A Message from the Dean - February 2022
As this month ends, the attention of the world has been drawn to Ukraine, where a Russian invasion began on February 24. The College of Arts and Sciences’ statement of Desired Characteristics & Capabilities of Graduates states that the College fosters the development of citizenship, encouraging participation in the local, national, and global community, sensitivity to the welfare of others, and an appreciation of democratic values. I hope that all of you have been following the news from Ukraine as participants in the global community. I know that we all are concerned about the welfare of the people of Ukraine, particularly the civilians who now find their towns and cities under attack. And I know that we all support the preservation of democracy.
Members of the CAS community have personal connections to Ukraine. Sophia Wilson, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Political Science, spoke about her connections to Ukraine and shared her scholarly knowledge in a report broadcast on KSDK TV. Wilson also spoke with Scott Marion, a reporter for the Edwardsville Intelligencer.
Today marks the end of Black Heritage Month. During the month of February, in several events, SIUE celebrated the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history and examined the legacy of racial discrimination. Tomorrow is the first day of Women’s History Month, which will feature more than a dozen educational and social events honoring women’s contributions, several of which are sponsored by the Women’s Studies program.
Three of the four Outstanding Faculty Mentors and Student Researchers recognized by the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program were from CAS. The URCA Creative Activities Mentor of the Semester Award was presented to Johanna Schmitz, PhD, professor of theater history and dramatic literature. The Research Assistant of the Semester Award was presented to Lydia Fulton, of Staunton, a senior in the Department of History. Glen Carbon native Elizabeth Schroader, studying in the Department of English, was presented the Creative Activities Assistant of the Semester Award.
Carol Colaninno, PhD, research associate professor in the SIUE STEM Center and adjunct professor in the Department of Anthropology, has been named the first Sexual Harassment and Assault Reduction and Prevention (SHARP) Coordinator for the Southeastern Archaeological Conference (SEAC) Executive Committee.
Other notable news from CAS includes:
- Howard Rambsy II, PhD, of the Department of English Language and Literature, has achieved SIUE’s highest academic rank, Distinguished Research Professor.
- Dana McLennan completed her bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a journalism concentration with support from the Rising Communicators Scholarship and the Buezetta Meyer and Charlot Hentz Scholarship.
- Susanne DiSalvo, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, was named an SIUE Difference Maker, who offers inspiration and support to others.
- The Department of Public Administration and Policy Analysis is offering a new post-baccalaureate certificate in Professional Leadership Strategies.
- The Department of Theater and Dance, Black Theater Workshop (BTW), Black Studies Program, and Arts & Issues series presented three productions of the NU-World Contemporary Danse Theatre’s “From Jimmy, To America: An Ode to James Baldwin” Feb. 11-13
Please read more about these people and their accomplishments in This Month in CAS, and tune in to Segue at 9 a.m. on Sundays to learn about people and events on the SIUE campus.
Kevin Leonard, PhD
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
