UIS part of national grant aimed at sparking expansion of online liberal arts classes

The Andrew Mellon Foundation has awarded a $540,000 grant to the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC), a consortium of 29 public liberal arts institutions that includes the University of Illinois Springfield, to expand its multicampus, distance and team-taught online liberal arts research classes.

“We are excited to be engaged in this ground-breaking inter-institutional grant to advance collaboration in online learning,” said Ray Schroeder, UIS Vice Chancellor for Online Learning.

The three-year project, named Digital Liberal Arts at a Distance, is part of an ongoing effort by COPLAC to share faculty expertise while enriching students’ interdisciplinary learning experiences, digital skills and collaborative work habits.

UIS will be providing faculty development support in online learning for the project and leadership in the development of assessment protocols and instruments for online materials developed through the grant.

“We are pleased to share our expertise with institutions across the country who are participating in this innovative approach to teaching and learning online,” said Vickie Cook, director of the UIS Center for Online, Learning, Research and Support.

Under the grant, faculty members, special collections librarians and instructional technologists from 24 COPLAC campuses will develop and launch up to 16 new digital liberal arts research seminars on topics in the humanities and humanistic social sciences.

Using distance and online technologies, student researchers will collaborate across campuses to build major digital projects available to the public on the web, and to develop research, production and communications skills applicable to a wide variety of 21st-century professions. The new seminars will involve upward of 150 undergraduate researchers over the period of the grant, 2016-2018.

According to COPLAC Director Bill Spellman, the project will “foster interdisciplinary initiatives, expand undergraduate research options on each campus, afford students the opportunity to study under digital scholars from a range of humanities and social science disciplines, and prepare them for careers where liberal arts thinking is essential.”

Seventy-five participants will be selected for the project, including faculty members, special collections librarians and instructional technologists. All will attend an opening three-day meeting in early June 2016 at COPLAC headquarters on the campus of UNC Asheville.

UIS Computer Science Department receives nearly $20,000 from State Farm

As part of the company’s Community Reinvestment Act, State Farm Insurance presented the University of Illinois Springfield Department of Computer Science with a check for $19,995 during a presentation on December 4, 2015.

The grant will be used to upgrade the university’s Netlabs enhancing current remote on and off campus access for undergraduate and graduate students within the Department of Computer Science.

The Computer Science Department, with 460 undergraduate students and 726 master’s students in fall 2015, has the largest enrollment of any department at UIS. The technology upgrades will be able to accommodate the increased enrollments in the Computer Science and Information Systems Security degree programs.

The improvements will also provide greater efficiency and effectiveness for students when the department moves core courses to a virtual environment with remote access, expands and streamlines online learning, and will enhance remote access for programs offered by the Center for Systems Security and Information Assurance, including UIS’ annual Cyber Defense Conference and Cyber Defense and Digital Forensics Conference.

UIS celebrates the 38th annual International Festival

The University of Illinois Springfield hosted the 38th annual International Festival on November 13, 2015, at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) on campus. The theme of the festival was "World at a Glance”.

The festival gives international students a chance to share their cultures with fellow students and members of the Springfield community. The festival featured food and entertainment from several African nations, China, India, Ireland, Peru, Scotland and Middle Eastern countries.

“We’re very lucky to have a number of great performers,” said Kim Omachinski, UIS director of International Student Services. “They will be singing, dancing and playing musical instruments. Really great performances from around the world.”

Sid Modali came to UIS from India to study Management Information Systems. He says events, such as the International Festival, are important because they allow him to share his culture.

“It is very important that people from different backgrounds, different cultures and different countries come forward,” said Modali. “Everything about this is so diverse.”

The International Festival is the longest running student event at UIS. Organizers hope that the festival encourages people to try new things.

“It’s great to have it here at UIS, where we’re able to show a global community right here locally in Springfield. People can have a taste of around the world in just a few hours and hopefully inspire them to get out and try other places or do some travel,” said Omachinski.

Illinois Innocence Project at UIS announces Latino Innocence Initiative

The University of Illinois Springfield’s Illinois Innocence Project (IIP) has announced the formation of the Latino Innocence Initiative. The purpose of the Initiative is to address unique vulnerabilities that Latinos face that lead to wrongful conviction of the innocent and difficulties in obtaining exoneration.

Reaching out to assist Latinos as part of its work is an important goal for the UIS innocence project.

"Almost 14% of Illinois inmates are Latinos who are often wrongfully convicted due to unique barriers involving language, citizenship, and status” said John Hanlon, executive director of the Illinois Innocence Project. “We hope to address these disparities which often lead to improper convictions and create difficulties for Latino inmates through working on their cases, encouraging understanding of the reasons for their treatment, and developing a reform agenda to minimize such wrongful convictions.”

This will be an ambitious undertaking that will need generous support from the community. Last week, Senator Richard Durbin announced a federal grant award for IIP to focus on those cases involving the wrongful conviction of a Latino where DNA might result in an exoneration. As part of that award, IIP will be hiring a bi-lingual attorney in the Chicago area to work on those cases.

IIP’s latest exoneree, Angel Gonzalez, encouraged the formation of this Initiative. Gonzalez, himself, was wrongfully convicted over 20 years ago due to a confession and identification that occurred as a result of his Latino heritage. “This is an important step in helping those Latinos who were convicted but are innocent,” Gonzalez said.

For more information, visit the Illinois Innocence Project website at www.uis.edu/illinoisinnocenceproject/.

