After spending more than a year completing coursework mostly online or through a hybrid format due to the COVID-19 pandemic, seniors Alyssa Cerna, Claire Ellis, Alexandra Hardy, Sarah McCoy and Patricia Roberts did not take for granted the opportunity to engage in applied learning in person last semester.

The team of undergraduate research assistants worked with Jason Finley, PhD, assistant professor of psychology, on a variety of research topics from memory to cultural bias.

“It has been so wonderful for us to work together in person in the lab,” Finley said. “Lab meetings are the crucible of scientific research, where new ideas are born from sprawling intellectual conversations and hands-on exploration of both prior literature and new data.”

Learn more about the experience.

Graduate students in the Department of Applied Health are working with athletes locally and around the world to support their mental and emotional needs and help them reach their performance goals. The collaboration is a key part of the new Counseling Skills in Sport Psychology course offered for students pursuing a master’s in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise and sport psychology.

“Doing this work now, and gaining applied experience before they graduate, gives students a platform and space to perform where the stakes are low and the focus is on learning,” said Matt Jones, PhD, visiting assistant professor. “They are heavily mentored throughout the process, so they are also getting specialized attention that may not be as available after graduation.”

Read about the new course.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, SEHHB has developed two post-baccalaureate certificates to provide students with in-depth training on topics related to public health. Beginning in summer 2023, the Department of Applied Health will offer certificates in public health emergency preparedness infectious disease outbreaks and surveillance and in global public health.

“It is the best of both worlds for those who want to dip their toes into graduate study in public health for a career change, refresh or further study,” said Nicole Klein, PhD, professor of public health and undergraduate public health program director. “Our SIUE faculty are excited to begin offering these two online public health certificates in summer 2023.”

Learn about the certificates.

Terrence S. McTier Jr., PhD, has been appointed SIUE's interim dean of students. McTier is an adjunct professor in the Department of Educational Leadership. Prior to joining SIUE, he served as the inaugural director of the Prison Education Project at Washington University in St. Louis.

“I’m elated to be serving in a capacity that contributes to the success of SIUE students and the division of student affairs. It is an honor and privilege that I do not take lightly,” said McTier.

Learn more about McTier.

Principal Baruti Kafele, award-winning educator and best-selling author, returned via Zoom to the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) on January 13 to provide the school's educators with inspiration to stay the course while also looking for ways to progress in reaching, motivating and educating students.

Kafele, who calls himself “America’s Principal” and an advocate for the potential of Black and Latinx students, has worked with CHS for more than eight years. In Kafele’s presentation, “Just One Educator Can Completely Alter the Trajectory of a Child,” he laid out a blueprint for the new year.

Read about the presentation.

The Edwardsville Rotary Club donated $2,620 in support of SIUE’s Speech-Language-Hearing (SLH) Center. SLH Center Clinical Coordinator Jaime Henderson accepted the donation on behalf of SIUE. She expressed her excitement and extended appreciation noting the ways in which graduate student clinicians benefit from the applied learning opportunities the center provides.

View the article in the Edwardsville Intelligencer.

Celebration Kudoboard for the Pembrooks

The Pembrooks are retiring at the end of the month from lifelong careers in higher education. Their leadership and involvement has left an indelible mark on countless individuals. Chancellor Pembrook led SIUE through many triumphs and challenges during his 5 ½ year tenure, holding true to the University’s mission of developing leaders who will “shape a changing world.” Mary Jo taught piano and played a key role in revitalizing the SIUE East St. Louis Center’s Performing Arts program.

Help us thank them for their dedicated service to SIUE by signing the Celebration Kudoboard by Monday, Feb. 21!

Save the Date: Alumni Trivia Night

Saturday, April 2, 6 p.m.
SIUE Student Fitness Center

Join us on campus for a night of movie-themed trivia while supporting scholarships for SIUE students. Registration goes live soon!

Save the Date: One Day, One SIUE
Giving Day and Reception

Thursday, April 21

Share your support for SIUE during our inaugural 24-hour day of giving and join us for an evening celebration with music and food as we light campus red. Watch your email for more details!

Save the Date: Golden Graduation Reunion Weekend

May 5-7

Mark your calendars and plan to join us in celebrating alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago. More information to come via mail and email soon. Check out siue.edu/alumni/golden-graduates for more details.

Apply for the SIUE Alumni Board of Directors

Applications are being accepted for the SIUE Alumni Association Board of Directors now through February 18! If you have a sense of pride in the value of the education you received at SIUE, you are great board candidate! To learn more and apply, visit siue.edu/alumni/about/becoming-a-member.shtml.

Join Online Services and Education Outreach (OSEO) as we explore new opportunities both personally and professionally this spring! We are excited to launch new courses, as well as our new Spring 2022 catalog. Please visit our website at siue.edu/educational-outreach to peruse, stay updated and register for all of the Personal, Professional, Lifelong Learning, Educard and various other offerings available through OSEO!

SIUE Student-Athletes Extend Streak to 31 Semesters

SIUE Retains Strong Standing in Latest GSR Report

Tickets Available Now for Red & Black Benefit