Meet Your Orientation Team
Welcome to the Cougar Community! We’re excited to welcome you to campus for your SIUE Orientation! Our friendly Orientation Leaders are fellow students who are here to help you, your family, and your guests during this important transition. They’ve experienced life at SIUE and are ready to answer your questions, share their knowledge, and help you feel confident and prepared as you start your journey.
Whether you’re exploring campus for the first time or need guidance, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Become an Orientation Leader – Lead the Way!
If you’re interested in becoming an Orientation Leader, keep an eye on The E Today for updates about Cougar Connector applications. This is a great opportunity to enhance your leadership skills, build meaningful connections, and play an important role in helping new students feel at home at SIUE.
Learn more about becoming a Cougar Connector.
Student Orientation Leaders
Each one of our Orientation Leaders brings something unique to the table, and together, they embody the spirit of community, diversity, and support that make SIUE special. They’re here to help you feel like you belong—whether you're a first-year student, a transfer student, or anyone joining our Cougar family.
Mitch Baldwin
Sophomore, He/Him
Hometown: Waterloo, IL
Major: Political Science | Minor: Military Science and Pre Law
Dano Emery
Sophomore, He/They
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Major: Civil Engineering
Ariana Ewing (She/Her)
Senior
Hometown: Carlinville, IL
Major: Criminal Justice | Minor: Pre-Law and Theater
Lucia Knapp (She/They)
Senior
Hometown: Breese, IL
Major: Political Science | Minor: Philosophy
Zoe Laird (She/Her)
Sophomore
Hometown: Athens, IL
Major: Speech Language Pathology and Audiology
Tobi Lane (They/Them)
Junior
Hometown: O'Fallon, IL
Major: Theater Performance
Kayla McCormick (They/Them)
Junior
Hometown | Medina, TN
Major: Nursing | Minor: Forensic Science
Jack Morgan (He/Him)
Sophomore
Hometown: Lincoln, IL
Major: Marketing and Spanish
Kayla Sims (She/Her)
Senior
Hometown: O'Fallon, IL
Major: Criminal Justice | Minor: Pre-Law
Curtis Steinkamp (He/Him)
Junior
Hometown: Quincy, IL
Major: Psychology | Minor: Criminal Justice
Earnest Thomas (He/Him)
Sophomore
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Major: Psychology | Minor: Economics
Tori Waters (She/Her)
Junior
Hometown: Pittsfield, Illinois
Major: English Secondary Education
Sydney Wesselman (She/Her)
Senior
Hometown: Effingham, IL
Major: Psychology, History, Secondary Education
Brooke Whitehead (She/Her)
Sophomore
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Major: Biology | Minor: Forensic Science