UIS professors use crowdfunding to support research on Hepatitis C in central Illinois homeless

Researchers at the University of Illinois Springfield are using crowdfunding for the first time to support their research. Money raised will be used to study Hepatitis C in the central Illinois homeless population.

The two professors plan to test members of the homeless populations in Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur, Peoria and Springfield to determine the number of people infected with the virus and conduct RNA genotype testing to study the transmission of the disease.

“It is our hope that timely and effective treatment of Hepatitis C in the homeless population could potentially stop further virus transmission,” said Kanwal Alvarez, UIS assistant professor of biology.

Alvarez and Josiah Alamu, UIS associate professor of public health, are leading the study along with Dr. Janak Koirala, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield. They are supported by several graduate and undergraduate students at UIS.

In order to fund their research, they must raise at least $500 with the ultimate goal of raising more than $2,000 by mid-December.

“It’s unusual to ask the public for direct help in funding our research,” said Alamu. “However, the research we are doing is very expensive. It costs almost $20 just to test one homeless person for Hepatitis C.”

Money raised through the crowdfunding effort will be used to purchase rapid testing kits and other equipment needed to conduct the research.

“There’s no question the research we are doing will benefit the central Illinois homeless population,” said Alvarez. “A majority of individuals with acute Hepatitis C don’t know they are infected and are never diagnosed, which poses a greater threat to public health.”

Hepatitis C viral infection is a serious emerging infectious disease in the United States. Homeless people who report life-time drug use– cocaine, crack, and methamphetamines—are more likely to have Hepatitis C infections.

“This type of scientific research has the potential to encourage early identification of homeless and impoverished individuals who are positive with Hepatitis C and thus refer them to seek appropriate health care,” said Alamu.

If you would like to help support Hepatitis C research in the central Illinois homeless population, you are asked to donate at http://go.uis.edu/homeless/.

For more information, please contact Kanwal Alvarez at 217/206-8567 or kalva2@uis.edu or Josiah Alamu at 217/206-8485 or jalam3@uis.edu.

UIS Economic Outlook Survey finds state budget impasse tops concerns of Sangamon County employers

The Fall 2015 Economic Outlook Survey, conducted by the University of Illinois Springfield and the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, finds that a majority of local employers think that the state budget impasse is one of the biggest challenges facing them over the next twelve months.

The challenge is dampening expectations with employers reporting positive expectations for their business and sector, but not for the overall Sangamon County economy. In fact, the decrease in positive expectations (-22 points) of the overall Sangamon County economy is the largest decrease since fall 2012.

“It is clear that local employers are concerned about the state budget impasse,” said Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office. “While local businesses are still reporting positive expectations for the next year, these expectations are clearly moderated by what is happening in the capitol building.”

When asked specifically about the role of the state budget impasse on their business, 54 percent of local employers report that the state budget impasse is having a negative effect on their gross revenue and sales, 51 percent report that it is having a negative impact on their profitability and 46.1 percent report it is having a negative effect on the overall status of their business.

“While the results are disappointing, we’re not surprised given the lack of a budget deal at the State Capitol, said Chris Hembrough, president and CEO of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. “Our spring survey revealed our best results in eight years. However, after nearly five months with no state budget, it’s understandable that while the majority of employers are still optimistic about the future, they’ve scaled back their expectations, at least until a budget deal has been completed.”

The fall survey results are from 263 local organizations who were contacted between September 28 and October 15, 2015 by interviewers at the UIS Survey Research Office. The margin of error for this project is plus or minus 5.4 percentage points. For more information on the methodology and the full report, please visit the UIS Survey Research Office website at www.uis.edu/surveyresearchoffice.

Questions regarding the survey may be directed to Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office, at 217/206-7956 or akirz2@uis.edu.

UIS students collect 9,000 pounds of food for the Central Illinois Foodbank

Hundreds of University of Illinois Springfield students helped to collect 9,000 pounds of food for the Central Illinois Foodbank on Halloween night from approximately 6,800 Springfield homes.

This year, Hy-Vee on MacArthur Boulevard has pledged to match donations, making the total contribution 18,000 pounds of food.

Teams of UIS students went door-to-door in several Springfield neighborhoods collecting the canned goods. Earlier this month, the teams canvassed the neighborhoods and distributed door hangers that explained the project.

Collected items were returned and weighed on campus. Prizes were awarded to the teams that collected the most food.

The Central Illinois Foodbank distributes over 9 million pounds of food annually to more than 150 food pantries, soup kitchens, residential programs and after-school programs in a 21 county region.

For more information, or if you have food that was not collected, please contact the UIS Volunteer Center at 217/206-7716 or volunteer@uis.edu.

Illinois Innocence Project at UIS receives federal DNA testing grant

U.S. Senator Richard Durbin is pleased to announce that the University of Illinois Springfield’s Illinois Innocence Project, with the support of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership, has been awarded a $753,958 federal grant to clear Illinois innocence cases where DNA testing might decide the outcome of individuals who plead guilty and Latinos who might be innocent.

The award is for a United States Department of Justice Bloodsworth Grant, named in honor of Kirk Bloodsworth, the first DNA death penalty exoneration case in the U.S. in 1993.

“In Illinois, we’ve seen firsthand how innocent people can get their lives back by taking advantage of post-conviction DNA testing to solve old cases and exonerate the wrongly convicted,” said Durbin. “The Illinois Innocence Project has worked to ensure fairness and accuracy in the justice system, including directly participating in two 2015 exonerations. I particularly applaud the Project for reaching out to Latinos wrongly in prison who often, because of their minority status, find themselves without help to remedy their convictions.”

