News

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook will oversee the 2017 Spring Commencement exercises tonight and tomorrow for 1,957 eligible graduates. The first of four exercises will begin at 6:30 p.m. tonight in the Vadalabene Center on campus. All the ceremonies will be streamed live on siue.edu/tv.

Frankie Muse Freeman will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Freeman has spent her lengthy career advocating for civil rights issues that have had a lasting impa...

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) hosted more than 70 students and their parents in 'Locked In to Stay Out" at the Vadalabene Center Saturday and Sunday, April 22-23. The event engaged 6th and 7th grade students in discussions about prescription drug abuse and the associated dangers.

"It was truly an amazing experience for all of us that were involved," said Dr. Jessica Kerr, assistant chair of the SIUE Department of Pharmacy Practice and associate professor...

Outstanding research and creative activities were featured during Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Undergraduate Scholars Showcase held Thursday, April 27 in the Morris University Center. The event highlighted the depth and variety of learning experiences offered through the University’s Senior Assignment and Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) programs.

More than 110 students, representing nearly 25 different programs, presented their work through live ...

As the finale to their undergraduate studies in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB), five seniors determined which, if either, style of aerobic exercise was more effective among untrained adults: steady state or interval training.

Project team members, all slated to graduate in May with a bachelor’s in exercise science from the SEHHB Department of Applied Health, included Courtney Willoughby, of Chatham, Marcus Breden, of Ha...

Professional photo sessions should be fun, creative and affordable, according to entrepreneur Johnnie “Miss J” Minney, owner of Speak To Miss J Photos, a new portrait studio in Shiloh that opened April 12.

Minney and her husband, Denon, who is the studio’s marketing director, have a creative perspective on photography that is markedly distinct and, arguably, more affordable than most. A 20-minute photo session allows individuals or a group of up to 15 people to choose their po...

The Institute of Navigation (ION) has presented SIUE School of Engineering (SOE) alumnus Charles Phillip Bruner with the esteemed Captain P.V.H. Weems Award for his contributions to the art and science of navigation.

The award honors the late Capt. Weems, who is credited with having patented the first method of performing navigation in space.

Bruner earned a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from the SOE in 1971. Upon receipt of the 2016 Weems Award, the ION detailed his distinguished...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville professors Mike Shaw and Brad Noble have received the Graduate School’s Concept Commercialization Award for 2017. The award provides $15,000 through April 9, 2018 to assist in the marketing of their Digital Potentiostat Circuit and System.

The duo received a patent (U.S. Patent Serial No. 13/371,230 issued as patent no. 8845870) in 2014 for the digital potentiostat. Shaw is a distinguished research professor in the Department of Chemistry in the C...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students, faculty staff and surrounding community members were recognized for their outstanding contributions to leadership and service during the 2017 Kimmel Leadership Awards Ceremony held Monday, April 24 in the Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom.

More than 150 individuals and organizations were honored with such accolades as outstanding student leader and emerging student leader, rotary student leader of the month and organization, program a...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) year three students marked their transition toward becoming pharmacists at the School’s Pinning Ceremony, held Thursday, April 20 in the Meridian Ballroom.

Pins were presented to 76 students, signifying their transition to Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences.

“Today’s ceremony recognizes you will no longer be learning about patients, but will be caring for patients,” said Kate Newman, SOP clinical ass...

The artistic creations of students from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Early Childhood Center (ECC) are on display at the 7^th Annual Children’s Art Exhibit this week. The public is invited to admire the children’s creative works in the Morris University Center Meeting Room A through noon on Friday, April 28.

The exhibit is in connection with the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child. The purpose of the Week of...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is now a Peace Corps Prep site. This partnership agreement, signed by Chancellor Randy Pembrook on behalf of SIUE and the U.S. Peace Corps, is available only to students at participating partner schools.

 “This program provides an opportunity for students at SIUE to contribute to international peace, social justice and the development of full human potential,” said Mary Weishaar, executive director of International Affairs. “It su...

The original scale model of the SIUE campus is available for viewing on the first floor of Lovejoy Library through the spring commencement ceremonies being held Friday and Saturday, May 5-6. The model features the intended design and appearance of the Edwardsville core campus, and was on exhibit during the campus groundbreaking in 1963.

The display coincides with the upcoming presentation of an SIUE Distinguished Service Award to Gyo Obata, the external architect of SIUE, during the Spring 2017...

