’s top-placing students included:

• Lisa Crawford, Governor French Academy (Best in Challenge)
• Tahlor Johnson, Governor French Academy (First Place Senior Division and First Place Paper Competition)
• Lillian Kemper, Zion Lutheran School (First Place Junior Division)
• Spencer Herberts, Governor French Academy (Second Place Senior Division)
• Manel El Morabit, Governor French Academy (Second Place Junior Division)
• Will Wojcieszak, Edwardsville High School (Third Place Senior Division)
• Marcus King, Governor French Academy (Third Place Junior Division)
• Nathan Hay and Jared Christopher, Collinsville High School (Second Place Paper Competition)

Johnson has been named the nominee to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), where she competes this week in the virtual Regeneron ISEF 2021. She and 16 other standout students from the regional SERC event will also move on as representatives at the IJAS State Science Fair to be held in May.

For a complete list of results, visit SIUESTEMCenter.org/research-challenge-2.

Photo: SIUE STEM Center logo.

Susanne DiSalvo, PhD, assistant professor in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Biological Sciences, has received the highly competitive National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award totaling $463,557.

The award supports her research entitled, “Population and evolutionary dynamics of bacteriophage-symbiont-host interactions: Development of a multi-layered model microbiome,” the findings of which will elucidate virus-host evolution and may inform alternative strategies for treating bacterial infections.

“I feel incredibly fortunate,” said DiSalvo. “This grant will fund a long-term project in my lab integrating bacteriophages (viruses of bacteria) into my research program which focuses on bacterial infections in an amoeba host system. Bacteriophages are highly ubiquitous in the environment and play a powerful role on bacterial prevalence and evolution. With the rise of antibiotic resistance, interest in using phages to treat bacterial infections has magnified, but their long-term efficacy and their potential to drive the evolution of their bacterial targets within a treated individual is not well understood. This project seeks to illuminate the dynamic outcomes of phage treatment in a tractable model system.”

“The CAREER grant is the NSF’s most prestigious award a faculty member can receive in their early career,” said Jerry Weinberg, PhD, associate provost for research and dean of the Graduate School. “This award is recognition of Dr. DiSalvo’s achievements, as well as NSF’s investment in her potential for advancing knowledge and education in her area of research.”

DiSalvo underscores the importance of publicly investing in science, the value of which has become obvious amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The fact that there are effective vaccines against Sars-Cov-2 within a year of its emergence is a product of decades of research in both basic and translational science,” she explained. “This would not have been possible without federally funded research and infrastructure. The current emphasis on supporting science makes me optimistic about our future, specifically for training future scientists who can go on to solve future challenges.”       

Funding from the NSF CAREER Award will allow DiSalvo to train several students in hands-on inquiry-based research.

“I will be able to support graduate and undergraduate students in my research lab with these funds and integrate key research elements into my teaching courses – specifically microbiology and virology – allowing a large number of students to learn valuable scientific skills while directly contributing to novel discoveries,” DiSalvo said.

“A typical student project entails a mix of collaborative and independent work planning and conducting the experimental strategy and analyzing and interpreting results,” she added. “Students participate in a variety of microbial, molecular and computational work, as well as attend weekly lab meetings to discuss science literature, research progress, career goals and many other topics beyond research. There is a lot of camaraderie in the lab, and the students not only work hard on their own projects, but also readily help one another and make the lab a fun and friendly place to be.”

DiSalvo also earned the Graduate School’s 2020-21 Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator Award. According to DiSalvo, the award was instrumental for progressing her project on the mechanisms underlying Paraburkholderia infections.

“Through this work, I was able to identify amoeba host genes that play an important role in mediating the infection process, and in specific, defending the host from high levels of infection,” she explained. “This discovery allows me to craft a hypothesis-driven strategy to uncover the mechanisms whereby host factors facilitate or inhibit bacterial infection efficacy.”

She plans to utilize these findings to develop a proposal for a future external grant submission.

Photo: Susanne DiSalvo, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.

The function of libraries continues to improve, steering more towards digitalization and the changing times, but the last year has seen a catapulting need and desire for online learning because of the unexpected and unwelcomed fallout from the pandemic. 

In an effort to better provide patrons with cutting edge advancements and in response to digital expectations, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Lovejoy Library hired Mitchell Haas, assistant professor in Library and Information Services (LIS), as its first online learning librarian. 

“I am responsible for the creation, implementation, and assessment of best practices and guidelines for online learning object creation,” said Haas, who earned a bachelor’s in history in 2010 from SIUE. “This includes determining the appropriate application of tenets of instructional design and accessibility best practices.” 

Haas has completed several asynchronous activities since he started in January. He and Elizabeth Kamper, LIS information literacy librarian, created a source evaluation activity using the ACT UP method which incorporates a social justice focus by asking students to critically think and consider privilege and bias when contemplating sources for their research assignments. 

“This activity shows that access to information and publication is not an equitable playing field,” noted Haas, “and that scholarship created by people whose voices have traditionally been marginalized within the confines of academic publishing, can be found outside of it in such places as open access journals, books, blogs, etc.” The activity can be found here. 

“I feel very passionate about using methods like ACT UP to uplift voices that are all too often left outside of the sphere of scholarly publishing,” he added.      

Recently, Haas completed his first interactive tutorial with the help of LIS Interim Assistant Dean and Health Sciences Librarian Juliet Gray. 

“Using a tool called Rise 360 and content we designed collaboratively, I was able to create a tutorial on evidence-based medical research that supplements much of what would normally be taught in a face-to-face instruction session into an online learning object,” Haas shared. 

“I find both of these projects to be integral to the future of my work at SIUE, because they will help set standards for other asynchronous instruction activities and online learning objects that I’ll be creating,” he continued. “Additionally, by incorporating new technology and ways of thinking about information and information privilege, it will help ensure that complacency does not take root when information literacy, search strategies, and more are taught regardless if these topics are done so online in an asynchronous format, synchronously online or in-person.”

Being able to offer a variety of modules for student learning is critical, according to Haas. “Since the pandemic began more than a year ago, so much of our lives has been forced into an online environment,” he said. “This, in spite of vaccines and other such improvements, is not going to change anytime soon. Having an online learning librarian at Lovejoy Library ensures that every aspect of our information literacy instruction can be efficiently translated to students regardless of the mode of classroom in which it is presented.”

Photo:
SIUE Alumnus Mitchell Haas, assistant professor in Library and Information Services (LIS), is Lovejoy Library’s first online learning librarian.

Mindful academic advising is vital for student success in higher education nationwide, international advising organizations have formed to spread best practices globally.

That’s why Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Effie Hortis, assistant director of first year services in the Office of Academic Advising, invited two prominent voices of the international academic advising community to present on retention and student success efforts at SIUE.

