UIS adds new fully online bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and certificates for fall 2021

The University of Illinois Springfield is offering students more options to advance their education online on their own schedule. 

Starting in fall 2021, the following fully online degrees and certificates will be added:

• a bachelor’s degree in public administration 
• a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) 
• a master’s degree in finance
• two certificates in cybersecurity administration and management

Both the MBA and master’s degree in finance can be completed online in one year. Traditional on-campus public administration and MBA programs will continue.

UIS is also allowing freshmen to register for the first time for its online degrees in business administration, management information systems, political science and public administration in fall 2021. 

“Adding these degrees and allowing more freshmen to participate in online programs gives students more options to earn a higher education,” said UIS Interim Chancellor Karen Whitney. “UIS is a leader in online learning, and we will continue to offer learning modalities that meet students’ needs.”

The new online bachelor’s degree in public administration will prepare students to serve as managers in local, state and federal government as well as the nonprofit sector. Areas of study will concentrate on developing a managerial mindset and skills including: managing people and processes, managing yourself and mindset, stakeholder management and budgeting and finance. More information can be found at go.uis.edu/bapa.

“This new online degree in public administration is a game changer,” said Robert Smith, dean of the UIS College of Public Affairs and Administration. “Because of the convenience of an online degree, you can conduct your studies whether you are a block away from the State Capitol or anywhere in the nation. This degree credential will open doors to employment and careers in governmental and nonprofit organizations tasked with providing crucial services to citizens so needed now more than ever.”  

The new online MBA program is also designed to allow more working professionals to continue their education and earn a master’s degree. 

“Adding an online component to our MBA will help more members of the business community access quality education in business,” said Somnath Bhattacharya, dean of the UIS College of Business and Management. “The enhanced accessibility and flexibility of the MBA online program aligns well with UIS’ mission to provide a student-centered educational experience.”

The new online master’s degree in finance responds to a critical need of regional banks, finance professionals and financial institutions to employ professionals with the knowledge and skills required to continue being competitive. The degree will also allow recent graduates from undergraduate programs and professionals to develop focused financial competencies. 

Both new master’s degree programs will be taught by experienced UIS faculty members along with highly qualified academic and professional members of the business community in central Illinois and beyond. Learn more about the online MBA at go.uis.edu/onlinemba and the finance master’s degree at go.uis.edu/onlinefinance.

The new 9-credit-hour graduate certificate in cybersecurity administration is designed to enable cybersecurity professionals or graduate students aspiring to pursue careers in cybersecurity units within for-profit or non-profit organizations, mainly in the central Illinois area. The certificate will teach students about cybersecurity threats and practices, as well as legal and ethical issues. The certificate program will teach students how to manage cybersecurity strategy, projects and personnel. Three core courses are required to complete the certificate. Learn more at go.uis.edu/cyberadmin. 

The 12-credit-hour certificate in cybersecurity management is designed to develop graduate students’ knowledge, analytical thinking, management skills and leadership in the cybersecurity field as required by private, public and non-profit organizations. The certificate program will provide advanced knowledge and training in cybersecurity management. Four core courses are required to complete the certificate. Learn more at go.uis.edu/cybermgmt.

To apply for the certificate programs, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and meet university requirements for admission and graduate study. All classes needed to complete the two certificates will be offered online and on campus. 

U.S. News & World Report ranked UIS as the top public regional university in Illinois and the fourth best public university in the Midwest regional category in its 2021 rankings. Students can apply to UIS at uis.edu/apply.

UIS and the Illinois Municipal League partner to publish the Illinois Municipal Policy Journal

The Illinois Municipal League (IML) announced a partnership with the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) to publish the Illinois Municipal Policy Journal.

Since 2016, IML has published the Journal as an educational tool that provides elected officials with academic research on the issues facing Illinois and its 1,298 cities, villages and towns. Additionally, it provides an arena for academics to publish their scholarly work on important topics, like public pensions, tax increment financing and other local government issues.

“This new partnership allows IML to continue expanding its benefits to our members by addressing some of the greatest challenges facing our state and providing solutions, which are needed now more than ever before as communities face decreased revenues that fund crucial programs,” said Brad Cole, IML executive director. “We are happy to join with the University of Illinois Springfield and look forward to the continued success of the Illinois Municipal Policy Journal.”

