In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, event cancellations forced universities across the country and the world to reimagine traditional gatherings. What was originally planned as an evening gala to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) became a nearly hourlong virtual event featuring many speakers and topics throughout the history of CAS. To watch a full recording of the event, click here.

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Kevin Leonard, PhD, began his tenure as the new CAS dean on July 1. Leonard brings nearly a decade’s worth of administrative experience in strategic planning, the recruitment, hiring, mentoring and evaluation of faculty, program assessment and budget management. He most recently served as professor and chairperson in the Department of History at Middle Tennessee State University since 2017. Prior to that, he served as chair of the Department of History at Western Washington University from 2011-17.

“I am excited to continue my career at a doctoral university where I can support an institutional commitment to academic excellence,” Leonard said. “I am particularly impressed by SIUE’s outstanding record of community service. Throughout my career, I have been a strong advocate for equity, inclusion and diversity, and I want to continue my work at a university that is committed to affordability and diversity."

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Shannan Mason, Department of History doctoral candidate, was awarded the François André Michaux Fund Fellowship at the American Philosophical Society (APS) Library and Museum in Philadelphia. During this four-week residential fellowship, Mason will be immersed in the APS’ large collection of Philadelphia native John Bartram’s letters and research, giving her the opportunity to intensely study her own personal theory on his behaviors.

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Additional Student Spotlights:

• Gabrielle Wimes, Criminial Justice Studies and International Studies

• Larrisha Tidwell, Social Work

Susanne DiSalvo, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, has been honored with the Graduate School’s 2020-21 Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator Award for her outstanding research contributions and exemplary dedication to educating student researchers.

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Additional Faculty Spotlights:

• Howard Rambsy II, PhD, Professor, Department of English Language and Literature

• Luci Kohn, PhD, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences

Alumnus Christian K. Lee, who earned a bachelor’s in mass communications in 2018, has a photo essay entitled “Cancelled Prom” featured in Rolling Stone Magazine.

Lee’s work first drew public acclaim in February 2015 when he displayed his exhibit “Ferguson Unrest” following the fatal shooting of Michael Brown. The exhibit was held in the Morris University Center’s Goshen Lounge.

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Additional Alumni Spotlights:

• Madeline Zuber, BS Applied Communication Studies '20, and Beckie Scanlan, BS Applied Communication Studies '20

• Marie Gipson, BA Chemistry '18, and Benjamin Scamihorn, BA Biology '18, MA Biology '19

   

Alumnae Women of Distinction Panel

Thursday, Aug. 6
11 a.m.-Noon CST

Spend your lunch hour with us for a Zoom panel as we honor four alumnae selected as 2020 Alton YWCA Women of Distinction. Hear the amazing successes of these truly inspiring women and get the chance to ask them questions.

Learn more about the 2020 Alton YWCA Women of Distinction, including the following SIUE alumnae.
Wendy Adams, EdD, '98, '05, '17, '19
Angela Gray, '97, '02, '14
Lisa Hayes, '96
Sherry McCrady, '03

Contact Nick Niemerg at 618-650-3630 or nniemer@siue.edu with any questions.

Registration is required for this free event.

Cougars Unleashed Virtual Homecoming Run

September 20-26

Join fellow alumni and friends from all over the world for the Cougars Unleashed Homecoming Virtual Run. The best part is that you get to decide how you complete your 10K, 5K or one-mile run–inside or outside, walk or run, at your own pace–anytime between September 20-26. All proceeds from this run go toward scholarships for SIUE students.

Want to go the extra mile? Join the Cougar Pack and help raise more scholarship funding. All who raise at least $500 receive an exclusive Cougars Unleashed pullover and a refund of their run registration.

Get more information and register for the virtual run.

Check out the Educational Outreach website to view our upcoming offerings for the summer and fall semesters. Sign up to receive a copy of our catalog by emailing outreach@siue.edu. Stay tuned for updates on the fall course and professional development offerings in the upcoming weeks!