Featured guests included Charlie Nutt, executive director of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), and David Grey, CEO of the United Kingdom Academic Tutoring Association (UKAT). The pair presented to the University’s academic advising community on Wednesday, May 12.

As the executive director of NACADA and a faculty member in the College of Education at Kansas State University, Nutt has written extensively in the areas of academic advising, retention and student success. By presenting at various state, regional, national and international conferences, he has become an influential and motivational figure for the global academic advising community.

Grey’s work is primarily focused on personal tutoring, academic advising, academic practice and leading educational projects.

“Although academic advising is a profession in the U.S., many countries do not have sufficient academic advising or student services due to differences in educational systems and curriculum styles,” explained Hortis. “Due to globalization and the marketization of education in recent years, academic advising has become more of a global initiative. The United Kingdom was one of the first areas in the world, outside of the U.S., that formed an organization to align with NACADA and academic advising practices.”

NACADA promotes and supports quality academic advising in higher education institutions to enhance the educational development of all students. Hortis believes that organizations like NACADA have contributed to other countries following suit and realizing the importance of academic advising, specifically in retention and student success efforts.

“NACADA is the home of academic advisors, and by presenting at SIUE, Charlie and David prove that support to the advising community is substantial,” said Hortis.

Photo: SIUE’s Effie Hortis, assistant director of first year services in the Office of Academic Advising.

The Emeriti Faculty Association (EFA) has provided more than $10,000 in grants to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville tenure/tenure-track faculty for projects that strengthen the academic quality of programs and that enhance the reputation of the University. 

The 2021 proposals were reviewed by awards committee members David Ault, Dick Brugam, and Rich Keating and approved by the EFA board of directors. 

Within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Department of Social Work colleagues Jennifer Erwin, PhD, assistant professor; Jayme Swanke, PhD, associate professor; and Jill Schreiber, PhD, associate professor and department chair; received $3,000 for “Policy is Practice: Social Work in Action.”

In a cross-campus collaborative effort, Ellen Santos, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Applied Health in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB); and Catherine Santanello, PhD, professor of pharmaceutical sciences in the School of Pharmacy (SOP) received $1,115 for “Establishing a Chagas Disease Citizen Science Program at SIUE: Campus Visit by Dr. Sarah Hamer.”

Also in CAS, Marta Simidtchieva, PhD, professor of cello in the Department of Music received $4,050 for “Bulgarian Music and the Creative Process: A Modern Transformation of Traditions Through a World Premiere.”

From the SEHHB’s Department of Teaching and Learning, Assistant Professor Rebecca Swartz, PhD, received $1,950 for “Let’s Talk Math!  Building Competency and Confidence for Leading Meaningful Math Lessons.”

For more information on the EFA grant program, visit siue.edu/emeriti.

Photo (L-R): SIUE Emeriti Faculty Association grant award winners from the Department of Social Work: Assistant Professor Jennifer Erwin, Associate Professor and Department Chair Jill Schreiber, and Associate Professor Jayme Swanke.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD, has appointed School of Pharmacy (SOP) Dean Mark Luer, PharmD, as interim dean of the School of Nursing (SON) effective June 1 after SON Dean Laura Bernaix, PhD, RN, retires. Luer will also continue his duties as SOP dean.  

“I am thrilled that Dr. Luer has agreed to serve in this dual role while we search for a new dean for the School of Nursing,” Cobb said. “His background in supporting our mission in the health sciences and his leadership approach will be assets to the School during this transition. He will build on the School’s momentum and be able to serve with a strong leadership team. His experience with faculty engaged in practice and basic research will also serve the School well, as we continue to build on their momentum. 

“There are tremendous opportunities to strengthen our health sciences collaborations and interprofessional education practices as we continue our planning for the new Health Sciences Annex. Dr. Luer’s knowledge and advocacy for the Health Sciences Annex is exemplary, and I look forward to working with him and the School’s leadership team as we build toward the future.” 

A search committee has been launched and is chaired by Sheri Compton-McBride, DNP, RN, director of the RN to BS program, and Kevin Stein, DNAP, CRNA, director of the nurse anesthesia program.

“We are working on a contract with an external search firm, so the committee will soon have the benefit of a search firm’s full resources,” Cobb said. “Our goal is selection and appointment by early 2022, if possible.” 

Luer was named SOP dean in May 2019 after serving a year as interim dean. He is highly regarded as a collaborative and inclusive leader. Under Luer’s leadership, the SOP has continued to produce pharmacy candidates that are among the nation’s best in board pass rates and assessments, ranking number one among pharmacy programs in Illinois and Missouri for first attempt North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination® (NAPLEX) board pass rates.

Luer is a professor of pharmacy practice, and previously served as chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice and director of clinical programs. He completed the Academic Leadership Fellows Program in 2005-06 at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, was inducted as a fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy in 2004, and is a current member of the Leadership Council of the American Cancer Society in Madison County.

Additionally, Cobb has appointed Becky Luebbert, PhD, RN, chair and professor of primary care and health systems nursing, as SON interim associate dean. She will temporarily assume the role of chief nurse administrator as required through the school’s accrediting body, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). She will continue to serve as co-chair of the Department of Primary Care and Health Systems Nursing (PCHS), continuing to provide critical support for tenure-track and tenured faculty in that department. Compton-McBride will serve as interim co-chair for that department with attention to all other matters. Angela Andrews, PhD, RN, assistant professor, PCHS Nursing, will maintain her role as coordinator of undergraduate programs, and she will have an expanded role in faculty development to provide on-boarding support for clinical faculty throughout the School and other professional development activities. She will also provide assistance to both department chairs, as needed. 

Photo: SIUE School of Pharmacy Dean Mark Luer has been named interim dean of the School of Nursing.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is strengthening its commitment to academic excellence and supporting its students on their path to graduation by adding three student success coaches – Nathan Brown, Monique Jameison and Denise Petty, all of whom are SIUE alumni.

Kelly Atkins, assistant director in the Office of Academic Advising will supervise Brown and Petty. She emphasized the need to ensure students receive the necessary support. “Students may not be aware of the services available on campus, or they may not know who to ask for help,” Atkins said. “The student success coach can listen to the student’s problem, connect them to the right service area and advocate for their needs.”

Brown earned a bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in public health in 2017 from the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior before achieving a master’s in college counseling and student development in 2020 from St. Cloud State University (SCSU) in Minnesota. He has served as a career counselor at SCSU, a career coach the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities’ Liberal Arts Career Services Office and a career coach for the St. Olaf College Piper Center for Vocation and Career.

Petty brings 20 years of experience in education to the Edwardsville campus. After achieving a bachelor’s in English and Education at Illinois State University (ISU), she earned a master’s in education-educational administration from SIUE. She also earned a second master’s in teaching and learning from the University of St. Francis in Joliet. Petty is a U.S. Air Force veteran, who spent the past seven years in Springfield Public School District 186 most recently serving as a district instructional leader focusing on student success, and college and career readiness.