“A hallmark of this partnership is the blending of theory and practice made possible by balancing the talents and experiences of public officials delivering frontline municipal services with the input and observations of scholars who study and observe the role of municipal government in the state,” said Robert W. Smith, dean of the UIS College of Public Affairs and Administration. “This is something needed today more than ever to solve problems and improve municipal government and systems for all citizens in the State of Illinois.”

UIS’s College of Public Affairs and Administration will spearhead the development of content for the Journal. IML will publish and distribute the Journal widely to local and state elected officials, as well as academic and professional organizations around the country.

Three principal UIS faculty members will be involved in editing the Journal. Kenneth Kriz, UIS Distinguished Professor of Public Administration and Director of the Institute for Illinois Public Finance; Beverly Bunch, UIS Professor of Public Administration; and Arwi Kriz, a visiting Research Fellow in the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership.

“We are very excited about providing government officials throughout the state with the most current research on issues that affect the state and its local governments. When challenges to governance are more severe then they have ever been, the state university system is befitting to shed light on best practices in governance, forces that affect governments and choices that governments face,” said Kenneth Kriz.

“We will be working with scholars across the state to synthesize and share research on various economic, financial, social, legal and environmental issues. We will address topics such as the potential impacts of different alternatives, the types of factors that are important to consider, and what has worked, or not worked, in other governments. We are pleased to be collaborating with IML on this project,” said Bunch.

The fifth volume of the Illinois Municipal Policy Journal is scheduled to be available in December 2020.

UIS to host a free public webinar on how to prepare to reopen your business

The University of Illinois Springfield Office of Economic Development and Innovation, College of Business and Management, College of Public Affairs and Administration and Innovate Springfield will host a free public webinar on how to prepare to reopen your business during COVID-19 from 12-1 p.m. Friday, May 8.

On May 5, Governor J.B. Pritzker released Restore Illinois, the plan to reopen our state outlining the conditions that trigger the multiple phases and determine when and how we can operate. Anticipating and preparing for each phase of reopening is critical to planning for our organizations and reopening the economy. This week’s panelists will put the governor’s plan in context by highlighting case studies from across the country and globe. Exploring these examples will help guide our decision-making, and help us forecast when and under what conditions we can move forward.

Pritzker’s plan divides the state into four regions. Opening our Central Region seems less dependent upon what is happening in Chicago and more dependent on how the virus is impacting the other county in our region, including Champaign County. Monitoring the impact of the virus across those counties will be important to predicting how we might progress or regress through the phases.

The online panel discussion will feature Blair Rowitz, Associate Chief Medical Officer at Carle Health and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs for Carle Illinois College of Medicine; Molly Lamb, Deputy Director of Health Protection at the Illinois Department of Public Health; Dave Oberg, Vice President for Illinois Association of Museums; Ranjan Karri, Professor of Management (Strategy and Entrepreneurship) at UIS College of Business and Management; and Robert Smith, Dean of UIS College of Public Administration.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar, however registration is not required. Zoom video and call in connection information can be found on the registration page. This webinar part of a series aimed at providing the local community with expert information and quality resources to navigate these challenging times. For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at 217-899-3186 or bsomm2@uis.edu.

UIS announces Fall Semester 2019 Dean’s List

The University of Illinois Springfield has released the Dean’s List for Fall Semester 2019. A total of 599 students were selected; 82 are students in the College of Business and Management, 48 are students in the College of Education and Human Services, 382 are enrolled in programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 57 are enrolled in programs in the College of Public Affairs and Administration and 30 are non-degree seeking or undecided.

In order to qualify for the Dean’s List, 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.

Below you'll find a printable list of student's names listed by the city of residence on file with UIS Records and Registration.

Fall 2019 Dean's List PDF | Fall 2019 Dean's List Excel

UIS Public Administration Department earns public procurement accreditation from national organization

Photo Courtesy: @ArkansasNIGP

The University of Illinois Springfield’s Public Administration Department has received accreditation in public procurement from NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement. UIS is the first recipient of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing’s (NIGP) academic accreditation - earning two certificates.

UIS College of Public Affairs and Administration Dean Robert Smith and Adam Williams, Ph.D., director of the UIS Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program, were presented the certificate of accreditation at the NIGP forum held in Austin, Texas on Aug. 25.