Last year, the Illinois Innocence Project assisted in the passage of a law, which for the first time in Illinois allows those convicted by a guilty plea to go to court to get evidence tested that might exonerate them because they are innocent. Senator Durbin indicated that “providing assistance in cases where someone might have pled guilty but who might be innocent points to a potentially serious flaw in our criminal justice system. It is my hope that this grant will allow the Project to bring justice to those who believed it would be better to plead guilty than to struggle to prove their innocence.”

Reaching out to assist Latinos is an important goal for the UIS innocence project.

"Almost 14% of Illinois inmates are Latino who are often wrongfully convicted due to unique barriers involving language, citizenship, and status” said John Hanlon, executive director of the Illinois Innocence Project. “We hope to address these disparities which often lead to improper convictions and create difficulties for Latino inmates by working on cases where the individual can be proved innocent through the use of DNA testing.”

The project will initially focus on numerous cases it has already screened in both areas in anticipation of receipt of this grant. The cases will be further reviewed to determine if the evidence can be tested or retested for DNA and if the likelihood is that the individual is actually innocent of the crime for which they were convicted.

“We know that DNA is the most important forensic tool to identify or exclude a perpetrator of a crime,” said Hanlon. “This grant will give the project the resources to follow up with investigation and DNA testing of the many requests we have from people who may actually be innocent."

As part of the grant, the Illinois Innocence Project will hire several UIS undergraduate students to assist in the screening, review, and evaluation of the cases.

“This new federal grant not only meets a critical need in the state of Illinois, but provides important opportunities for our students,” said UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch. “Present and future students will continue to have opportunities to learn about injustices in the criminal justice system through education and practice in ways that other universities cannot provide. The Latino focus also reinforces our campus’ emphasis on diversity in its work, its staff, and its students.”

More information about the Illinois Innocence Project can be found on their website at www.uis.edu/illinoisinnocenceproject/.

UIS students thank donors at Scholarship Luncheon

The University of Illinois Springfield recognized scholarship donors during the 19th annual Scholarship Luncheon on October 28, 2015.

“It’s an opportunity for donors or individuals who support scholarship activities at the institution to meet the students who are beneficiaries of that support,” said Jeff Lorber, UIS vice chancellor for advancement.

Former UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen and his wife Carolyn returned to campus to meet the recipients of the endowed scholarship in their name.

“The importance of financial aid, you just can’t overstate it,” said Ringeisen. “We love having a scholarship.”

UIS student Kyla Randle of Chicago was this year’s recipient of the Ringeisen Scholarship. She says it would have been difficult to continue her education without the support.

“I received a scholarship at a time I really needed it, so it really made me realize that I’m here for a reason and I’m here to pursue an education,” she said.

The event often brings students and donors together for the first time. That was the case with Sally Pancrazio and scholarship recipient Greg Irwin. The James J. Pancrozio Scholarship is named in honor of Sally’s late husband who was a UIS faculty member.

“Once my husband passed away, this was a way to honor him and the fact that he was a founding faculty member and also co-authored the proposal that started the Human Development Counseling Department,” she said.

Irwin, who is majoring in Human Development Counseling, wants to become a family marriage counselor and help people. He promises to pay it forward.

“I’m trying to help other people in the community and in the world and this allows me to better myself at that, so I can help other people,” he said.

UIS ranked as the "Best Online College" in the country

The University of Illinois Springfield has been ranked as the “Best Online College” in the country for 2015-2016 by AffordableCollegesOnline.org (AC Online), a leading resource for online learning and college affordability information.

“This ranking reaffirms the high quality education online students receive at the Springfield campus of the University of Illinois,” said UIS Chancellor Susan. J Koch. “Many of our faculty members teach both on-ground and online and work hard to make sure that every student is able to succeed.”

In releasing the rankings, AC Online praised UIS for its online bachelor degree programs saying they “consistently receive top national rankings for small class sizes and personalized attention for students.” The website also noted that UIS’ online graduate programs in business and education have received top rankings for more than 10 years.

AC Online has distinguished its ranking scale by the use of Peer-Based Value, or PBV. The PBV score compares the cost of each program to the cost of similar programs with the same qualitative score.

“Affordable Colleges Online reviews and ranks fully accredited online programs” said Ray Schroeder, UIS associate vice chancellor of online learning. “We are pleased to be recognized by this association as deserving of placement at the very top of their statewide and national rankings.”

UIS’ most popular online programs include Computer Science, Business Administration, and Management Information Systems, followed by Public Administration and Mathematical Sciences programs.

“AC Online correctly notes UIS faculty consistently receive top rankings for their academic credentials and level of preparation for teaching online,” said Vickie Cook, director of the UIS Center for Online Learning, Research and Service (COLRS).

Over 200 UIS faculty taught online programs during the fall 2015 semester. Many of them are full-time faculty within the college where they also teach face to face. COLRS actively supports UIS faculty through providing teaching support, research support, and service to state and local organizations.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org began in 2011 to provide quality data and information about pursuing an affordable higher education. The website features higher education institutions that have developed online learning environments that include highly trained faculty, new technology and resources, and online support services to help students achieve educational and career success.

AC Online has been featured by nearly 700 postsecondary institutions and nearly 100 government organizations.