Atkins said student success coaches will alleviate some of the load currently on faculty and advisors to allow them to focus more closely on students’ academic success.

Stephanie Simpson, assistant director in the Office of Online and Education Outreach, will supervise Jameison, who will specialize in online student services. Simpson acknowledged that students have many needs beyond coursework and advising. “Student success coaches provide much needed support outside the scope of faculty and academic advisors,” Simpson said. “Student success coaches will be equipped to address a variety of needs – study skills, time management, navigating campus systems like Blackboard and Starfish, and adjusting to new teaching modalities.”

While currently employed at the SIUE East St. Louis Center, Jamieson is pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership specializing in diversity training and college student personnel administration. She previously earned a bachelor’s in program management from ISU.

Simpson pointed out that online students have unique needs, and a dedicated success coach should be able to serve more online students, especially non-traditional students returning to college.

Photo (L-R): SIUE’s student success coaches: Nathan Brown, Monique Jameison and Denise Petty.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty members are teacher-scholars who strive to remain at the forefront of a fast-moving industry and translate that into theoretical and applied classroom learning. Their guidance ensures students have the skills, knowledge and versatility needed to thrive in the workforce and make industry advancements.

The SIUE School of Engineering (SOE) has created the Faculty Advancement Endowment to provide teacher-scholars in the Department of Construction with the resources needed to develop applied research and enhance curriculum. Realizing the return on investment these faculty members make by developing future leaders, industry partners are showing their support by contributing to this growing endowment.

To date, three generous partners have contributed $25,000 each, including:

• The Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP) of the Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA)
• Holland Construction Services
• Contegra Construction

“The professional development of our faculty ensures students continue to receive cutting edge instruction, as faculty expertise is linked to student success,” said SOE Dean Cem Karacal, PhD. “This endowment is the perfect example of how strong, regional partnerships with construction companies can provide additional resources for our School. We greatly appreciate their commitment to the well-being of the Department of Construction. With this industry support, our faculty will be more available to work on industry problems, which will not only benefit our partners, but also faculty and students through real-life experiences and case studies.”

“SICAP believes that there is an absolute need for continuing to support education which is a simple, hard fact of modern life for all workers, including and especially construction industry workers now and in the future,” said SIBA CEO Donna Richter. “The contributions that SICAP donates to SIUE ensure that students are trained with state-of-the-art equipment and in construction-related programs that will prove beneficial in the industry. It is imperative that SIUE has the resources to retain the faculty necessary to teach and train future generations.”

According to Holland Construction Services’ President Mike Marchal, an SOE alumnus, more than a third of the company’s office staff and over half of its owners are graduates of SIUE’s construction management program. The company has also sent 18 employees through the SIUE Construction Leadership Institute (CLI).

“The SIUE School of Engineering has provided best-in-class talent to Holland since our company was founded over 35 years ago,” Marchal said. “We feel extremely grateful to have a program of this caliber in our immediate area. By staying involved at the University through boards, committees and scholarships, we are able to deepen our relationship with SIUE, the program and its students. Our goal is to be the most sought-after employer and builder in the metro area. Contributing to the Faculty Advancement Endowment is one way to ensure our goals are achieved through the important work of our partner – SIUE’s School of Engineering.”

Contegra Construction Founder and President Eric Gowin is also an SIUE alumnus. He consistently looks to SIUE for new and upcoming talent. Currently, more than 20 alumni and nine CLI graduates are in the company’s employment ranks. Additionally, Contegra annually strives to have several SIUE student interns.

“Contegra Construction Company is a National Design-Build General Contractor specializing in industrial, corporate office, multi-family, healthcare, municipal, institutional and retail construction,” said Gowin. “The School of Engineering’s program aligns perfectly with our core business needs, providing graduates with a solid educational foundation that is perfectly suited for our industry.”

“Contegra maintains a close relationship with the University,” added project executive Dennis Araujo. “Our employees have and continue to serve on the School of Engineering’s Industry Advisory Board, the CLI Advisory Board, and as guest speakers for several program’s classes.”

The SOE seeks seven additional gifts of $25,000 or more to fund the endowment, which will generate an estimated annual income of $10,000 to support construction faculty.

“We appreciate the generous support of our industry partners, and are confident that their return on investment is significant,” said SOE Director of Development Lisa Smith. “Interest earnings from this endowed fund will allow construction management faculty fellows to work alongside industry partners to solve real-world problems. This, in turn, will help attract and retain talented faculty members to the Department of Construction, as their applied field research will enhance program quality and improve the ability of our graduates to meet industry needs.”

To learn more about this giving opportunity, contact SOE Director of Development Lisa Smith at lsmitag@siue.edu.

The Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP) serves as the unifying force within the Southern Illinois construction industry and develops programs aimed at opportunities for the betterment of all aspects of the industry. SICAP supports the Southern Illinois construction industry by promoting safety and accident prevention in the industry; supporting educational seminars and training programs for all industry personnel; supporting economic development programs for the benefit of the industry; conducting community education and public relations programs to benefit the industry by educating both the mass media and general public about the critical role the construction industry plays in helping assure economic development and job growth across all sectors of the economy; promoting affirmative action, equal employment opportunity and business diversity efforts to support our neighbors, our communities and our construction industry.

Holland Construction Services is a full-service construction management, general contracting, and design/build firm guided by the principle of providing its clients the best possible building experience on every project. Holland has been providing quality construction services throughout Illinois and Missouri since 1986, when it was founded by company CEO Bruce Holland.

Contegra Construction is a general contracting and construction management firm serving the education, industrial, healthcare, municipal and office markets. Since 2003, Contegra’s team of professionals has delivered high-quality, cost-effective projects on schedule for our clients through innovation, foresight, integrity and aggressive performance. Contegra clients count on its dependability, drive and our integrity. Contegra takes great pride in its accomplishments and builds on them every day. Contegra is committed to the service provided to its clients and wants its customers to be proud of their new facility.

Photos: (L-R) SICAP Administraotr Donna Richter, SOE Development Director Lisa Smith, SOE Dean Cem Karacal, SOE Associate Dean Chris Gordon, and SICAP Chairman Bruce Holland.

(L-R) Holland Construction Services President Mike Marchal, SOE Associate Dean Chris Gordon, SOE Dean Cem Karacal, SOE Development Director Lisa Smith, and Holland Construction Services CEO Bruce Holland.

(L-R) Contegra Construction’s Project Executive Dennis Araujo, President Eric Gowin, COO Jim Mundy, and SOE Associate Dean Chris Gordon.

Shouts of jubilance and victory could clearly be heard through the masks of parents, family and friends as the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) Class of 2021 marched, socially distanced, down an outdoor red carpet and to their awaiting seats in the middle of the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus.  