According to NIGP, the certificate of accreditation reinforces the credibility of UIS’ Public Administration Department, an accomplishment that is highly regarded by the institution's administrators, faculty, alumni and students.

“The certificate and the achievement is a testament to the academic institution's high caliber of educational content, execution, and real-world experience,” said NIGP in a press release. “The UIS program is built on key strategic procurement competencies with demonstrated resources and effective course planning, design and instruction.”

According to Rick Grimm, NIGP CEO, "The University of Illinois Springfield's Department of Public Administration represents an elite and innovative higher education academic institution. It's an honor and privilege to have UIS earn NIGP's inaugural accreditation.”

“We look forward to the ability to work closely with the NIGP and its various chapters to provide quality educational opportunities and assist in the training of the coming generations of procurement professionals,” said Williams. “It is our hope that the membership will work closely with UIS in the continuous development of the content for these students and create a pipeline for the profession for years to come.”

NIGP's higher education accreditation distinguishes those academic institutions that offer dedicated procurement certificates or procurement concentration programs in public administration which meet or exceed rigorous standards and best of class practices.

UIS welcomes 21 new faculty members for the start of Fall Semester 2018 classes

A total of 21 new faculty members have joined the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2018. Nine faculty members will teach in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, two in the College of Business and Management, two in the College of Education and Human Services, four in the College of Public Affairs and Administration and one the Capital Scholars Honors Program. The College of Education and Human Services will also welcome a new research faculty member and two doctoral dissertation fellows will join the College of Public Affairs and Administration.

Amandailee Adams, assistant professor allied health/medical laboratory science in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, hold a master’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois Springfield. Her research interests include microbial biofilms and studying antibiotic resistant microorganisms in the clinical setting. Outside of work, she enjoys family adventures, traveling, boating and mentoring children.

Oluwakayode Adebowale, visiting research assistant professor of educational leadership in the College of Education and Human Services, earned a doctorate in technology, policy and innovation from the State University of New York – Stony Brook. His research interests include learner analytics; equity, diversity and inclusion; educational policy, learning technology, quantitative research, S.T.E.M and cross‐global collaboration. His personal interests include college‐prep, S.T.E.M, grant writing, track and field, mentoring, networking and traveling.

Timothy Bill, communication instructor and forensics coach in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a master’s degree in communication from the University of Kentucky. His research and professional interests include political communication, speech and debate, persuasion, argumentation and instructional communication. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, hiking and running.

Glenn Cassidy, economics instructor in the College of Business and Management, earned a Ph.D. in public policy analysis from Carnegie Mellon University. His research interests include state and local public finance, economic development and regulatory economics. His personal interests include creative writing, poetry open mics and economic history.

Alan Freedman, assistant professor of allied health/athletic training in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a master’s of education in athletic training from the University of Virginia. He is currently completing his doctorate. His research and professional interests include epidemiology of fencing injuries and hip joint pathology. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, golf and travel.

Andrea Jensen, assistant professor of allied health/medical laboratory science in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Illinois Springfield. Her research/professional interests include asymmetric information in laboratory testing and its effect on healthcare costs, appropriate laboratory test utilization and outcome improvement in MLS programs. Her personal interests include gardening, theatre, knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting and long walks.

Meghan Kessler, assistant professor of teacher education in the College of Education and Human Services, earned a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her research and professional interests include policies and practices of teacher evaluation and its impact on new teacher development and socialization. Outside of work, she enjoys running and biking the trails around Springfield.

Kenneth Kriz, distinguished professor of public administration in the College of Public Affairs & Administration, holds a doctorate in public affairs from Indiana University. His research and professional interests include municipal debt, public pension fund management, public financial risk management and economic development finance. Personally, he enjoys hiking, exercise, reading, music and Manchester City football.

Shelley Lewis, visiting instructor of English and modern languages, earned a master’s degree in English from Illinois State University. Her research and professional interests include student success in writing. Outside of work, she enjoys writing and reading.

Joshua Lively, doctoral dissertation fellow in environmental studies in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, earned a master’s degree in geology from the University of Utah. His research and professional interests include the evolutionary patterns of organisms (especially marine reptiles and freshwater turtles) during periods of globally warm climate in deep time. Personally, he enjoys hiking, bird watching, fishing, watching college football and tennis.