For more information on the rankings, please contact Ray Schroeder, UIS associate vice chancellor of online learning, at 217/206-7531 or rschr1@uis.edu.

UIS enrollment tops 5,000 for 6th consecutive year

Fall 2015 enrollment at the University of Illinois Springfield has topped 5,000 students for the sixth consecutive year. According to the official fall census, the total number of students enrolled at UIS after the first 10 days of classes is 5,402.

That makes it the second largest student body in UIS history. Last fall’s enrollment was 5,431.

“I am pleased that our reputation as a top destination for college students in the Midwest and beyond continues to grow,” said UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch. “We know students and their families have many options, but when they choose UIS, they know they are getting a high quality and affordable educational experience and a community where faculty and staff care about their success.”

There are a total of 629 African American students enrolled this semester to comprise of 11.6% of the student body. Students who self-identify as Hispanic comprise 5% (269) of this year’s student body.

On-ground students rose slightly as 3,805 enrolled to constitute 70.4% of the student population. Online learning continues to be strong at UIS, as 1,597 (29.6%) students enrolled in online degree or certificate programs. This semester, UIS online students reside in 47 of the 50 states, 70 counties in Illinois, and 7 foreign countries.

The number of international students enrolled at UIS increased by 26% this semester. Many of the students came to UIS from India and China. Computer Science and Management Information Systems are the most common majors chosen by international students.

A total of 1,047 students live in campus housing, which means campus housing is 93% occupied.

UIS is one of three campuses of the University of Illinois and provides students with a high-quality liberal arts education, exceptional public affairs opportunities, and outstanding professional preparation programs.

UIS has four core strengths: (1) a teaching-focused academic experience; (2) an abundance of opportunities to collaborate; (3) a right-sized supportive community; and (4) a tradition of educating public servants and leaders.

For more information, contact Derek Schnapp, director of public relations at 217/206-6716 or dschn3@uis.edu.

UIS researchers examine attitudes towards transgender rights in national survey

Researchers at the University of Illinois Springfield are releasing results of a national survey exploring attitudes towards transgender rights and supportive policies.

The survey of 774 respondents finds 81 percent of U.S. adults believe that transgender persons deserve the same rights and protections as other Americans. Yet, support for specific policies varies by demographics. For example, 41 percent support using public funds to cover gender dysphoria treatment for transgender persons, but support is significantly higher among females (48%) compared to males (33%).

The survey was conducted by Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office, and Jason Pierceson, UIS associate professor of political science.

The survey project, “Examining Attitudes Toward the “T” in LGBT,” asks individuals about several key policy areas including healthcare, prisons, military service, and K-12 education.

“While there is broad support for equal treatment under the law for transgender individuals, the public is currently less supportive of discrete policy proposals crucial to the support and protection of the transgender community,” said Pierceson. “This demonstrates that activists and policymakers still have much work to do to educate the public about the policy needs of the transgender community.”

Participants were recruited using Qualtrics, an online survey firm, and the survey’s questionnaire and methodology was overseen by Kirzinger.

“Developing a questionnaire that allowed individuals to voice their opinions without forcing them into answers on issues on which they might not know enough was extremely difficult,” said Kirzinger. “Yet, this survey is an important in-depth examination of public attitudes towards transgender supportive policies.”

The survey is representative of the national adult population and also includes a sub-sample of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

For the complete survey report, visit www.uis.edu/surveyresearchoffice. The survey results will be presented by Pierceson and Kirzinger on August 29, 2015 at the Springfield LGBT Equality Institute. For more information on the Institute, visit www.equalityillinois.us/springfield-institute-2015/.

Questions about the survey may be directed to Kirzinger at 217/206-7956 or akirz2@uis.edu. Pierceson may be reached at 217/206-7842 or jpier2@uis.edu.

UIS celebrates 20 years as part of the University of Illinois at the Chancellor's Picnic

The annual Chancellor’s Picnic not only kicked off a new academic year, but also celebrated UIS’ 20th anniversary as part of the University of Illinois.

Before food was served, a ceremonial cake cutting was held and Chancellor Susan Koch addressed the audience, wishing them a happy and successful academic year.

“This is going to be a great year,” Koch told the audience. “There are a lot of exciting things going on. For those of you who are new, I really hope you’ll immerse yourself in all of the opportunities here.”



For Kowsalya Viswanathan, an international graduate student from India, it was her first time attending the picnic. She came for the food and to meet new friends.

“I think this is a very good opportunity to meet a lot of people, even our professors,” she said. “So, I can chat with my professors, new friends, other student organizations, everyone.”

Xavier Todd was one of the first students in line. He arrive a half-an-hour early, but wasn’t expecting the turnout of almost 900 students, faculty and staff.

“I didn’t expect so many people to come out,” said Todd. “I didn’t know how big it was going to get, but it turned out very well.”

The picnic also gives students a chance to meet Chancellor Koch.

“I’ve been walking around meeting lots and lots of new students,” said Koch. “The energy that you feel in this place, at this moment is just fantastic. People are really excited to be here.”

Thirty new faculty members join UIS for fall 2015

Thirty new faculty members have joined the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2015. Thirteen will teach in programs within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, four in the College of Business and Management, four in the College of Education and Human Services, and nine in the College of Public Affairs and Administration.

Sherine Antoun, assistant professor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Wollongong, Australia. His research includes how to make navigation and localization in disaster scenes where dust renders cameras and lasers ineffective and creating a safe, manageable risk task. Outside of UIS, he enjoys robotics, action and sci-fi movies, classical music, ballet and sailing.