SIUE alumnus Darren Mosley was named Silver Medallion Teacher of the Year at the 29^th annual Silver Medallion Academic Excellence Awards Banquet held Thursday, April 20 at Lewis and Clark Community College. The award was sponsored by Liberty Bank.

Mosley earned a master’s in education administration from SIUE in 2008. His recognition was detailed in an article posted in The Telegraph.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB) honored student achievement and expressed gratitude for donor support during its annual Honors Day celebration, held Saturday, April 22 in the Morris University Center Conference Center.

Approximately 200 students, parents, donors, sponsors, faculty and staff were in attendance as more than 40 students were awarded scholarships totaling nearly $11,000.

“Honors Day is an exciting opportuni...

Carrollton Bank has donated textbooks and laptops to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center (ESLC) to support finance education. The gift will enhance the curriculum at the ESLC Charter High School.

Carrollton Bank Chief Executive Officer Tom Hough and his wife, Suzanne, presented a check today valued at $8,700 to cover the purchase of consumer education/personal finance textbooks and 25 laptop computers designated for use by the personal finance students in the Eve...

The City of Edwardsville held a ribbon cutting Saturday, April 22, for its new fire station located on the SIUE campus on Northwest University Dr. Edwardsville Intelligencer reporter Cody King posted the story.

Vice Chancellor for Administration Rich Walker represented the SIUE administration and noted how the fire station was already making a difference since going into service last November.

The station serves both the SIUE campus and the warehouse district in Edwardsville. It includes two f...

Danielle N. Lee is a visiting assistant professor in SIUE’s College of Arts & Sciences. She teaches mammalogy and biology, and is actively working to eliminate students’ barriers to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. She has become one of the leading voices on diversity in the sciences. Writer Neil Gladstone posted a Q&A with Lee on April 21 at verizon.com.

Mia Frogner closed out her third set victory Sunday with a backhand at the net, sealing the second straight Ohio Valley Conference Tournament title for SIUE women's tennis.

SIUE defeated Eastern Kentucky 4-1 in the OVC Championship match. The Cougars completed the regular season and the league tournament with a perfect 21-0 dual match record.

“I can't say enough about this team,” said SIUE Head Coach Nick Mueller. “We have persevered through a lot this season. I am extrem...

The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) tabbed SIUE’s Jake Residori, of Shorewood, and Jake Tindle, of Troy, as members of its 2017 All-Academic Team.

Both wrestlers advanced to the NCAA Championships in March at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis after winning their respective weight classes at the Southern Conference Championships. Residori placed eighth overall and was named an All-American. There were 35 All-Americans who also earned the NWCA All-Academic award.

The criteria...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students presented their business ideas during the 7^th annual “TheOther40” competition on Friday, April 7. The event featured presentations by the creators of eight businesses in a Shark Tank-like fashion to a panel of enterprise professionals, with MBA student Celeste Hughes taking first place for GAINZ by the Dozen.

The SIUE School of Business and the Entrepreneurs’ Club of SIUE hosted the competition. Since statistics show that arou...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is among the top 10 Best Online Colleges in Illinois, according to College Choice, a ranking and review online publication.

SIUE was tabbed ninth out of 23 universities in the state. Rankings were based predominantly on academic quality, as well as return on investment.

“This ranking is a wonderful acknowledgement of SIUE’s strong and innovative academic offerings,” said Scott Belobrajdic, associate vice chancellor for Enrollment Mana...

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus community is demonstrating its school spirit this week by participating in Springfest 2017, under the theme “Cougars in the Outfield,” through Sunday, April 23. The annual event is the longest running tradition on campus and promotes student engagement.

“Springfest is meant to celebrate SIUE students, faculty and staff accomplishments during this past academic year with one last hurrah before finals,” said Casey Vaclav...

A silent protest was held at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Tuesday, April 18 to start conversations about sexual violence and prevention. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

SIUE’s Counseling Services and Prevention Education and Advocacy Center (PEACe), in partnership with Call for Help, Inc., invited people to join together in holding signs featuring awareness messages to support survivors and end sexual assault.  

“The silent protest was about visibili...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SIUE SOP) students won a most humorous video award for the second straight year at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) 2017 Annual Meeting and Exposition held late March in San Francisco. 

Scott Sexton, a fourth year from Waterloo, and Austin Lee, a third year from Festus, Mo., created a video, Batman the Pharmacist Part 2, for the annual national Pharmflix contest conducted by the APhA Academy of Student Pharmacist...