Elise LoBue, visiting instructor in the Capital Scholars Honors Program, earned a doctorate in women’s studies from the University of Iowa. Her research/professional interests include post‐socialist transitions in the former Soviet Union and Turkish refugees who are members of the Hizmet movement seeking political asylum in Canada. Personally, she enjoys gardening, fitness and wellness, Ubering her children (more of a hobby, than an interest) and watching their sporting activities.

Jennifer Martin, assistant professor of teacher education in the College of Education & Human Services, holds a doctorate in education from Oakland University. Her research and professional interests include culturally responsive teaching and leading practices and issues of educational equity. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, true crime podcasts and her twin Boston Terrier puppies, Mimi and Malcolm.

Sean McCandless, assistant professor of public administration in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, earned a doctorate in public affairs from the University of Colorado. His research interests include public administration and social equity. He is personally interested in music, travel and food (and when all three combine).

Noah Reynolds, assistant professor of biology in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a doctorate in microbiology from The Ohio State University. His research/professional interests include molecular and cellular biology, specifically, understanding the regulation of protein synthesis in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans. Outside of work, he enjoys running, spending time with his kids and making and listening to music.

Roberto Rincon, doctoral dissertation fellow in political science in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a master’s degree in political science from Northeastern Illinois University. His research and professional interests include issues of race and social justice with a focus on the politics of recognition as it regards Afro‐Mexican communities in Mexico and the United States. His personal interests include travel, music, fiction – an extension of a commitment to diversity, experiential learning and thinking the common.

Arnaldo Robles-Reyes, assistant professor of English and modern languages in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a doctorate in second language acquisition (Spanish) from the State University of New York, University at Albany.

David Saner, instructor of accountancy in the College of Business and Management, earned a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Indiana University. His research and professional interests include fraud and unfunded pension liabilities. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, skiing and attending a myriad of children’s events.

Junu Shrestha, assistant professor of public health in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, earned a doctorate in allied health, recreation and community services (environmental health education) from the University of Northern Iowa. Her research and professional interests include heavy metal pollution, water quality, GIS techniques in environmental and public health, and environmental pollutants and public health. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, biking and traveling.

Steven Vitti, assistant professor of allied health/exercise science in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds a doctorate in exercise physiology from Springfield College. His research and professional interests include betalain supplementation, muscle damage and inflammation. Personally, he enjoys coffee and running.

Sarah Webb, assistant professor of English and modern languages in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a doctorate in English from Louisiana State University. Her research and professional interests include creative writing, digital media and global advocacy and interventions in the issue of colorism. Outside of work, she enjoys earrings and 90s R&B.

Yun Zhao, assistant professor of environmental studies in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, earned a doctorate in geography from Oklahoma State University. His research and professional interests include Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, urban and transportation geography and landscape ecology. His personal interests include bicycling, running, thriller movies and spending time with family.

UIS announces Fall Semester 2017 Dean’s List

The University of Illinois Springfield has released the Dean’s List for Fall Semester 2017.

A total of 570 students were selected; 88 are students in the College of Business and Management, 50 are students in the College of Education and Human Services, 349 are enrolled in programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 65 are enrolled in programs in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, and 18 are non-degree seeking or undecided.

In order to qualify for the Dean’s List, 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.

Below you'll find a printable list of student's names listed by the city of residence on file with UIS Records and Registration.

Fall 2017 Dean's List PDF | Fall 2017 Dean's List Excel

UIS welcomes thirteen new faculty members

Thirteen new faculty members have joined the University of Illinois Springfield for fall semester 2017. Seven will teach in programs within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, four in the College of Business and Management, one in the College of Education and Human Services and one in the College of Public Affairs and Administration.

Michael Davis, visiting instructor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Illinois Springfield. His research interests include computer architecture and organization. Outside of work, he enjoys time with family and craft beer.

Jordan Hyde, instructor of psychology in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in applied social psychology from Brigham Young University. His research interests include cultural psychology, race and cultural diversity, intergroup relations, diversity and philosophy of science. He is married and has one child. He enjoys television/movies, piano and singing.

Ahmad Juma’h, associate professor of accountancy in the College of Business and Management, holds a Ph.D. in accounting and finance from Manchester University. His research interests include outsourcing, offshoring, earning management, bankruptcy, manipulations, financial decisions and stock market reaction, materiality, performance measurements behavioral accounting and finance. When he is not teaching at UIS, he enjoys writing and reading, learning different cultures and traveling.