“Today is a miraculous day. We are here to witness and celebrate the class of 2021,” said CHS Director Gina Jeffries, EdD. “Families, this has been a year full of the unexpected. From the effects of COVID-19, especially on brown and Black communities, to learning remotely for more than a year, to racial injustices from Breonna Taylor to George Floyd, our CHS scholars have taken an unprecedented school year and persevered beyond all obstacles. Graduates, I could not be prouder of each and every one of you.” 

Class 2021 Valedictorian Darweshi Amerson Jr., echoed Jeffries’ sentiments in his commencement address. “We can look at these challenges as unnecessary detours in our lives or as stepping stones for our future,” he advised. “Whether it be as small as a pebble or as big as a boulder, we have all pushed through and persevered.” 

Jeffries also praised CHS instructors and staff, who she asked to stand and be acknowledged. “Our Charter team has gone above and beyond the call of duty for their scholars,” she enthused. “They have rocked out remote learning, virtual meetings, Zooms, school supply and Chromebook pickups, home visits, and special interventions. You name it, they’ve done it.” 

To CHS parents, Jeffries added, “You made sure that in-between all of their jobs, that our scholars completed what they needed to do. You showed up for school supply pickups. You joined virtual meetings to help encourage your scholars. You had our backs. Thank you, parents.” 

Special recognition was given to three students for achievements that earned accolades. Liza Cummings, PhD, CHS STEAM instructional coordinator, presented the following awards: 

• F. Graebe Scholarship to Maliyah Brown and CHS Salutatorian Jai’Lyn Earvin
  “This scholarship is for CHS students who have been accepted to SIUE, is renewable for four years and covers the cost of tuition,” said Cummings. “Students selected have an outstanding academic status and an interest in STEM.” 

• Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) Running Start Program Scholarship to Amerson
  “The Running Start Program affords highly qualified high school juniors to get a running start on college,” explained Cummings. “The program allows students to earn a high school diploma, while simultaneously earning an associate’s from SWIC.” 

CHS Board of Directors President Willis Young presented the scholarship that bears his name to Amerson. “This year’s scholarship winner has shown his commitment to education and excellence,” said Young, former CHS assistant director. 

The commencement ceremony also included the school’s traditional “Hope Rope” presentation, with senior class sponsors and CHS instructors Bridget Nelson and Johnathan Tate presiding. The “Hope Rope” was initiated by Venessa A. Brown, PhD, associate athletics director for diversity, equity and inclusion and former SIUE East St. Louis Center interim executive director. 

“You built a community of support with each other,” said Nelson. “This year has affected you in ways we never could have imagined. From attending class while working at a fast-food drive-through window, to presenting a senior class exit portfolio, via cell phone and outside, this class has juggled more than most senior classes. Some of you have experienced profound loss, and yet, you are here. You did it. 

“As you move on in life and go your separate ways, remember this ceremony and the friends you made here. Remember how strong you are. Think about how much your experience has taught you, and how much you’ve grown because of it.” 

“Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Hope Rope presentation looks different today,” informed Tate. “Imagine you are holding three long ribbons together – one black, one red and one white. Together, these three ribbons represent what you have accomplished, what you have today and what you hope to do in the future. Now, imagine Dr. Jeffries and (CHS Interim Assistant Director) Ms. (Pamela) Saffore cutting away the ribbons, leaving each of you with your own set of three ribbons.” 

“The black ribbon is a reminder that you will always be a part of the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School community,” Nelson explained. “The red and white ribbons are your lifelines. Imagine giving your red and white ribbon to two CHS teachers, counselors or other faculty members. When you leave today, be sure and email those you selected.” 

Other members of the CHS 2021 graduating class included:

• Leslie Brazier
• Deonte’ E. Curren
• Jylon Dudley
• Danisha A. Garrett-Gilmore
• Tyreese D. Gomiller
• Jabrion P. Hardin
• Kahn Key
• Kareem Miller
• Azhauria M. Milton
• Jordan Javon Neal
• Jairen Robinson
• Dezirae Frankie Spencer 

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. 

Photos:
L-R: Maliyah Brown, recipient of the William F. Graebe Scholarship award, is shown with CHS Director Gina Jeffries, EdD.  CHS Board of Directors President Willis Young awarded Darweshi Amerson Jr. with the scholarship in his name. 

The SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School Class of 2021 participated in graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 14.

Also attending the CHS graduation ceremonies were (L-R): SIUE East St. Louis Executive Director Timothy Staples, Ed.D, and SIUE Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD. In the background are CHS instructors.

Expanded reach, more in-depth presentations and real-time voting were among the highlights of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine’s (SIU SDM) Research Day, held virtually in April.

The annual event features a nationally-recognized guest speaker and research presentations from SIU SDM students. Keynote speaker Richard Gregory, PhD, associate dean for graduate education at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, spoke on the “Role of Smoking and Diet on the Oral Microbiome.” He also provided an excellent lecture highlighting the many benefits of student research in dentistry.

“Dr. Gregory did a wonderful job elucidating the benefits of student involvement in research,” said Duane Douglas, DMD, SIU SDM interim director of research. “He has a rich history of mentoring students in dental research. The excitement he conveyed was contagious to our potential future student researchers.”

Research students overcame COVID-19-induced obstacles related to their research pursuits, as well as their scholastic and clinical demands.

“Our research students essentially lost the entire summer which is set aside for student research,” Douglas explained. “It was vital to host this event to recognize their efforts and share their successes with the School of Dental Medicine’s community.”

Awards were presented for first and second place overall, and attendees voted real-time to select the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) People’s Choice winner. Fourth-year student Alexandra Nash, of Lebanon, earned first place overall and was the People’s Choice winner. Second place overall went to second-year student Jesse Snyder, of Aledo.

As the first-place overall winner, Nash earned the Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application (SCADA) Award, presented by Dentsply Sirona and the American Association for Dental Research (AADR). SCADA’s mission is to advance the art and science of dentistry by introducing predoctoral students to the world of dental research. The award includes an all-expense paid trip to attend and present at the next Annual Meeting & Exhibition of the AADR. Given Nash will graduate with her doctor of dental medicine (DMD) in June, Snyder will pursue the travel and presentation opportunity.

“I am grateful and honored to have been selected, as each of the research projects and presentations was outstanding,” Nash said. “I’d like to thank my research mentors and the research committee for the entire opportunity.” 

Nash’s project was entitled, “Shear Bond Strength of Composite Resin to Silver Diamine Fluoride-Treated Carious Permanent Dentin.”

“The primary goal of the study was to measure the bond strength of a composite resin (tooth-colored filling material) to dental cavities that have been previously treated with silver diamine fluoride (SDF), a topical medication used to arrest dental decay and relieve hypersensitivity,” explained Nash. “The results suggest that SDF treatment does not adversely affect composite resin fillings.”