Cheng-Chia “Brian” Chen, assistant professor of public health in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a Ph.D. in health behavior from Indiana University. His professional interests include obesity research using multi-dimensional and systems approach and health policy analyses. Personally, he enjoys playing sports, traveling and exploring new places.

William Cox, visiting instructor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a M.S. in management information systems from the University of Illinois Springfield. His professional interests include teaching computer science. Personally, he enjoys spending time with his family and golf.

Tessica Dooley, visiting instructor of legal studies in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a J.D. from the University of Arkansas. Her research interests include U.S. health policy, ERISA, the impact of the Affordable Care Act on business, and Medicaid expansion. Outside of UIS, she enjoys mentoring youth, spending time with her husband and family, dog rescue and dance.

Egbe Egiebor, assistant professor of public health in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a Ph.D. in toxicology from the University of Maryland. Her research includes the effects of chemicals such as organics, inorganics and emerging contaminants of concern on humans and the environment. Outside of UIS, she enjoys reading, people watching, traveling and kayaking.

Frank Fuchs, instructor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a B.A. in business management from Sangamon State University. Professionally he enjoys encouraging students to pursue a successful career using digital forensics and cyber security techniques. Outside of UIS, he enjoys helping his family and children develop their careers and life interests.

Roya Gholami, associate professor of management information systems in the College of Business and Management, holds a Ph.D. in management information systems from the National University of Singapore. Her research interests include the economic, environmental and societal value of IT, IT for development and healthcare information systems. Her personal interests include hiking, reading, singing Persian folk songs and international relations.

Betsy Goulet, clinical assistant professor of public administration in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a D.P.A. from the University of Illinois Springfield. Her professional interests include child protection and advocacy issues, systems response to child maltreatment, mandated reporting, and public sector and nonprofit collaboration. Outside of UIS, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, composing music and singing.

Ping Guo, assistant professor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Wyoming. Her professional interests include scientific and high-performance computing, parallel and distributed systems, big-data and cloud computing. Outside of UIS, she enjoys reading, traveling, cooking and listening to music.

Yanhui Guo, assistant professor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in computer science from Utah State University. His research include image processing, pattern recognition, computer-aided detection and diagnosis, computer-assisted surgery and neurosophic theory. In his free time, he enjoys soccer, badminton and ping-pong.

Helena Hall, instructor of English and modern languages in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in second language acquisition and teacher education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her professional interests include writing across the curriculum and second language writing and development, assessment and instruction. Outside of UIS, she enjoys travel, photography and baking.

Carlee Hawkins, assistant professor of psychology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. Her professional interests include understanding and reducing the impact of unwanted bias on social and political judgment and behavior. Personally, she enjoys cycling, traveling, gardening and walking her dog, Finn.

Stephanie Hedge, assistant professor of English and modern languages in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in English, rhetoric and composition from Ball State University. Her research includes rhetoric and composition with specialization in digital literacies and social media, digital research and digital pedagogies. Outside of UIS, she enjoys watching Survivor, drinking wine and cheering for Toronto sports teams.

David Holland, clinical instructor of biology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds an M.A. degree in teaching from Central Michigan University, and is an educational specialist in curriculum, teaching and educational policy from Michigan State University. His research includes the Illinois River Watch, stream monitoring in Sangamon County. His professional interests include the American Scientific Affiliation and Illinois Audubon Society. Personally, he enjoys, birding, biking, and kayaking, traveling, grandparenting, and science and religion interactions.

Devin Hunter, assistant professor of history in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in U.S. history and public history from Loyola University in Chicago. His professional interests include public history and modern United States history. His personal interests include sports and fitness, but also good food and drink.

Carol Jessup, associate professor of accountancy in the College of Business and Management, holds a Ph.D. in management from St. Louis University. Her professional interests include preparing pedagogical cases in real-world fraud situations, state and local government accounting topics and audit topics. Her personal interests include relaxing at the movies, playing with pets and enjoying music.

Troy Lepper, visiting assistant professor of environmental studies in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Colorado State University. His research interests include the intersection between human and natural environments in reference to water use and sustainable development. Outside of UIS, he enjoys grooving through funky parts of the universe with a thirst for adventure, while still possessing time to make a friendship.

Kathy Massey, clinical assistant professor of educational leadership in the College of Education and Human Services, holds an Ed.D. from Illinois State University. Her current research includes educational technology, student achievement, online learning and the administrative role. Outside of UIS, she enjoys reading, gardening, traveling and playing golf.

Peggy Mayfield, visiting instructor of human services in the College of Education and Human Services, will graduate this year with a Ph.D. in public service leadership from Capella University. Her research includes resilience, trauma-enforced care and neuroscience informed practice. Personally, she enjoys painting, bird watching and taking nature walks.

Frank Nation, assistant professor of accountancy in the College of Business and Management, holds a Ph.D. in business administration and accountancy from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. His professional interests include behavioral accounting and research in auditing and fraud. Outside of UIS he enjoys hunting, fishing and outdoor activities.

Tiffany Nielson, assistant professor of human development counseling in the College of Education and Human Services, holds a Ph.D. in counselor education and counseling from Idaho State University. Her professional interests include couple and family counseling, play therapy, child sexual abuse, trauma and spirituality in counseling. Personally she enjoys music, traveling, camping, hiking and cooking.