Youngjin Kang, lecturer in human services in the College of Education & Human Services, earned her Ph.D. in family science from the University of Missouri – Columbia. Her research interests include family processes, parent-child relationships, parent-child communications and co-parenting relationships in post-divorce families. Outside of work, she enjoys playing the piano, watching documentaries, cooking, walking and hiking.

Hasan Kartal, lecturer in management information systems in the College of Business and Management, is expected to earn his Ph.D. in information systems from the University Massachusetts Lowell in 2017. His research interests include data analytics and data privacy, primarily in health care, and supply chain management. When not teaching at UIS, he enjoys weekly swims and occasional mountain cycling.

Yuan Li, assistant professor of management information systems in the College of Business and Management, obtained a Ph.D. in management information systems from the University of South Carolina. His research interests include online privacy and security, knowledge management, computer-aided decision-making and business analytics. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and cooking.

Stephanie Martinez, instructor of English & modern languages (Spanish/TESOL) in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a master’s degree in linguistics from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her research interests include the psychological processes of second language learning as well as the role of culture in learning a language. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, travel, cooking, history, architecture and design.

Maria Panteva, visiting assistant professor of chemistry in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in chemistry & chemical biology from Rutgers University. She is interested in physical chemistry, computational biophysics and studying the structure and dynamics of biologically relevant systems. She enjoys reading, traveling and cooking.

Edrisa Sanyang, visiting assistant professor of public health in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, earned a Ph.D. in occupational & environmental health from the University of Iowa. His research includes injury epidemiology, workplace violence, water and sanitation. Outside of work he enjoys biking.

Andrea Scarpino, visiting assistant professor of English & modern languages in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a Ph.D. in creative writing from Bath Spa University. She is interested in poetry, creative writing, the body and disability studies. Her personal interests include cooking, traveling and yoga.

Yih Sung, assistant professor of mathematical sciences in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in mathematics from Harvard University. His research interests include complex analysis, complex geometry, theoretical physics and artificial intelligence. Personally, he enjoys reading, baking, cooking and Chinese calligraphy.

Mohammed Uddin, assistant professor of accountancy in the College of Business and Management, holds a Ph.D. in accounting from Aston University. His research interests include accounting, accountability and performance management in nonprofit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs). He also enjoys networking with professionals and playing football.

Jennifer Whalen, instructor of English & modern languages in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds an M.F.A. in creative writing from Texas State University. She is interested in college composition and poetry. Outside of work, she enjoys reading novels and watching movies and television.

"Hired!" social media campaign highlights recent graduates with jobs

A University of Illinois Springfield social media campaign is highlighting students who graduated with a job. The "Hired!" campaign was featured on the UIS Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages in the Summer of 2017.

UIS announces Spring Semester 2017 Dean’s List

The University of Illinois Springfield has released the Dean’s List for Spring Semester 2017.

A total of 548 students were selected; 75 are students in the College of Business and Management, 51 are students in the College of Education and Human Services, 347 are enrolled in programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 58 are enrolled in programs in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, and 17 are non-degree seeking or undecided.

In order to qualify for the Dean’s List, 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.

Below you'll find a printable list of student's names listed by the city of residence on file with UIS Records and Registration.

Spring 17 Dean's List PDF | Spring 17 Dean's List Excel

Robert Smith named the new dean of the UIS College of Public Affairs and Administration

Robert Smith, professor of political science and public affairs at Savannah State University, has been named the new dean of the College of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Illinois Springfield. He will start on July 16, 2017, pending formal University of Illinois Board of Trustees approval.

“I am thrilled to be joining the faculty, staff and students of the College of Public Affairs and Administration at UIS,” said Smith. “I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to provide leadership for one of the outstanding Colleges at UIS. I look forward to working with the UIS Administration to position the College for growth and excellence in the years ahead. Most important, I am enthusiastic about working closely with all of the faculty, staff and students to enhance and strengthen the profile and reputation and significance of the College beginning on day one.”

“Robert brings a wealth of administrative experience and a passion for helping faculty and students attain their educational goals,” said James Ermatinger, UIS interim vice chancellor for academic affairs & provost.