She notes that her research experience has expanded her knowledge of dental materials and helped bridge her didactic and clinical understanding.

“To have had the experience to learn from my research mentors and share our findings within our professional community is an honor,” Nash said. “I’m excited and grateful to continue my specialty training at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago as a pediatric dental resident.”

Also presented during Research Day were the Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS) Foundation’s Research Competition awards:

• Basic Science and Research: Jesse Snyder (Faculty mentor: Barbara McCracken)
• Basic Science and Research Honorable Mention: Noah Kippenbrock (Faculty mentors: Dr. Duane Douglas and Dr. Barbara McCracken)
• Clinical Application and Techniques: Alexandra Nash (Faculty mentors: Dr. Christa Hopp and Dr. Valerie Spivey)
• Clinical Application and Techniques Honorable Mention: Kelly Cusack (Faculty mentors: Dr. Mohamed Omran and Dr. Bret Gruender)

Photos: SIU SDM Research Day speaker Richard Gregory, PhD, associate dean for graduate education at the Indiana University School of Dentistry.

SIU SDM fourth-year student Alexandra Nash (middle) earned first-place overall and the People’s Choice Award at the 2021 Research Day. She stands holding her award with Duane Douglas, DMD, SIU SDM interim director of research (right), and SIU SDM Dean Bruce Rotter, DMD.

“It takes one to know one.” That expression forms the foundation of Amanda Depew’s dedication to positively impacting the lives of women veterans like herself. After dedicating much of her life to military service, she now uses her lived experiences to drive her passion for community service.

Her incredible story of perseverance and fierce commitment to veterans has resulted in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduate student being named Illinois’ 2020 Student Veteran of the Year.

Depew is slated to complete a master’s in social work in August 2021. A veteran of the United States Air Force, she has been an integral part of SIUE’s Office of Military and Veteran Services (MAVS), SIUE East St. Louis Center TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program (VUB), and the SIUE Chapter of the Student Veterans of America (SVA). Additionally, she is a member of the SALUTE Veteran National Honor Society.

“My own life experiences are what make community service important to me,” Depew shared. “I have been the homeless veteran, when my family and I found ourselves homeless within a year of my separation from the Air Force. I have dealt with, battled and won against suicide and substance abuse, and mental health issues. I’ve pretty much been the poster child of nearly all of the negative things a veteran can go through after transitioning from the military back into civilian life.

“It’s important for me to ensure as many veterans as possible avoid those experiences. But, if there is a veteran going through any of those challenges, I want to be there to walk alongside them and see them through.”

SIUE MAVS Director Kevin Wathen and Coordinator Telisha Reinhardt nominated Depew, noting her enthusiasm, integrity and attention to detail.

“Military and Veteran Services and Veterans Upward Bound fully endorse and support the nomination of Amanda Depew for this award,” they wrote. “She is highly motivated in her advocacy for the local veteran community. She is a wonderful person to be around and her personality draws in veterans.”

At SIUE, Depew has educated administrators, faculty and staff about military and veteran culture, and brings awareness to the challenges encountered by student veterans via the Green Zone Training program, which Depew spearheaded. She has also volunteered to be part of the MAVS panel series entitled, “From Uniform to University: Veterans in the SIUE Community.”

As a graduate assistant with VUB, she provides veterans with guidance and encouragement as they navigate their way through the postsecondary education process. She assists them in obtaining both state and federal benefits, developed kiosks to reach veterans at remote locations, and has maintained contact with program participants during the pandemic.

“I have applied for a VA fellowship, the gold standard when it comes to mental health treatments,” she explained. “This is an important aspect, as it plays into my future aspirations of starting my own non-profit inpatient recovery center for women veterans. This aspiration is driven by a personal experience on my road to recovery.”

The motivated influencer is co-founder of the Women Veterans of the St. Louis Area, a group focused on servicing and mentoring women veterans in the St. Louis and Illinois areas, using a peer-to-peer system. Founded in March 2020, the group aims to empower through a network of support.

“The need for this group was envisioned through the fact that there are no, or very few, services that are designed purely with women veterans in mind,” Depew said. “The needs and supports of women veterans are different than those of their male counterparts. Through our work, we’ve also discovered that military spouses are able to apply for many of the benefits that are meant to support women veterans.”

“Student Veterans of America-Illinois is honored to recognize one of its own, Amanda Depew,” said Justin Miller, executive director of SVA-IL. “As student veterans, we recognize the commitment and service Amanda provided to her campus and fellow veterans, especially during the past year with the pandemic. Her record is one of excellence and deserves to be recognized by her peers, the student veterans of Illinois.”

“Amanda Depew is an outstanding leader on campus and in the community,” said Dan Wellman, Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs’ (IDVA) Veteran’s Education and Training Section Administrator. “She represents the best values of the American veteran. We are honored and pleased to recognize her commitment to her campus and community as the 2020 Illinois Student Veteran Leader of the Year.”

“It takes one to know one.” Depew’s recent honor underscores the impact she makes by sharing her story and supporting fellow women veterans as they navigate life outside the military. 

“I would like to thank SVA-IL and the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs for this honor,” she said. “Thank you to Kevin and Telisha for nominating me for this tremendous honor, and for their support in letting me run wild with what I think are crazy ideas. I’d also like to thank the many faculty and staff who have supported all my endeavors. I can’t express how important these individuals are to me and my success.”

Photo: SIUE’s Amanda Depew has been named Illinois Student Veteran of the Year.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Laurie Wolff, an economics and finance instructor in the School of Business, will receive the 2021 NASBITE International Trade Educator of the Year Award at its annual conference on Thursday, May 20.

NASBITE Executive Director Michael Borgers said Wolff is being recognized for her life-long advocacy for global trade and global business education. The selection committee acknowledged that Wolff has been instrumental in guiding many activities that have helped to develop and promote international trade, and she is being honored for her lasting contributions and positive impact on international trade.

“Laurie Wolff is deserving of this recognition,” said School of Business Dean Tim Schoenecker, PhD. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a consistent commitment to student learning, globalizing our curriculum and promoting the work of NASBITE. I couldn’t be more pleased for her.”

Wolff joined the SIUE faculty in 1989 and is part of a four-generation SIUE family. “My 101-year-old grandmother is SIUE's only centennial alumni to date,” she said. “My mom was a traditional student at the founding of the campus, and my grandmother was a non-traditional student soon after with six kids at home. I have many aunts, an uncle and cousins who are alums. My eldest son and daughter-in-law both graduated from SIUE.”

Wolff initially began teaching required economics core courses, and then started teaching interdisciplinary studies courses on global problems and human survival, and modern Latin America. “That set off a round of Excellence in Undergraduate Education grants and study abroad opportunities for a couple hundred students and dozens of faculty in Costa Rica, Mexico, Hong Kong and China,” she said. “More than 20 years ago, I was teaching international economics and thought my students weren’t learning enough that was practical for doing international business.