Kristen Osiecki, assistant professor of public health in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a Ph.D. in environmental and occupational health from the University of Illinois Chicago. Her research includes utilizing GIS methods to investigate how environmental burden and disadvantage contribute to negative health outcomes in urban areas. Her personal interests are spending time with her family, cooking, reading and binge watching TV shows.

John Phillips, visiting professor of public administration in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a D.P.A. from the University of Illinois Springfield. His professional interests include the influence of religion on the adoption of scientific management in Britain and the United States. Personally, he enjoys classical music, piano, organ, the history of baroque and classical performance practice.

Carol Rankin, visiting associate professor of human services in the College of Education and Human Services, holds a Doctorate of Rehabilitation in rehabilitation counseling from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Her research includes alcohol and substance abuse and dependence issues, motivational interviewing skills, dual diagnosis such as mental health and substance abuse and dependence. Her personal interests include traveling, reading, watching quirky movies and staying physically active.

Tracy Schatteman, clinical instructor of biology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will receive her Ph.D. from the Southern Illinois School of Medicine in pharmacology this year. Her professional interests include neurophysiological research, including aging, trauma in sensory systems and how that relates to animal behavior. Outside of UIS, she enjoys cooking, baking and outdoor activities such as camping and skiing.

Sudeep Sharma, assistant professor of management in the College of Business and Management, holds a Ph.D. in organizational behavior from Washington University in St. Louis. His research interests include negotiation, personality and individual differences, emotions in the workplace, power and status and psychometrics. Personally, he enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with his family.

Thomas Sidener, instructor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds an M.S. in computer science, network programming from the University of Illinois Springfield. His professional interests include mobile application development, Android and iOS, database development and optimization and software engineering. Outside of UIS, he enjoys playing board games, playing the guitar and drums and writing poetry.

Annuradha “Anette” Sikka, assistant professor of legal studies in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a J.D. from Dalhousie University in Canada and an LL.D. from the University of Ottawa, Canada. Her research interests include human rights, migration and gender and security. Personally, she is passionate about animal rescue and welfare.

Magic Wade, lecturer of political science in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Minnesota. Her professional interests include public policy, state and local politics and labor unions. Outside of UIS, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, travel, pub trivia, wine, food and Shiba inu dogs.

William Wilson, assistant professor of clinical laboratory science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a M.S. in management information systems from the University of Illinois Springfield. His professional interests include health care and chemistry. Outside of UIS, he enjoys running and triathlons.

UIS welcomes hundreds of new students on Freshman Move-In Day

The University of Illinois Springfield welcomed approximately 230 new students to campus during Freshman Move-In Day on August 19, 2015.

"It’s exciting. It’s a new chapter in my life," said freshmen Brody McGrath. He chose UIS for the excellent academic programs and for a chance to play on the UIS Baseball team.

"I just really like the opportunities that are here," he said. "The schooling comes across to me as very good. I’ll get better here with baseball and school."


On Move-In Day, students are assigned arrival times in an effort to avoid headaches and congestion. Volunteers help direct parents to parking spaces, unload and carry items and help students find their rooms.

"We try to make it as militarily precise as we can in moving people in. We benefit substantially from a large number of volunteers," said John Ringle, UIS director of residence life.

Chancellor Susan Koch visited with students and parents as they moved into Lincoln and Founders Residence Halls, offering advice and reassuring parents.

"It’s the beginning of what will be a wonderful academic experience, but also a great opportunity for some wonderful social experiences," said Koch.

For incoming freshmen Hannah Kain the day was a little hectic, but she knows she made the right choice in coming to UIS.

"I can see myself living here for the next four years. Right now (my room) is a little crowded, but it’ll all work out," she said.

Fall 2015 semester classes begin on Monday, August 24, 2015.

Strawbridge-Shepherd House added to the National Register of Historic Places

The National Park Service has added the 1840s-era Strawbridge-Shepherd House to its National Register of Historic Places. The Sangamon County home was restored by the Elijah Iles House Foundation and is located on the southern edge of the University of Illinois Springfield campus. It was officially listed on June, 8, 2015.

James Welt, who graduated from UIS in May with a master’s degree in history, led the effort to have the house added to the registry. He spent more than 200 hours researching and writing a proposal, which was submitted to the National Park Service.

“Buildings, like the Strawbridge-Shepherd House, provide us a visual connection to the past that you can't get from a history book,” said Welt. “Now that it is granted, I feel a bit of relief and satisfaction that the house has a level of protection.”



In 1970, the university, then Sangamon State, purchased the two-story house from the Shepherd family, ending that family's nearly 90-year ownership.

Since 2007, UIS has leased the historic home to the Elijah Iles House Foundation, which performed a major restoration effort. They have spent over $200,000 of its funds raised from mostly private donations for restoration and their volunteers have spent thousands of hours on the project and those volunteer hours continue.

The first floor of the house is currently used by the Illinois State Historical Society as office space. The second floor serves as home to the Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum.

Thomas Strawbridge, Jr. built the original two-story house around 1845 after acquiring the land for farming in 1841. Another addition around 1865 changed the house into its present L-shape. Charles M. Shepherd purchased the property in 1883 after Strawbridge died in 1880. He subsequently made a number of alterations to the house including adding porches to the 1865 addition.

“Presently, the house is an eclectic mix of Greek Revival and Queen Anne styles. The house appears much as it would in the late nineteenth century with each construction phase remaining true to its respective time period,” said Welt.

Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources.

UIS announces spring 2015 semester Dean's List

A total of 533 students have been named to the University of Illinois Springfield Dean's List for the 2015 spring semester.

The list includes 98 students in the college of Business and Management, 28 students in the College of Education and Human Services, 349 students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 50 students in the College of Public Affairs and Administration and 8 non-degree or undecided students.

To qualify for the designation, a student must be an undergraduate who took at least eight graded semester hours and maintained a grade-point average of at least 3.75 for the semester.

The list is organized alphabetically by hometown.

PDF Download: Spring 2015 Dean's List

UIS Survey: Sangamon County citizens report better health than two years ago

The 2015 Sangamon County Citizen Survey, a collaborative project between the University of Illinois Springfield’s Center for State Policy and Leadership, the United Way of Central Illinois, and the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, shows ninety-six percent of respondents report having health insurance. That is an increase of almost seven percentage points from the 2013 survey.

The telephone survey of landline and cell phone numbers is conducted every two years in order to assess the quality of life in Sangamon County. The survey included several questions examining the health of residents. On all health measures, the respondents report better health outcomes than they did two years.

In addition to a higher percentage of residents reporting being covered by some form of health insurance, the percent of individuals who report having poor physical or mental health has also decreased.

“The 2015 survey also found an increase in the number of residents who report having a primary care provider. Having access to health insurance and primary care could easily translate into a decrease in the number of poor health days, as demonstrated in the survey results,” said Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office.

The survey is representative of Sangamon County, Illinois and the data was weighted for probability sampling and to match the most recent population estimates as provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. The results are based on 576 completed interviews with 68% of the interviews completed on cell phones. The overall response rate for the survey is 13.2%, the cooperation rate is 23.2%, and the margin of error is +/- 4.08 percentage points.

The survey covers nine topical areas including education, economy, culture and recreation, public safety, social well-being, government and civic participation, health, infrastructure, and the environment.

For more information on the survey, contact Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office, at 217/206-7956 or akirz2@uis.edu.

The full survey is available at http://go.uis.edu/citizen. 

New UIS freshmen make connections during orientation

The University of Illinois Springfield is welcoming hundreds of new students to campus during Freshman Orientation in June and July. A total of five different orientation sessions are planned.

The two-day overnight orientation session helps students understand UIS academic expectations and major requirements, allow them to meet with an advisor and registering for classes.

“We hope they’ll fill comfortable having their schedule, having their id card, having made several friends, getting to know some of our current students (our orientation team members) and some of the faculty and staff,” said Lisa McGuire, UIS director of new student orientation and parent relations.

For students it’s also about getting to know their classmates. Incoming student Ashlee Knapik has already started to make friends.

“It’s been really great getting to meet a lot of the people I’m going to be seeing around here for the next four years of my life, especially the girls I’ve met. I’ve already made a lot of bonds,” she said.

Other students, such as Kiana Davis, are a little nervous about moving away from home for the first time.

“It’s a little overwhelming, but (orientation is) helpful and I’m getting more comfortable with the campus,” said Davis.

Student Orientation Coordinators Katie Selway and Duane Willingham try to reassure new students that they will find a place to fit in at UIS.

“They’ll be plugged into something on campus and there’s ways to get those jitters to go away,” said Willingham.

Orientation leaders hope the new students leave UIS with all of their questions answered and ready for their first day on campus.

Biannual UIS survey shows support for downtown Springfield growth

The 2015 Sangamon County Citizen Survey, a collaborative project between the University of Illinois Springfield’s Center for State Policy and Leadership, the United Way of Central Illinois, and the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, shows strong support for growing downtown Springfield among Sangamon County residents.

The phone survey, which is conducted every two years in order to assess quality of life in Sangamon County, asked residents “How important, if at all, do you thinking growing downtown Springfield is to Sangamon County?” Nearly half of respondents report that it is “very important,” (47%), with an additional 39% reporting that it is “somewhat important.” In addition, African-American residents are slightly more favorable in their responses with 68% reporting that growing downtown Springfield is “very important.”

“What is especially interesting is that this year’s survey indicates more support for growing downtown Springfield among Sangamon County residents than the survey did in 2013,” said Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office. “Both surveys found a majority of residents think growing downtown Springfield is important to Sangamon County, but the 2015 survey has a five percentage point increase from 81% to 86% of residents reporting this.”

The 2015 Sangamon County Citizen Survey is a telephone survey of landline and cell phone numbers in Sangamon County. The survey is representative of Sangamon County, Illinois and the data was weighted for probability sampling and to match the most recent population estimates as provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. The results are based on 576 completed interviews with 68% of the interviews completed on cell phones. The overall response rate for the survey is 13.2%, the cooperation rate is 23.2%, and the margin of error is +/- 4.08 percentage points.

The survey covers nine topical areas including education, economy, culture and recreation, public safety, social well-being, government and civic participation, health, infrastructure, and the environment.

For more information on the survey, contact Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office, at 217/206-7956 or akirz2@uis.edu.

The full survey is available at http://go.uis.edu/citizen.  

UIS releases list of 2015 graduates

The University of Illinois Springfield celebrated the graduation of 1,606 bachelor's, master's and doctoral students on Saturday, May 16 during the 44th annual Commencement Ceremony.

See a printable list of graduates' names and degrees listed by the city of residence on file with UIS Records and Registration at the time of graduation.

PDF: Download the full graduate list

For photos, video and more from Commencement 2015 visit www.uis.edu/commencement.

