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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumna Katherine Ealey is assisting in the development of grant writing and helping other college students navigate the mechanics of grant writing. It is an opportunity she credits by being a student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 

“SIUE is a great place for education and development,” said Ealey, a graduate student enrolled in SIUE’s sociology program. “I learned so much from my classes and my student leadership work. There are so many staff and faculty who have helped me throughout my college career, I could never name them all.” 

However, Ealey does mention a few. “I will always be appreciative of the Dining Services staff for giving me a job and teaching me so many new skills,” she said. “Then there is Dr. Julie Zimmermann, chair of the Department of Anthropology, who helped me tremendously as an undergraduate student and always gave me great advice.” 

“Dr. Corey Stevens, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology, continues to give me amazing counsel, as I am working towards my master’s. Dr. Connie Frey Spurlock (director for the Southern Illinois University Office of Community Engagement and sociology professor) always opens my eyes to new opportunities.” 

“Katherine is really bright,” said Zimmermann. “Her work was always on-point, even though my specialty of archaeology was not her thing! I love mentoring students, helping them find direction and letting them see how anthropology can get them to where they want to go.” 

Ealey earned her bachelor’s in anthropology and sociology from SIUE in May 2022. She started her graduate work in spring 2023. 

Ealey is planning on a career in community support services. “I currently work for a non-profit organization which is what piqued my interest in grant writing,” said Ealey. “Non-profits are mostly operated through grants, and grant writing is a great skill to have.” 

“After graduating with my master's, I would like to continue to work in something related to community support services,” she continued, “because helping others and creating a safe inclusive space for everyone is something I am extremely passionate about.” 

In the meantime, Ealey remains committed to community empowerment and is working purposely to help craft a tool that will assist in doing so. Ealey is currently assisting with a set of grant development modules, created by Diane Cox, PhD, director of Grants Development in the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. 

Cox established a partnership with Region 4 of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Jackson State University in Mississippi to develop grant modules. Ealey is providing feedback to help improve those modules. 

“As I work through the modules, I look for errors such as misspellings or finding a link completely missing,” said Ealey. “I also make sure all links and videos are accessible and playable. I provide feedback on such things as the length and complexity of the modules, as well as instruct ability.” 

Ealey also assists Jackson State students who are going through the modules. 

“I support the students at Jackson State by helping them get logged into their accounts and answering any questions they may have,” she shared. “I know how overwhelming it can seem at times.” 

Other job duties and activities that Ealey engages in is her involvement with several student organizations. “I am a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, the Lambda Alpha Anthropology Honors Society, and the Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honors Society,” she said. “As an undergraduate student, I was vice president of the Anthropology Club, vice president of the Rotaract Club and president of the Global Ambassadors Program at SIUE.” 

“Katherine was an outstanding student leader as an undergrad at SIUE,” noted Zimmermann. “As an officer in our Anthropology Club, she inspired a very active group of students. She is also a leader off campus, volunteering at Cahokia Mounds.” 

In looking back before she enrolled at SIUE, Ealey said it didn’t take her long to select the University as her school of choice. “I chose to attend SIUE after my first tour,” she said. “I noticed how beautiful the campus was and how welcoming everyone was. It felt like home.” 

“One of the main things I enjoy most about being at SIUE is the sense of community,” added Ealey. “Everywhere you go, you see someone you know. Everyone is extremely friendly, and there are always fun events to do on campus.” 

Ealey recalled some good memories at SIUE. “One of my favorite experiences at SIUE is Late Night Breakfast at finals week,” she noted. “You get to meet a lot of the administrators face-to-face, and who doesn't like free breakfast!”  

This article is part of the "You Belong Here" story series, which showcases the remarkable journeys of SIUE students as they strive to achieve their academic, personal, and professional aspirations. Through this series, we aim to highlight the diverse experiences and achievements of our students, showcasing their resilience, determination, and growth.

By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire current and prospective students, as well as the wider community, to recognize that SIUE is a place where dreams can be realized. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment empowers our students to flourish academically, personally, and professionally. 

Photo:
SIUE alumna and sociology graduate student Katherine Ealey.