“Silvia Torres Bowman, of SIUE's International Trade Center, referred me to NASBITE International. I presented at a conference in 2004 on our service learning in study abroad. At that time, NASBITE was about to launch a professional credential for international trade – Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP). I could not have passed the exam at that time and knew they needed help to realize the program’s potential. A lot of professional development and service followed.”

A CGBP and a certified CGBP trainer, Wolff joined the NASBITE Board of Governors and served as its first two-term president. She is also a Distinguished Fellow for NASBITE. “I’ve hosted approximately 100 webinars on trade education, recruited and worked with the speakers, and presented a few webinars along the way. I lead an international business student case competition where top teams compete to solve export challenges for a U.S. company. That is an amazing experience!” 

Meanwhile, Wolff is writing a textbook entitled “International Economics for Global Business and Policy Making” that will fill a critical hole in international business education.

The Ferguson, Mo. resident has a major commitment to justice and inclusion. She leads the School of Business diversity and inclusion committee, and serves SIUE as an Impact Fellow. This summer, she is offering the first economics course that will examine systemic racism.

Photo: Laurie Wolff, an instructor in the School of Business Department of Economics and Finance.

The DREAM (Dismantling Racism through Education, Advocacy and Mobilization) Collective at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s “Blacktivism in the Academy” podcast will discuss the 1921 Massacre in Tulsa, Okla. 

“Everything is Us” airs Thursday, May 20 on Spotify, Apple and Stitcher. 

Stevie “Dr. View” Johnson will join host and DREAM Collective member J.T. Snipes, PhD. Johnson is the hip-hop scholar/artist/organizer/DJ/producer/educator who is heading up the Fire in Little Africa project. 

Johnson will talk about the endeavor that brings together top rappers, singers, musicians and visual artists in Oklahoma to commemorate the centennial of the 1921 Massacre of Tulsa’s Greenwood neighborhood known as “Black Wall Street” and introduce Tulsa’s hip-hop culture to a global audience. 

Other DREAM Collective members include education faculty Jennifer Hernandez, PhD, Jessica Krim, EdD, Nate Williams, PhD, and SEHHB Dean Robin Hughes, PhD. 

For more information, visit the DREAM Collective on Facebook at @DREAMCollective20, Twitter at @DREAMcollect20 or Instagram at @DREAMCollective20, or email TheDREAMCollective@siue.edu.

On this week’s episode of Segue, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s weekly radio program exploring the lives and work of the people on campus and beyond, Chancellor Randy Pembrook interviews numerous guests in remembrance of Johnetta Haley, a prominent member of the SIUE and East St. Louis community.

This episode of Segue airs at 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 23. Listeners can tune into WSIE 88.7 FM The Sound or siue.edu/wsie.

Haley, whose service at SIUE spanned nearly 48 years, passed away on January 30. She is best remembered for her inspirational, motivating mentorship and supportive spirit shown to everyone she encountered.

Following her mother’s footsteps, Haley graduated from Lincoln University in 1945 with a degree in music education. She was a fourth-generation college student, a rarity for her era. Haley earned a master’s in music from SIUE in 1972 and continued her education by studying at the University of Illinois, the University of Michigan, Georgetown University, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Montpellier in France.

After college, Haley taught at East St. Louis Lincoln High School as a vocal and general music teacher. She later became the vocal music director and chairperson of the Nipher Junior High School in Kirkwood, serving for 18 years. Haley was an integral member of the teachers who integrated Kirkwood Public Schools in 1955.

Haley joined the SIUE faculty as an assistant professor in the Department of Music from 1972-1984. She then served as the executive director of the SIUE East St. Louis Center from 1984-1993. Upon her retirement, the Department of Music named her professor emeritus.

Throughout her career, Haley earned numerous awards and achievements encompassing education, volunteering and business. She was recognized with a St. Louis Woman of Achievement Award in 1988 and received the Leadership Award from the St. Louis Community Empowerment Foundation’s Annual Salute to Women in Leadership in 2010. Most recently, Haley was awarded SIUE’s Distinguished Service Award in May 2017 for her countless contributions to the University and surrounding communities.

Pembrook’s first guest is Tim Staples, EdD, executive director of the East St. Louis Center. Staples met Haley during high school while participating in SIUE’s Upward Bound program.

“What was it like knowing Ms. Haley as a student?” inquires Pembrook.

“Through the Upward Bound Program, we took English, math and science courses at the East St. Louis Center,” explains Staples. “Other students and I looked up to Ms. Haley and saw her as a role model. Everyone came to military attention when she was around, and everyone had immense respect for her.”

“Johnetta served as the executive director of the East St. Louis Center, the position you currently hold,” notes Pembrook. “What did Johnetta mean to the center?”

“I don’t believe there would be a center without her,” answers Staples. “She was instrumental in creating our major programs that have a great effect on the East St. Louis community. Professor Haley built these programs and this center to become a full-service social and educational organization. My work today is easier because of the reputation she built.”

In 1994, SIUE named the Johnetta Haley Scholars Award in honor of her many contributions to the University and East St. Louis community. Rachel Stack, CEO of the SIUE Foundation and vice chancellor for University Advancement, has been instrumental in fundraising for the scholarship.

“Rachel, you’ve had the opportunity to get to know Johnetta during the last several years,” says Pembrook. “What stood out to you about her presence?”

“I met Johnetta shortly after starting at SIUE in 2014, and I wanted to find out why and how she started the Haley Scholarship,” shares Stack. “She explained how important education was to her and her family of four generations. She wanted to share this legacy with other minority students, so she used her considerable leverage and connections to create this fund.”

Prince Wells, associate professor in the Department of Music, described Haley as a phenomenal teacher who supported students throughout the most challenging music classes.

“What are some of the most memorable lessons Ms. Haley taught you?” inquires Pembrook.

“She taught me the nuts and bolts of music through music theory,” says Wells. “I gained an appreciation of a broad spectrum of different types of music because of her. She was always proud of her students and a mentor to us. When it came to music, she was highly regarded and widely known.”

 Eugene Redmond, emeritus professor of English and East St. Louis Poet Laureate, reminisces on looking up to Haley during his youth, noting how erudite and graceful she was in the classroom.

“What was Ms. Haley’s teaching and directing style?” asks Pembrook.

“She was a strong person, a teacher who was commanding a circus and took no backtalk,” explains Redmond. “She was in charge throughout her life, whether she was teaching in the public schools or administering SIUE programs. We were all proud of her when she ran the East St. Louis Center.”

Pembrook’s final guest is Karen Douglas, daughter of Haley.

“What did SIUE mean to Johnetta?” asks Pembrook.