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Meridian Society hosted the Women’s Philanthropy and Leadership Workshop on Thursday, April 6 in the Morris University Center. Nearly 120 attendees learned about engaged philanthropy and participated in roundtable discussions on philanthropic areas of focus such as education, poverty, sustainability and disaster relief.

Featured speakers at the event included Chad and Kathie Opel, founders of Edwardsville Neighbors in Need, Gloria Crowder, pre...

It used to be the norm that in a town known for its black musical history, influence and legends, talented black musicians were hitting a sour note when it came to finding jobs in the St. Louis area. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Prince Wells III, associate professor in the Department of Music and past director of the Music Business Program and the Black Studies Program at SIUE, organized, strategized and chronicled the struggles and successes of black artists. His efforts ar...

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing’s Valerie Griffin, DNP, assistant clinical professor and coordinator of the family nurse practitioner program, will join the Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP). Griffin’s induction will honor her outstanding contributions to health care through her main focus areas of education and policy.

Griffin will be honored among 67 inductees on Thursday, June 22 during the AANP 2017 National Confer...

An emeritus professor of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM), known for his significant contributions to teaching, professional development and leadership, and devoted support of campus beautification efforts, now has a scenic dedication settled in front of one of the unique campus’s historic buildings.

The family of Dr. David Jenkins, with the support of SIU SDM Dean Bruce Rotter, DMD, and Director of Development Stephen Schaus, surprised their father wit...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s distinctive Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program has recognized excellent mentorship and student work with the presentation of four awards.

The spring 2017 Vaughn Vandegrift URCA Research Mentor of the Semester Award has been presented to faculty mentors Jianwei Huang, PhD, PE, and Kevin Tucker, PhD. Huang is an assistant professor in the School of Engineering’s Department of Civil Engineering. Tucker is an assista...

Earth Week is a time when Southern Illinois University Edwardsville joins communities around the world in helping to make the planet a better, greener, more sustainable place to live. 

The Center for Spirituality and Sustainability (CSS), Student Organization for Sustainability (SOS), the SIUE Newman Catholic Community, and the Sociology Club will sponsor several events during the 2017 Earth Week, which begins today and runs through Earth Day, Saturday, April 22. 

• Wednesday, April ...

SIUE School of Nursing alumna and lecturer in the nurse anethesia program Mary Zerlan, DNP, CRNA, has been selected to join the Nursing Board at the American Health Council.

Zerlan earned a bachelor’s in nursing in 1979 and a master’s in nursing anesthesia in 1996, both from SIUE. Her professional accomplishments were detailed in a news release posted Thursday, April 13 on MarketWatch.com.

Prospective students explored the possibilities of pursuing an advanced degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville during the Office of Graduate Admissions’ Open House on Wednesday, April 12.

Nearly 55 applications were filed as students, eager to continue their education, gained information on the University’s diverse array of program options, including more than 70 master’s programs, post-baccalaureate certificates, specialist degrees, doctoral degrees and cooperati...

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) highlighted the important role research plays in the daily practice and continued advancement of the dynamic profession of dentistry during its 2017 Research Day held Tuesday, April 11.

“Our profession is constantly improving treatment alternatives and introducing new and better options,” said Bruce Rotter, DMD, dean of the SIU SDM. “The dental practitioner must often make choices regarding which are the best...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook was the featured speaker at the 49^th Annual Society for Academic Achievement (SAA) at Effingham High School in Effingham in late March.

The Sunrise Rotary Club and Noon Rotary Club of Effingham sponsor the annual event to publicly recognize outstanding scholastic achievements by Effingham and St. Anthony High School Students. The respective schools distributed more than 50 awards, and selected students on the basis of their goo...

Six members of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering’s (SOE) Constructor’s Club volunteered their time and put their building skills to use over spring break, March 4-9, to help people in need through Habitat for Humanity.

This was the fifth consecutive year club members have participated in a week-long volunteer project. This year they traveled to Walton County, Florida.

Participating students, all of whom are studying construction management in the S...

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing (SON) celebrated student achievement and gratefully acknowledged its donors during the 10^th Annual Scholarship and Award Luncheon held Wednesday, April 12 in the Morris University Center.

Scholarships worth approximately $26,000 were awarded to 39 student recipients. Eight students pursuing the SIUE SON traditional bachelor’s program on the Carbondale campus were among the awardees.

“Today we celebrate the wonderful pa...