UIS recertified as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education

The University of Illinois Springfield has been recertified as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE/IAE) through academic year 2020 by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The goal of the program is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research.

“Programs like the one at UIS are helping to produce the professionals with information assurance expertise that are required to secure our nation's infrastructure,” said Ted Mims, head of the UIS Computer Science Department.

Students that attend UIS and participate in programs affiliated with the CAE/IAE are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants from the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program and the Federal Cyber Service Scholarship for Service Program.

The UIS Computer Science Department has developed and offered courses in Systems Security and Information Assurance over the last twelve years. In September 2003, UIS became a partner with seven community colleges in a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant that created a Regional Center for Systems Security and Information Assurance (CSSIA). UIS is recognized as a national leader in the field of Cyber Security and Information Assurance.

The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education Program (CAE/IAE) is open to nationally or regionally accredited four-year colleges and graduate-level universities. The mission of a nationally accredited institution must be in Information Assurance or a similar area.

A ceremony recognizing UIS' achievement will be held during an Awards Ceremony Dinner in the Saturn V Hall at the Davidson Center for Space Exploration at the 7th Annual Southeastern Cyber Security Summit on June 3-4, 2015 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

For more information contact Ted Mims, head of the UIS Computer Science Department, at 217/206-7326 or tmims1@uis.edu.

44th UIS Commencement ceremony breaks records

The University of Illinois Springfield held its 44th Commencement ceremony on May 16, 2015 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in downtown Springfield. A record 967 students took part in the ceremony, making it the largest commencement in the university’s history.

UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch presided over the ceremony, welcoming over 6,000 guests.



“Graduates, this is your day and you are participating in an important rite of passage that universities have honored for centuries,” said Koch. “All that you have strived for culminates today with this milestone. Congratulations!”

Koch also congratulated first generation college graduates, thanked family members for supporting their students, and thanked members of the military.

She was joined on the stage by campus leaders and University of Illinois President Robert A. Easter who offered advice to students during his final UIS commencement address.

“As a fellow U of I alum, I know that you’ve nurtured the talents here that will help you make all of the right decisions,” said Easter. “You are on the cusp of great opportunity. Some of you will take advantage of every chance and do incredible things. Others may decide to relax and let the world go by. It’s your choice.”

At the end of the ceremony, President Easter officially passed leadership responsibilities to President-designate Timothy L. Killeen during a ceremonial medallion transfer.

The 2015 Commencement address was delivered by UIS alum Thom Serafin founder and CEO of Serafin & Associates, Inc., a leading Chicago communications, media relations and public affairs firm. Before starting his own business, Serafin enjoyed a successful career as a political/legislative correspondent covering the Illinois General Assembly. He has advised numerous high-profile national and state policy makers.

As an undergraduate, Serafin assisted his professor and mentor, future U.S. Senator Paul Simon, in launching the now renowned UIS Public Affairs Reporting Program.

The student commencement address was delivered by Blake Hudson, who earned a master’s degree in public administration. He has attended UIS since 2012 and was in the Illinois Legislative Studies Internship program where he spent a year working for the state senate Republican staff. He’s also part of the Whitney M. Young Fellowship program.

Hudson is the CEO of Pinkskate.com, a family owned online clothing company for figure skaters and hockey players. Hudson also owns and operates “Bright Start Consulting,” a firm dedicated to helping teenagers and young adults find their purpose and achieve success in life.

Hudson shared with the audience his own personal story of growing up in a neighborhood filled with violent crime and his mother’s cancer diagnosis. At one point, while attending community college, he was working six different jobs at the same time.

He encouraged his fellow graduates to endure and transform obstacles into opportunities and to enjoy the new environment that they create.

University of Illinois Board of Trustees Chairman Edward McMillan, UIS Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Lynn Pardie and UIS Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Clarice Ford also spoke at the ceremony.

Photos and more video are available at the commencement website: www.uis.edu/commencement/.

Sangamon Auditorium at UIS to Receive National Endowment for the Arts Grant

Through its grant-making to thousands of nonprofits each year, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) promotes opportunities for people in communities across America to experience the arts and exercise their creativity.

In the second major grant announcement of fiscal year 2015, the NEA will make a $15,000 grant award to the Sangamon Auditorium at the University of Illinois Springfield to support six events on the 2015-2016 performing arts season. The NEA will make 1,023 awards totaling $74.3 million nationwide in this funding round.

“The NEA is committed to advancing learning, fueling creativity, and celebrating the arts in cities and towns across the United States. Funding these new projects like the one from Sangamon Auditorium, UIS represents an investment in both local communities and our nation’s creative vitality,” said Jane Chu, NEA Chairman.

“We are gratified to receive the recognition and support of the Arts Endowment for our performing arts progress,” said Sangamon Auditorium director Bob Vaughn. “These funds will be used to continue to support our ongoing quest for higher quality in the presenting program at Sangamon Auditorium.”

The NEA will provide partial support for six events on the upcoming performing arts season. Sangamon Auditorium has presented a season of touring arts events each year since its opening in 1981. Artists on the series include national and international ensembles and solo artists. The 2015-2016 season will be announced in early June.

To join the Twitter conversation about this announcement, please use #NEASpring2015. For more information on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, go to www.arts.gov.

For more information, contact Jen Tibbs, Sangamon Auditorium coordinator of public information and marketing, at 217/206-8284 or jen.tibbs@uis.edu.