“SIUE meant a lot to my mother,” says Douglas. “We got our master’s at the same time, and when she received a letter asking her to come on as an associate professor, she was over-the-top excited. I still have that letter and read it a couple of weeks ago.

“When she was able to serve the East St. Louis Center, she was delighted. My mother was always working to improve education and life for the community she worked for and grew up in. She strives for excellence, and you could see that when visiting the East St. Louis Center under her leadership.”

Before the show, WSIE asked all guests to describe Haley in one word. Here are their insights: inspiring, unforgettable, dynamic, supportive, brilliant, self-assured, graceful, exceptional and insightful.

“Thank you for joining us for an extended Segue honoring the life of professor emeritus, Johnetta Haley,” ends Pembrook. “Following will be a few musical selections from her era. I hope you enjoy listening to the music, and if you were lucky enough to know Johnetta, reflecting on her life and remembering this incredible woman.”

Tune in at 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 23 to WSIE 88.7 The Sound to hear the entire conversation.

Photo: SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook presents the University’s Distinguished Service Award to Johnetta Haley. 

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is among 78 higher education institutions selected to participate in the 2021 Institute on Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Campus Centers, a virtual event scheduled for June 22-25 that will bring together college leaders for four days of intense learning and collaboration.

Run by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), the institute will provide an opportunity for teams at each institution to gain knowledge about the structure of Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) in an effort “to break down racial hierarchies and dismantle the belief in a hierarchy of human value.” The goal for most institutions is to host a Center on their respective campuses.

SIUE is among 14 institutions with existing Centers who will participate in the Institute. Representing SIUE at the institute:

• Connie Frey Spurlock, PhD, associate professor and director of the Successful Communities Collaborative
• Kathryn Bentley, associate professor and director of the Black Studies program
• Courtney Boddie, PhD, director of Counseling Services and associate dean of students for diversity and inclusion
• Lydia Jackson, assistant to the provost for library and community engagement, and associate dean in Library and Information Services
• Tarsha Moore, assistant director for the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI)
• Lindy Wagner, CSDI director
• Matthew Schunke, PhD, associate professor
• Renatto Carr, a doctoral student in history

Community partners Antwoinette Ayers, of I Am East St. Louis The Magazine; and Dewitt Campbell III, of National Conference for Community and Justice of Metropolitan St. Louis (NCCJ St. Louis) also will participate.

“None of this would have been possible without the contributions of the TRHT team and community partners,” Harris said. “I'm especially appreciative of Connie Frey Spurlock for her leadership. I couldn't be prouder of our accomplishments and the impact of the TRHT effort thus far.”

In January 2020, AAC&U added SIUE to 13 institutions to host Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Campus Centers. SIUE officially launched its Center in September 2020. An initial group of 10 institutions was selected by AAC&U in 2017.

In partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation effort, AAC&U works with higher education institutions across the country to develop self-sustaining, community-integrated TRHT Campus Centers. The Centers are organized around the TRHT’s five pillars – narrative change, racial healing and relationship building, separation, law, and economy.

“AAC&U is thrilled to partner with colleges and universities of all types and sizes across the country to advance the TRHT effort,” said AAC&U President Lynn Pasquerella to University Business. “We look forward to the opportunity to learn with and from the participants in the 2021 Institute, and to support their efforts to promote racial equity and healing on their campuses and in their communities.”

 Photo (L-R): SIUE TRHT committee members Courtney Boddie, director of Counseling Services and associate dean of students for diversity and inclusion; Elizabeth McKenney, associate professor in the Department of Psychology; Jessica Harris, vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion; Connie Frey Spurlock, associate professor in the Department of Sociology; Kathryn Bentley, associate professor of theater performance in the Department of Theater and Dance; and Bryan Jack, associate professor in the Department of Historical Studies.

After more than a year of an unprecedented pandemic, restrictions are lifting, boundaries are widening and spirits are soaring. It’s enough to make people break out in song, dance or both. 

The turn of events added to the delight of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center (ESLC) for the Performing Arts After School program presenting its spring concert, which was held in-person at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 20 in the Multipurpose Room at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus (ESLHEC). 

The Performing Arts After School program features children ages 7-17 who study beginning piano, guitar, drums, bass guitar, West African drumming and multiple styles of dancing. 

“We are so happy and proud of our students and their accomplishments,” said Performing Arts Program Director Homer Simmons to the audience of family and friends. “Having to deal with COVID put us all at a disadvantage. However, our students and instructors made the adjustments over the past year. Tonight, you will be able to see and hear the hard work and undeniable talents of our students.” 

Students segued through the program of varying entertaining numbers under the direction of the following Performing Arts teachers: Gerald Babatunde Williams, African drum and dance choreographer; Mary Jo Pembrook, PhD, piano and chimes instructor; Ta’Shayla Montgomery, Dunham Technique, hip-hop and modern dance choreographer; and Esau Toombs, music and band instructor. 

“You were able to see for yourselves tonight the love and commitment of our students and instructors have for the arts,” concluded Simmons at the close of the program. “We will continue this dedication and training in the summer months. I urge you to consider enrolling your child or children in our SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts 2021 Summer Enrichment Program.” 

The summer session will be from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 7-July 16. To enroll, click on the register link. 

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:
Students in the SIUE East St. Louis Center (ESLC) for the Performing Arts After School program presented their spring concert on Thursday, May 20 at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus. 

Gysai Sylla (left) and Yasmin Coleman ended the night in song.

Mary Jo Pembrook, PhD, piano instructor, directs Chimes students in “Heart and Soul” assisted by SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook. 

Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is an elective program that prepares university students with the tools, training and experiences to help them succeed in any competitive environment. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s ROTC Cadet Oluwatobiloba Adeniyi is a first-generation student dedicated to learning these skills while furthering his career in both engineering and business.

Adeniyi, of Nigeria, serves as an SMP (Simultaneous Membership Program) Cadet in the Illinois National Guard, where he is currently shadowing his platoon leader and training to be an officer in the U.S. Army. While performing ROTC duties throughout the school year, he has propelled his career forward while gaining hands-on internship experience for his industrial engineering major and business minor.

“Cadet Adeniyi is driven to establish himself by pursuing and exceling in many opportunities, including ROTC leadership development training and technical internships,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Clark, SIUE ROTC professor of military science. “At one point, he had two internships and held a regular job to work his way through school, with help from ROTC.”

Last year, Adeniyi participated as a student trainee with NPower, a nonprofit program that creates pathways to economic prosperity by launching digital careers for military veterans and young adults from underserved communities. During the internship, he gained business experience as a project manager for a company by conducting data analysis.

Adeniyi currently serves as an electromechanical technician intern at F.S. Curtis. His duties include installing electrical parts and wire components from control boards to air compressor pumps, conducting pressure switches using soldering equipment and hand tools, and reading schematics and technical orders to choose methods and sequences for assembling components on a large variety of air compressors.