A Worden native turned entrepreneur is already showing her heart for building community and growing tourism in and around her hometown.

With invaluable assistance from the Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center, Beth Behme Adkison is well on her way to pursuing her dream. On Saturday, May 6, she will celebrate the grand opening of The Wild Turkey, a family restaurant and bar she debuted in February. Rather than being a direct competitor of The Yellow Dog Cafe & Bar, a similar est...

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) celebrated the scholarly achievements of more than 220 students with 253 scholarships and awards at its 2017 Honors Day Convocation. The event, held Sunday, April 9 in the Meridian Ballroom, is the largest single gathering recognizing student achievement at SIUE, outside of commencement.

Approximately 500 attendees, including students and their family and friends, University administrators, CAS faculty and staff, a...

Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, The Drowsy Chaperone will open at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Katherine Dunham Theater.

The musical, which is set in the jazz age and features one show-stopping song and dance number after another, runs at 7:30 p.m. from Wednesday, April 19-Saturday, April 22. A matinee is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, April 23.

General admission is $12 for adults, and $10 for seniors and ot...

If you dare to place an obstacle in front of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumna Tiffany Eickhoff, prepare for it to be broken down with fierce perseverance … and a smile.

Eickhoff is described as being “relentlessly cheerful” and someone who always wants to try new things. Her latest endeavor has been participating in 5K races and a 10K race, accomplishments which underscore her dogged determination. Her mantra: “I don’t care if I’m last. I just...

While these young musicians have played on a stage for a little while, it was only recently that they first began learning about an A flat, a perfect fourth and a diminished third. The Theory of Music, taught by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Mary Jo Pembrook, is expected to help the students perform well during their pursuit of musical studies.

“My part is to teach the basic fundamentals of music,” said Pembrook, music teacher with the SIUE East St. Louis Center ...

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) International Studies Program hosted International Studies Day on Thursday, April 6 in the Morris University Center’s Meridian Ballroom.

More than 150 students, faculty and community members attended the day’s events which featured expert panels on key international issues and careers, as well as film presentations, an artistic performance and a trivia night.

“International Studies Day gav...

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering’s (SOE) Jianpeng “Jim” Zhou, PhD, PE, BCEE, has been awarded fellow grade of the Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI), one of the largest institutes of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Zhou is a professor in the SOE’s Department of Civil Engineering.

The distinguished designation recognizes Zhou’s significant professional accomplishments in the field of environmental engineeri...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Professor Emeritus Jack Shaheen, PhD, a renowned expert on racial stereotyping of marginalized groups such as Arab and Muslim people, returned to campus for a special conversation to conclude the Department of Mass Communication’s “Diversity Amidst Adversity” series.

In his talk, held Thursday, April 6 in Katherine Dunham Hall Theater, Shaheen took the audience on a look back through his life’s work. For decades, he has worked to...

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Mass Communications presented global perspectives from nationally and internationally recognized speakers on today’s complex media landscape, during Mass Comm Week held April 3-6.

“With this week’s theme of “Diversity Amidst Adversity,” we wanted to shine a light on the unusual and complex dynamics we’re seeing right now in terms of our political climate,” sa...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville sophomore nursing major Taylor Bergschneider was surprised at work Friday, April 7 with the news that she is the 2017 Student Employee of the Year, an honor given by the Office of Student Financial Aid. The award recognizes Bergschneider, of New Berlin, for her “dependability, intelligence, strong work ethic, professionalism and energy” as a general office clerk in the SIUE Graduate School.

The National Student Employment Association (NSEA) ...

The research of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville junior Ellie Vondohlen is receiving regional attention, as she presented at the Foreign Language and Culture Symposium on Saturday, April 1 at Saint Louis University.

Vondohlen has been invited to present at the 22^nd Annual Women’s and Gender Studies Symposium at Illinois State University on Friday, April 14. Her work has been selected as the outstanding undergraduate paper for Symposium, earning her the Rhonda Nicol Memorial Book ...

Early childhood education is vital for students to succeed in school, but far too few of Illinois’ youngest children have access to high quality early learning programs. A report released today from the Illinois Education Research Council (IERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville describes how eleven Illinois communities are working to change that.

The communities are part of the Early Childhood Innovation Zones initiative, sponsored by the Illinois Governor’s Office for E...

The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved Rich Walker as vice chancellor for administration (VCA) for the Edwardsville campus during its regularly scheduled meeting on the Carbondale campus.