Smith has served as dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Savannah State University, chair of the Department of Political Science and International Affairs at Kennesaw State University and program director for the Masters of Public Administration (MPA) Program at Clemson University where he taught for 11 years.

Prior to his academic career, Smith served as a senior budget official in the Executive Department of the New York State Division of the Budget working under Governors Mario Cuomo and George Pataki. Before that, Smith served as regional director for Upstate and Central New York for United States Senator and former United Nations Ambassador Daniel Moynihan.

Smith holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from the University at Albany, part of the State University of New York System (SUNY), and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York.

Smith’s research interests and published academic works focus on public budgeting and financial management, government ethics, citizen participation and organization design and theory.

Smith will replace Hanfu Mi, who has been serving as interim dean of the College of Public Affairs and Administration.

UIS part of a national study aimed at improving quality and transparency in state budgets

The University of Illinois Springfield has teamed with The Volcker Alliance to help conduct a national multiyear study aimed at improving budgeting and fiscal sustainability in all 50 states.

A team of researchers from the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership, including Public Administration Professor Beverly Bunch, Associate Professor of Economics Patricia Byrnes, and a doctoral student, will gather data on several state governments. Data collected on all 50 state governments by universities across the nation will provide the Alliance with the basis for evaluating state budgeting and financial reporting performance in areas including clarity and integrity.

“The Truth and Integrity in Government Finance Project”, as the study is known, will lay the groundwork for governors, legislators, civic organizations, and citizens concerned about fiscal stewardship to effect meaningful improvements in the quality and transparency of state budgets in a time of fiscal stress for many governments.

“Understanding state budgets and financial reporting is challenging, even for those of us who teach and study these issues,” said Bunch. “This project provides an opportunity to take a closer look at current practices among the states and identify areas that need improvement.”

The nonpartisan Volcker Alliance was launched in 2013 by former Federal Reserve Board Chairman Paul A. Volcker to address the challenge of effective execution of public policies and to help rebuild public trust in government.

“Trust in government is at a low point,” said Volcker, “and part of the reason is that the public cannot even tell what our government can afford. Accounting may be complicated, but governments have an obligation to the public to reveal what services cost, how much money is borrowed, where there are shortfalls, and what tradeoffs society will face to balance the budget. This project aims to show the way.”

The Alliance is partnering with academic institutes across the United States to complete the study, including UIS. Other partners include Arizona State University; City University of New York; Cornell University; Florida International University; Georgia State University; University of California, Berkeley; University of Illinois at Chicago; University of Kentucky; University of Minnesota; and University of Utah.

“The Truth and Integrity in Government Finance Project” is made possible in part by grants from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation and the Laura and John Arnold Foundation. The Alliance anticipates releasing its next round of analysis in 2017, identifying state budgeting and financial reporting practices that need improvement and providing concrete examples of best practices.

For more information about the study, contact Professor Beverly Bunch at 217/206-6080 or bbunc1@uis.edu.

University of Illinois Springfield adds six new majors to give students more options

The University of Illinois Springfield has added six new majors in order to give students more educational options. Five of the new majors started this semester and a bachelor’s degree in theatre will begin in fall 2017.

The five new majors that started in fall 2016 include bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry, exercise science, public administration and public policy. A master’s degree in data analytics was also added this semester.

“These new majors represent a continual effort by our faculty to provide undergraduate and graduate degree opportunities in the professional fields, STEM, and the liberal arts,” said James Ermatinger, UIS interim vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost. “These majors are in areas which have high student interest and demand and represent our commitment to providing high quality education for the region and its students.”

The six new degree programs were approved by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. UIS now offers a total of 31 bachelor’s degrees, 20 master’s degrees and one doctoral program.

The biochemistry curriculum prepares students to immediately begin careers in the medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, and meets the requirements for successful admission to professional schools in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy school, and other health-related fields.

Students of exercise science study the science of movement, physical exertion, kinesiology, health awareness, and research into health disorders. The program is designed to prepare UIS students for various positions in the exercise and health field, or for post-graduate study in Exercise Science or additional Allied Health programs.

Public administration is a field of study that prepares students to serve as managers in local, state, and federal government as well as the nonprofit sector. The UIS program endeavors to prepare students to advance the public interest and civic engagement. Students are prepared though an integration of theory and practice.