Adeniyi appreciates the professionalism and connections he has developed. “These internships have helped me prepare for the future by being more marketable as a college graduate,” he said. “Now, I will require less training and can handle more responsibilities.”

Throughout the school year, Adeniyi also represents his peers as an engineering senator in Student Government. He credits his self-discipline and time management skills for allowing him to make the most out of these opportunities.

“I practice self-discipline by keeping a planner and a schedule,” shared Adeniyi. “Planning out each day and what assignments need to be completed helps with time management. The most important thing is to give myself enough personal time.”

Adeniyi is slated to graduate in fall 2021. Upon graduation, he aspires to find a full-time job where he can utilize his military experience and education to contribute to a company’s growth.

Photo: SIUE ROTC Cadet Oluwatobiloba Adeniyi.

JewelRide, a client of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has been awarded Madison County’s Community Development COVID-19 Block Grant to provide transportation to the Madison County community to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Removing barriers, such as transportation issues, increases access for people to get the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect themselves, their families, and the community,” said Toni Corona, director of public health for Madison County Health Department. “Without services such as this, many people would go without vaccine protection just because of lack of opportunity to get to a clinic site.”

JewelRide provides access to healthcare for those who do not have transportation and/or cannot transport themselves. They help people to better health through inspired transportation and will play a key role in ending the COVID-19 pandemic by providing access to the vaccine to the Metro East.

“We are thrilled to be part of the ecosystem working tirelessly to address COVID-19 vaccine access in Madison County” Jewel Ride owner Tapiwa Mupereki said. “Through the provision of free rides to members of the public, we have a pacesetter opportunity to achieve close to, if not 100 % COVID-19 vaccination rate in our community. Healthcare transportation remains a challenge across the world. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Madison County to precisely address this hurdle for a pandemic like no other in human history. We are encouraging community members to reach out by phone or email to schedule their rides. It's that simple and it’s free!”

JewelRide launched in October 2019. It offers reliable and affordable non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to individuals, families and communities throughout the Metro East.

It also offers transportation to medical and hospital appointments, dialysis visits, assisted living transfers, pharmacy/drugstore prescription pick-up, and errands. In addition to those services, they also do senior transportation and tailor-made transportation needs.

Services extend to villages, towns, and cities in all Metro East counties such as Madison, St. Clair, and Jersey, as well as transporting those who have healthcare travel needs to the greater St. Louis metro area.

If you would like to partner with JewelRide and/or use its services, call 618-250-4771 or email info@jewelride.com.

For more information, visit jewelride.com or Facebook at JewelRide.

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists start-up ventures like JewelRide, 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: JewelRide owner Tapiwa Mupereki and his wife, Rutendo (left).

In five years, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) program will be one of the premiere social justice-based programs in the country. 

This is only part of the vision and goal that CSPA Program Co-Directors J.T. Snipes, PhD, assistant professor, and Candace Hall, EdD, lecturer, are working toward. Snipes and Hall were re-elected the end of April to serve as CSPA program directors. 

“We have the capacity to create a unique program that centers social justice throughout our program and equips students to do the same” said Hall. 

“I’m interested in building learning communities animated by social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion,” added Snipes. “We want to prepare students to become student affairs practitioners, dedicated to making their universities thriving learning communities. This work began under our previous program director, and we are looking to expand it.” 

“I envision a stronger connection between our program and student affairs,” shared Hall. “We are training students to go into the field as practitioners. Therefore, it is imperative to be collaborative with our campus partners in training our students. I’ve been strategizing ways students can network with our campus partners beyond practicum placements and graduate assistantships.” 

One important change in the program is the addition of a capstone course that includes students’ portfolio defense, according to Snipes. 

“The portfolio helps students connect theory to practice,” he said. “Our goal is to create practitioners who will be changemakers on campus and in the larger community.” 

“This is such an exciting time for our program,” shared Hall. “We have support from our department chair (Tianlong Yu, EdD) and Dean Robin Hughes to think creatively about how we train students and engage with them inside and outside of the classroom. We are on the brink of building an amazing program that many will want to be a part of now and in the future.” 

Photo:
CSPA Program Co-Directors J.T. Snipes, PhD, assistant professor, and Candace Hall, EdD, lecturer.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) and College of Arts and Sciences are collaborating to add a bachelor’s in chemistry with a specialization in pharmaceutical chemistry that will be available for students in fall 2021.

Michael Shaw, PhD, Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Chemistry, said they became aware of a number of excellent pharmacy students, who have fulfilled almost all the requirements for a bachelor’s in chemistry, but had no clear pathway to a bachelor’s degree. “Inquiries from PharmD students who would like to earn both a bachelor’s in chemistry and a PharmD prompted the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Chemistry to undertake a serious investigation of the potential for a new pharmaceutical chemistry specialization, which has now come to fruition,” Shaw said.

Upon further review, Shaw noted a number of factors that logically fell into place. “We found that among the courses that students can complete during their two-year pre-pharmacy curriculum and the considerable amount of chemistry content extant in the PharmD curriculum, there exists a pathway to a 4-year degree which satisfies all the hallmarks of a biochemistry-focused bachelor’s in chemistry,” Shaw said. “Furthermore, there are existing School of Pharmacy students who are clearly eligible for such a degree.”

According to Shaw, the faculty are already in place. “SOP faculty, who teach the courses which have significant chemistry content, have doctorates in chemistry and many currently hold adjunct positions in the Department of Chemistry,” Shaw said. “They also work with graduate and undergraduate researchers from our department.” 

Shaw said the degree program should be attractive to students. “The extra qualification opens possible employment opportunities beyond the traditional pharmacy path,” he said. “In the rare case where a student decides not to complete the PharmD, the student can still graduate with a bachelor’s without starting over.”

“In addition to increasing our students’ marketability in the pharmaceutical industry, the PharmD plus bachelor’s in chemistry in pharmaceutical chemistry specialization program could prepare our students to pursue additional training and graduate degrees, such as a master’s or PhD in chemistry,” said Jingyang Fan, PharmD, BCPS, clinical associate professor and SOP assistant dean for academic affairs.

Students earning a degree in chemistry are prepared to pursue a variety of careers. Chemistry majors work as analysts, environmentalists, criminologists, librarians, patent examiners, production foremen, researchers, writers and teachers. Chemists also find work in sales, and for private companies that produce items such as fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, plastics and semi-conductors. Careers in the public sector can be found in local, state and federal governments, as well as hospitals, high schools, colleges and universities.

Photo (L-R): Jingyang Fan, PharmD, BCPS, clinical associate professor and School of Pharmacy assistant dean for academic affairs and SIUE’s Michael Shaw, PhD, Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Chemistry.