A new economic-impact study commissioned by the University of Illinois concludes that the UI system pumps $17.5 billion into the state economy each year and supports 171,300 jobs — about 2 percent of the statewide total.
The report, to be presented today to UI trustees, says that spending by the three universities in the UI system, their employees and students, and increased earnings by their graduates, account for 2.2 percent of the Illinois gross state product of roughly $820 billion.
The largest share of the $17.5 billion — about $10 billion of it — comes from spending by UI graduates who live and work in Illinois.
The rest comes from spending by the UI system's academic and research operations ($4.9 billion), hospital and health-care operations ($1.5 billion), companies launched through research (nearly $679 million), students (nearly $306 million), and visitors to the universities (nearly $40 million).
For every dollar that Urbana students put into their education, they receive $4.70 in career earnings — a 14.5 percent annual return. The average bachelor's degree graduate will earn $30,800 more annually than a high school graduate, netting about $1.4 million more in career earnings.
In Chicago, students received $5.30 in career earnings for every dollar investment, at 16.5 percent annual return, and UI Springfield students received $6.30, a 20.1 percent return.
This story appeared in The News-Gazette on September 27, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Friday, September 28, 2018
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Men's Soccer: UIS’ Petkevicius named Player of the Week
Pijus Petkevicius, a freshman goalie from the University of Illinois Springfield men’s soccer team, was named the NCAA Division II Player of the Week Tuesday by the United Soccer Coaches.
Petkevicius led the Prairie Stars to two shutout wins last week, defeating No. 9 Indianapolis 1-0 and Lewis 2-0 in Great Lakes Valley Conference play.
Petkevicius, from Vilnius, Lithuania, collected four saves in the win against Indianapolis and finished with three against Lewis.
UIS is 4-2-2 overall and is tied with McKendree, Quincy and Southern Indiana with a 3-0-1 record in the GLVC.
Petkevicius won back-to-back Defensive Player of the Week honors in the GLVC the previous two weeks.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 26, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Petkevicius led the Prairie Stars to two shutout wins last week, defeating No. 9 Indianapolis 1-0 and Lewis 2-0 in Great Lakes Valley Conference play.
Petkevicius, from Vilnius, Lithuania, collected four saves in the win against Indianapolis and finished with three against Lewis.
UIS is 4-2-2 overall and is tied with McKendree, Quincy and Southern Indiana with a 3-0-1 record in the GLVC.
Petkevicius won back-to-back Defensive Player of the Week honors in the GLVC the previous two weeks.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 26, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Voter registration push underway in Springfield
Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day.
A group of volunteers from various community agencies were out trying to boost voter registration in Springfield and Sangamon County.
Registration efforts were made at the Lincoln Library, Lincoln Land Community College, the University of Illinois in Springfield and at the bus transfer station at 5th & Capitol.
Gail Fobbs of the Faith Coalition says she would like to improve voter registration and turnout this year. “A lot of people don’t vote but they complain about what’s happening in this city,” Fobbs told WAND’s Doug Wolfe. “If they want change they need to vote in order to have a chance.”
People who wish to register can do so at their county clerks office in the country where they reside. The first day of voting in Illinois is Thursday.
This story aired on WAND 17 on September 25, 2018.
Read the entire story online.
A group of volunteers from various community agencies were out trying to boost voter registration in Springfield and Sangamon County.
Registration efforts were made at the Lincoln Library, Lincoln Land Community College, the University of Illinois in Springfield and at the bus transfer station at 5th & Capitol.
Gail Fobbs of the Faith Coalition says she would like to improve voter registration and turnout this year. “A lot of people don’t vote but they complain about what’s happening in this city,” Fobbs told WAND’s Doug Wolfe. “If they want change they need to vote in order to have a chance.”
People who wish to register can do so at their county clerks office in the country where they reside. The first day of voting in Illinois is Thursday.
This story aired on WAND 17 on September 25, 2018.
Read the entire story online.
Monday, September 24, 2018
Civil Rights Leader Urges Students: Keep Fighting, With Love
Earlier this month, Diane Nash told a full auditorium of University of Illinois Springfield students that she and fellow civil rights activists, “Loved you before we met you.”
She said efforts to make the U.S. a more equitable place had been done, and are still being done, “For generations yet unborn.”
And she urged others to join the cause, or risk sliding into what she sees as an increasingly authoritarian state.
Nash, a native of Southside Chicago, was a key strategist and leader of the student faction of civil rights efforts during the sixties and beyond. She co-founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which aimed to create a participatory democracy and helped initiate efforts that led to the march from Selma to Montgomery, and ultimately the Voting Rights Act, signed into law in 1965.
Nash is a lesser-known civil rights leader in comparison with her male peers, though as time marches on, her contributions are becoming more widely heralded. In the 2014 film Selma, she is portrayed by actress Tessa Thompson.
