College of Arts and Sciences

On this week’s episode of Segue, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s weekly radio program exploring the lives and work of the people on campus and beyond, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Kevin Leonard, PhD, interviews Chancellor Randy Pembrook.

This episode of Segue airs at 9 a.m. Sunday, July 11. Listeners can tune in to WSIE 88.7 FM The Sound or siue.edu/wsie.

Pembrook became the ninth chancellor of SIUE on August 1, 2016. A CAS alumnus, he earned a bachelor’s in music education in 1978, a bachelor’s in piano performance in 1979, and a master’s in music education in 1980. He went on to earn a doctorate in music education from Florida State University.

Prior to returning to SIUE, Pembrook served as the vice president for academic affairs at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan. He also previously served at Baker University in several capacities, including executive vice president and provost, and as dean of the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

“The 2020-21 academic year was like no other in the history of SIUE,” begins Leonard. “The COVID-19 pandemic led to dramatic changes in the operation of the University. What were the greatest challenges of the past year?”

“It was a time unlike any other of my almost 40 years in higher education,” responds Pembrook. “At the beginning, everyone went home, and everything went online. It was an intense period of quick change. I’ve been impressed with the ways SIUE rallied in change and continued to pivot during the pandemic.

“The Academic Continuity Task Force was effective in helping make those pivots, and the COVID Leadership Team was active in creating a safer campus. Throughout the pandemic, we were one of the safest campuses in Illinois. We continuously made informed decisions based off safety while thinking about the ongoing quality education we provide.”

“I became CAS dean during the midst of the pandemic last year,” notes Leonard. “I was instantly impressed by the amount of time and energy that your leadership team devoted to safety and serving students’ needs.”

At the start of the pandemic, Pembrook and task force members met twice a day, seven days a week to create informed and safe solutions for the University. Sixteen months later, Pembrook’s team still meets at least once a week to discuss changing guidelines regarding COVID-19 safe practices, vaccinations and testing.

“What do you anticipate for the coming academic year?” inquires Leonard. “What do think post-pandemic SIUE will be like?”

“The first thing I suggest to faculty and staff is to consider getting vaccinated,” answers Pembrook. “The data I’ve seen relating to safety and effectiveness continuously points to positive things the vaccination can provide. When thinking towards the fall, I hope that people can get vaccinated.

“We’ll definitely have more on-ground experiences than we did a year ago. There will be more normal activities, such as Homecoming, Student Government meetings, athletic events, and theater productions. We’ll also continue to move forward with what we’ve learned regarding remote work and electronic processing of information.”

In May, Pembrook announced his intent to retire at the end of the 2021-22 academic year. The University’s search for its 10th chancellor is underway.

“How did you arrive at your decision to retire?” asks Leonard.

“I am closer to 66 than 65,” jokes Pembrook. “I always thought I would retire around this age, so I made the announcement hoping to give the University time to search for a proper replacement. I’ll be young and healthy enough to do the things I love to do, such as fishing, hunting and skiing.”

Upon his retirement, Pembrook and his wife, Mary Jo, plan to visit family often in North Carolina, spend more time with their daughters, and travel to new destinations.

“I’ve had a fantastic journey throughout higher education, but it’s time,” adds Pembrook.

“What will you miss most about SIUE when you leave?” asks Leonard.

“I’ll miss the deer coming out every morning and every night,” says Pembrook. “The campus is unbelievably beautiful, particularly in April and October. I’ll miss the faculty, staff and students of SIUE the most. The community has made this journey fun, and I’ll especially miss challenging conversations of how to make higher education better for all.”

Tune in at 9 a.m. Sunday, July 11, to WSIE 88.7 The Sound to hear the entire conversation.