The public policy curriculum explores the full policy-making process, including the study of specific policy issues from healthcare to education, criminal justice, social welfare, environmental and agricultural policy, among other areas.

The theatre major at UIS offers students the opportunity to further develop their talents as theatre artists, by working with great dramatic literature in the classroom and on the stage. Theatre majors are exposed to a wide variety of production experiences, while exploring the collaboration needed to create a fully realized production.

The master’s degree in data analytics is offered in traditional on-campus, online, and blended formats. The degree aims at providing an interdisciplinary approach to data analytics that covers both the foundational mathematical knowledge of data science and the computational methods and tools for preprocessing, interpreting, analyzing, representing and visualizing data sets.

Students interested in registering for classes may apply online or contact the UIS Office of Admissions with questions at 217/206-4847 or admissions@uis.edu.

UIS professor relocates endangered osprey birds to Illinois

Tih-Fen Ting, associate professor of environmental studies at the University of Illinois Springfield, translocated 12 six-week-old ospreys, an endangered fish eating bird of prey, from Virginia to Illinois thanks to the help of the Illinois Audubon Society. The society contributed $3,000 to transport the birds by plane in collaboration with the aviation program at Southern Illinois University.

The birds were flown into the Decatur Airport on July 7, 2016, and were processed and tagged the following day at the Illinois Raptor Center in Decatur. Later in the day, the birds were released at two sites, one near Lake Shelbyville and the other near Canton, along the Illinois River.



“Biological diversity is important to the long-term well-being of human health and communities,” said Ting. “Efforts to recover threatened or endangered species, such as ospreys in Illinois, are necessary to keep biodiversity strong so that future generations can benefit from these wonderful creatures.”

Establishing a self-sustaining breeding population of ospreys in Illinois is one of the goals of a multi-year U.S. Fish and Wildlife grant awarded to Ting through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The objective is to re-establish ospreys in Illinois where they are listed as endangered.

“We’re happy to help with this important project. This gift, I believe, will make our members proud, plus have potential to educate many more people regarding our effort to bring back this tremendous bird of prey,” said Tom Clay, executive director of Illinois Audubon Society.

Since 2013, Ting and a group of UIS students and research personnel, in collaboration with IDNR, have helped to successfully translocate and fledge 24 young ospreys from the Chesapeake Bay area. The researchers have been feeding, observing, and tending to the translocated osprey chicks at Anderson Lake, near Havana, and at Lake Shelbyville. A third site called Banner Marsh, near Canton, was added this year.

Although ospreys have a wide range of distribution in North America, the birds rarely breed in Illinois and are considered vulnerable to climate change. According to the National Audubon Society’s climate model, by 2080 ospreys are projected to lose 79 percent of their current summer range, particularly in coastal areas.

“Through translocating young birds, we can help with ospreys’ range expansion into inland lakes or rivers in Illinois,” said Ting.

For more information, contact Tih-Fen Ting, UIS associate professor of environmental studies, at 217/206-7876 or tting1@uis.edu.

UIS announces spring 2016 semester Dean's List

The University of Illinois Springfield has released the Dean’s List for the spring 2016 semester. 

A total of 539 students were selected; 87 are students in the College of Business and Management, 40 are students in the College of Education and Human Services, 346 are enrolled in programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 54 are enrolled in programs in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, and 12 are non-degree seeking or undecided. 

In order to qualify for the Dean’s List, 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.

Below you'll find a printable list of student's names listed by the city of residence on file with UIS Records and Registration.

Spring 2016 Dean's List in Excel | Spring 2016 Dean's List PDF  

UIS releases complete list of 2016 graduates

A total of 1,716 students earned degrees from the University of Illinois Springfield at the conclusion of the spring semester on May 14, 2016, pending completion of university requirements.

Below you'll find 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.

May 2016 Graduates in Excel | May 2016 Graduates PDF

For photos, video and more from the 45th UIS Commencement Ceremony, visit www.uis.edu/commencement.

UIS announces fall 2015 semester Dean's List

A total of 574 students have been named to the University of Illinois Springfield Dean's List for the 2015 fall semester.

The list includes 83 students in the college of Business and Management, 31 students in the College of Education and Human Services, 390 students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 50 students in the College of Public Affairs and Administration and 20 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: Fall 2015 Dean's List

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.