Nash is one to cut right to the heart of the matter. “No one can give you what you want unless you know what it is,” she told students.
As a young person, she asked Nashville’s mayor, on the steps of City Hall, if he believed it was wrong to discriminate against people based on the color of their skin. He said he did believe it was wrong, and Nash said that led to a positive shift that ultimately helped lead to the desegregation she and others fought for.
Nash favors a term she coined in place of “nonviolence.” She calls “agapic energy” a force based on the love of all humankind. It’s a force that can be used to “wage war without weapons of violence,” with energy produced from love versus hate, she said.
According to her philosophy, individuals are never the enemy. Unjust political and economic systems are the enemy, racism is the enemy - but you can love an individual regardless of their beliefs and actions while confronting the systems they represent.
This story appeared on NPR Illinois on September 21, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
She said efforts to make the U.S. a more equitable place had been done, and are still being done, “For generations yet unborn.”
And she urged others to join the cause, or risk sliding into what she sees as an increasingly authoritarian state.
Nash, a native of Southside Chicago, was a key strategist and leader of the student faction of civil rights efforts during the sixties and beyond. She co-founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which aimed to create a participatory democracy and helped initiate efforts that led to the march from Selma to Montgomery, and ultimately the Voting Rights Act, signed into law in 1965.
Nash is a lesser-known civil rights leader in comparison with her male peers, though as time marches on, her contributions are becoming more widely heralded. In the 2014 film Selma, she is portrayed by actress Tessa Thompson.
Nash is one to cut right to the heart of the matter. “No one can give you what you want unless you know what it is,” she told students.
As a young person, she asked Nashville’s mayor, on the steps of City Hall, if he believed it was wrong to discriminate against people based on the color of their skin. He said he did believe it was wrong, and Nash said that led to a positive shift that ultimately helped lead to the desegregation she and others fought for.
Nash favors a term she coined in place of “nonviolence.” She calls “agapic energy” a force based on the love of all humankind. It’s a force that can be used to “wage war without weapons of violence,” with energy produced from love versus hate, she said.
According to her philosophy, individuals are never the enemy. Unjust political and economic systems are the enemy, racism is the enemy - but you can love an individual regardless of their beliefs and actions while confronting the systems they represent.
This story appeared on NPR Illinois on September 21, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Women's Volleyball: Cobert delivers for UIS
Rachel Cobert racked up 12 kills, 11 digs and two service aces to lead the University of Illinois Springfield past Missouri St. Louis in a Great Lakes Valley Conference match Friday at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
Brianna Bush and Alli Splitt added 11 kills apiece and Alyssa Hasler had 10 for UIS. Tiffany Wentworth finished with 36 assists, while Jailyn Borum compiled 22 digs for the Prairie Stars, who are now 10-4 overall and 4-1 in the GLVC.
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 21, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Brianna Bush and Alli Splitt added 11 kills apiece and Alyssa Hasler had 10 for UIS. Tiffany Wentworth finished with 36 assists, while Jailyn Borum compiled 22 digs for the Prairie Stars, who are now 10-4 overall and 4-1 in the GLVC.
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 21, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Men's Soccer: UIS men’s soccer upsets nationally-ranked Indianapolis
Edward Rose headed a ball into the back of the net and the University of Illinois Springfield upset nationally-ranked Indianapolis 1-0 Friday in a Great Lakes Valley Conference game.
Rose’s goal was the first of his career.
It came at 82 minutes 22 seconds of the second half when he received a corner-kick pass from Emmanuel Nhonga, who got the assist.
UIS remained unbeaten in the GLVC and improved to 4-2-2 overall and 3-0 in the conference.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 21, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Rose’s goal was the first of his career.
It came at 82 minutes 22 seconds of the second half when he received a corner-kick pass from Emmanuel Nhonga, who got the assist.
UIS remained unbeaten in the GLVC and improved to 4-2-2 overall and 3-0 in the conference.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 21, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Susan Koch: Communication skills key to success in life
The following is an excerpt from a column by University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Susan Koch. This column appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 22, 2018.
Thousands of Illinois residents headed off to college this fall — most not at all certain how best to navigate these pivotal years.
A recent op-ed piece in the New York Times by longtime reporter and columnist Frank Bruni offered wise advice to new collegians about how to best shape a college life that yields success and satisfaction beyond the higher education experience.
The suggestion that most caught my eye in Bruni’s piece was that students should insist on acquiring specific skills while in college— skills that “transcend any particular career.” Such skills, he argues, include communication, clear writing and cogent speaking, as well as storytelling, the ability to explain an idea with “shape and logic” – the art of persuasion.