Walker stepped into the role of interim vice chancellor for administration when former VCA Kenn Neher retired in May 2016. Prior to serving as interim VCA, Walker had served as the assistant vice chancellor for administration for planning and budgeting since 2001.

Walker provides le...

The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved the appointment of Denise Cobb, PhD, as SIUE provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, during its regularly scheduled meeting on the Carbondale campus.

Cobb served as interim provost since October 2015. Prior to that appointment, she was assistant provost for academic innovation and effectiveness, and then associate provost for academic affairs since June 2012.  

In the Office of the Provost, Cobb’s respo...

The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees, at its regularly scheduled meeting on the Carbondale campus today, approved contracts for the replacement of campus sidewalks, as well as water distribution system valves and hydrants. The board also approved contracts for the resurfacing/rebuilding of parking lots at the School of Dental Medicine’s (SDM) Alton campus, and the purchase of gasoline for service vehicles and plumbing supplies.

The board approved a $414,595 contract with Stu...

The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved a contract to purchase comprehensive National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX) preparation and curriculum support for the School of Nursing (SON) during its regularly scheduled meeting on the Carbondale campus.

The contract was awarded to Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC, of Leawood, Kan., at an annual approximate cost of $500,000 for up to five years. The assessment and preparation package will suppor...

Four senior design students from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering achieved third place in the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Region 5 Robotics Competition in Denver, Colo. on Saturday, April 2.

The IEEE is one of the world’s largest professional societies, with Region 5 encompassing most of the central part of the country.

SIUE’s team comprised Lydia Klaus, of Edwa...

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering (SOE) celebrated its outstanding faculty members and students during its annual Honors Day Program held Sunday, April 2 in the Meridian Ballroom.

The program honored 47 students with scholarships worth $36,850. It also highlighted the School’s Fall 2016 dean’s list recipients, and acknowledged faculty members for outstanding teaching, research and service.

“We sincerely appreciate the generous contributions o...

Six SIUE alumni achieved government positions in Madison County as a result of the local elections held Tuesday, April 4.

SIUE Alumni Board of Directors member Cheryl Maguire made history in Wood River as its first female mayor. Maguire earned a bachelor’s in elementary education in 1990 and a master’s in elementary education in 1998 from the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. Details on her historic win are posted in The Telegraph.

SJ Morrison, past president of ...

From Paris to Ferguson, Mo. issues of race, police brutality and other tensions have been showcased throughout the world. As part of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Mass Communications’ “Diversity Amidst Adversity” series, French journalist, filmmaker and human rights activist Rokhaya Diallo showcased her documentary, “Networks of Hate,” on Monday, April 3 in the Morris University Center.

“As we talk about France, we do not normall...

What do films like “One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,” “Psycho” and “Shutter Island” have in common? Each of the films contain fictional characters who suffer with mental illness. 

Through his research, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Gary Hicks, PhD, professor in the Department of Mass Communications, sought to recognize the stigmas placed upon people with mental illnesses through in-depth co...

Renowned architect Gyo Obata is being honored with the University’s Distinguished Service Award. SIUE will present the award during the University’s Spring 2017 Commencement to the chief external architect who designed the Edwardsville campus.

“As our campus was being formed in the 1960s, Gyo Obata shaped that vision in a unique way,” SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook said. “The beauty of the 2,660-acre site demanded something special of the architecture that would oc...

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville community is mourning the loss of freshman Khiry Taggart, who died Tuesday, April 4 in St. Louis County. The Chicago native was 18.

“Our hearts and minds are with Khiry’s family and friends as we join them in mourning the loss of a member of the Cougar family,” said Chancellor Randy Pembrook.

A SIUE collaborative research project focused on teaching children about social-emotional skills within educational curriculum has been featured on St. Louis Public Radio.

Jerry Weinberg, PhD, associate provost for research and dean of the SIUE Graduate School, leads the collaborative research effort involving faculty and students. His team includes graduate student Ehren Wolfe, who is pursuing a master’s in computer science. Additionally, Stephen Hupp, PhD, professor of psychology in the...

Following an extensive national search, the NCERC at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has announced the hiring of Yan Zhang, PhD, as the director of research/associate research faculty. Zhang will provide scientific and technical excellence for all client-and grant-funded research projects at the Center’s pilot plant and laboratories.

“Yan’s background in analytical chemistry, built upon more than two decades of experience working in the environmental, biofuels, and p...