I had an opportunity to explore Bruni’s premise recently with three faculty who live these convictions every day at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Elizabeth Ribarsky, from the Communication department, teaches and studies interpersonal communication. Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson, a professional actor and director, teaches in the Theatre program and is directing the campus theatre production Silent Sky this term. Stephanie Hedge, Assistant Professor of English, teaches rhetoric and composition, does research on writing in digital spaces and directs the University’s first-year writing program.
“During the first week of the semester,” Hedge says, “I taught a session on ‘Critical Reading and Writing’ where I explained to my students that good communication skills will empower them to affect change in the world.”
“Well-expressed language,” she continues, “whether oral or written, whether used in a class assignment, blogging online or messaging on your phone, is powerful! It’s about having your ideas read, understood and respected.”
According to Thibodeaux-Thompson, one thing she finds so interesting and challenging in today’s age of electronic devices is getting people to make eye contact.
“I encourage all students regardless of major to take an acting class during college,” Thibodeaux-Thompson continues. “You’ll walk out of the class a little taller, stronger and more comfortable with yourself.”
In Ribarsky’s “Oral Communication” class, she explains that the class is a requirement for first-years because it’s where they develop confidence to share their ideas.
“Communicating well – speaking, listening, being able to understand and make an argument —is the number one reason people get hired,” she says. “Communication is not a soft skill. It’s intrinsically linked to effectiveness in your job and your profession.”
A report in the Washington Post a few months ago summarized Mr. Bruni’s and my UIS colleagues’ convictions: Even in high-tech environments like Google, the story explains, evidence shows the top characteristics of success include skills like communicating and listening well, possessing insights into others, and being able to make connections across complex ideas.
I’m proud to say that with the support of faculty mentors like Ribarsky, Thibodeaux-Thompson and Hedge, UIS students are acquiring those skills on the way to becoming productive citizens and University of Illinois Springfield alums!
Read the entire column online.
Thousands of Illinois residents headed off to college this fall — most not at all certain how best to navigate these pivotal years.
A recent op-ed piece in the New York Times by longtime reporter and columnist Frank Bruni offered wise advice to new collegians about how to best shape a college life that yields success and satisfaction beyond the higher education experience.
The suggestion that most caught my eye in Bruni’s piece was that students should insist on acquiring specific skills while in college— skills that “transcend any particular career.” Such skills, he argues, include communication, clear writing and cogent speaking, as well as storytelling, the ability to explain an idea with “shape and logic” – the art of persuasion.
I had an opportunity to explore Bruni’s premise recently with three faculty who live these convictions every day at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Elizabeth Ribarsky, from the Communication department, teaches and studies interpersonal communication. Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson, a professional actor and director, teaches in the Theatre program and is directing the campus theatre production Silent Sky this term. Stephanie Hedge, Assistant Professor of English, teaches rhetoric and composition, does research on writing in digital spaces and directs the University’s first-year writing program.
“During the first week of the semester,” Hedge says, “I taught a session on ‘Critical Reading and Writing’ where I explained to my students that good communication skills will empower them to affect change in the world.”
“Well-expressed language,” she continues, “whether oral or written, whether used in a class assignment, blogging online or messaging on your phone, is powerful! It’s about having your ideas read, understood and respected.”
According to Thibodeaux-Thompson, one thing she finds so interesting and challenging in today’s age of electronic devices is getting people to make eye contact.
“I encourage all students regardless of major to take an acting class during college,” Thibodeaux-Thompson continues. “You’ll walk out of the class a little taller, stronger and more comfortable with yourself.”
In Ribarsky’s “Oral Communication” class, she explains that the class is a requirement for first-years because it’s where they develop confidence to share their ideas.
“Communicating well – speaking, listening, being able to understand and make an argument —is the number one reason people get hired,” she says. “Communication is not a soft skill. It’s intrinsically linked to effectiveness in your job and your profession.”
A report in the Washington Post a few months ago summarized Mr. Bruni’s and my UIS colleagues’ convictions: Even in high-tech environments like Google, the story explains, evidence shows the top characteristics of success include skills like communicating and listening well, possessing insights into others, and being able to make connections across complex ideas.
I’m proud to say that with the support of faculty mentors like Ribarsky, Thibodeaux-Thompson and Hedge, UIS students are acquiring those skills on the way to becoming productive citizens and University of Illinois Springfield alums!
Read the entire column online.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
C-SPAN bus makes stop at University of Illinois Springfield Wednesday
A bus aimed at educating communities about Washington D.C. came to the University of Illinois Springfield Wednesday.
The C-SPAN Bus is traveling to all 50 U.S. capitals with a goal to teach about Congress, the White House, legislative processes and more.
Students could also see what it was like to do a live interview, experience a 360-degree video station and take selfies in a D.C. - themed area.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 19, 2018.
Watch the story online.
The C-SPAN Bus is traveling to all 50 U.S. capitals with a goal to teach about Congress, the White House, legislative processes and more.
Students could also see what it was like to do a live interview, experience a 360-degree video station and take selfies in a D.C. - themed area.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 19, 2018.
Watch the story online.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
UIS unveils new name, searchlights for performance venues
If you were at Sangamon Auditorium at the University of Illinois Springfield Sunday night for comedian Jay Leno’s show, you noticed some changes in the facility surrounding you.
The university introduced a new name, “UIS Performing Arts Center,” to describe a collection of performing arts entities at the school, including the 2,000-seat Sangamon Auditorium, the smaller Studio Theater and the ticket office.
The names “Sangamon Auditorium” and “Studio Theater” will still be used to describe the specific venues.
Bryan Rives, the director of the now-named UIS Performing Arts Services, made the announcement Sunday night at Leno’s performance.
The changes also comes with a new name — Friends of UIS Performing Arts Center — for the existing donor support group, a new logo, and a new website: www.UISpac.com.
In addition, officials on Sunday unveiled five new bright searchlights, which were installed on the roof of the auditorium building and were ceremoniously activated by Leno at the end of his show. The rotating lights will shine into the sky on show nights.
In a phone interview Monday, Rives said the rebranding campaign accomplishes two things. The first was to make sure more people understand the center’s connection to the university. He said in the past, many people who attended the shows at Sangamon Auditorium didn’t understand that the programming was an arm of UIS. The second was to look ahead toward the celebration of Sangamon Auditorium’s 40th anniversary in 2021.
Several other changes are coming to the newly named UIS Performing Arts Center in the coming months and years, ahead of 2021.
The closest change on the horizon is construction of a new concession stand in the lobby. The project is underway, and it could be open by spring.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 17, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
The university introduced a new name, “UIS Performing Arts Center,” to describe a collection of performing arts entities at the school, including the 2,000-seat Sangamon Auditorium, the smaller Studio Theater and the ticket office.
The names “Sangamon Auditorium” and “Studio Theater” will still be used to describe the specific venues.
Bryan Rives, the director of the now-named UIS Performing Arts Services, made the announcement Sunday night at Leno’s performance.
The changes also comes with a new name — Friends of UIS Performing Arts Center — for the existing donor support group, a new logo, and a new website: www.UISpac.com.
In addition, officials on Sunday unveiled five new bright searchlights, which were installed on the roof of the auditorium building and were ceremoniously activated by Leno at the end of his show. The rotating lights will shine into the sky on show nights.
In a phone interview Monday, Rives said the rebranding campaign accomplishes two things. The first was to make sure more people understand the center’s connection to the university. He said in the past, many people who attended the shows at Sangamon Auditorium didn’t understand that the programming was an arm of UIS. The second was to look ahead toward the celebration of Sangamon Auditorium’s 40th anniversary in 2021.
Several other changes are coming to the newly named UIS Performing Arts Center in the coming months and years, ahead of 2021.
The closest change on the horizon is construction of a new concession stand in the lobby. The project is underway, and it could be open by spring.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 17, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, September 17, 2018
Women's Soccer: Mraz’s goal gives UIS first victory
Taylor Mraz scored the game-winning goal at 88 minutes 31 seconds of the second half to give the University of Illinois Springfield a 1-0 victory over Maryville in the Great Lakes Valley Conference opener for both women’s soccer teams Friday at Kiwanis Stadium.
Paloma Guijarro delivered a cross-field pass and got the assist on Mraz’s goal.
It was the first win for UIS, which is 1-2-2 overall.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 14, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Paloma Guijarro delivered a cross-field pass and got the assist on Mraz’s goal.
It was the first win for UIS, which is 1-2-2 overall.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 14, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
C-SPAN bus coming to Springfield next week
A 45-foot customized C-SPAN bus will be in Springfield Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the public affairs channel’s “50 Capitals Tour.”
The tour began in September 2017 and is scheduled to be completed in November.
At each capital city, the bus is opening its doors and also gathering viewpoints on politics.
On Tuesday, the bus will be open to the public from 9:30 to 11 a.m. outside the Statehouse on Capitol Avenue, near Second Street.
Earlier that day, state Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, will be interviewed aboard the bus for the channel’s “Washington Journal” program.
The bus also will be at Springfield High School in the afternoon.
On Wednesday, the bus will be open to the public while parked near the Student Union at the University of Illinois Springfield from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The bus will be at Grant Middle School earlier in the day.
The bus is equipped with a TV production studio, a smart TV and classroom area for conversations with students and teachers, and a D.C.-themed selfie station where visitors can share their bus experiences through social media.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 14, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
The tour began in September 2017 and is scheduled to be completed in November.
At each capital city, the bus is opening its doors and also gathering viewpoints on politics.
On Tuesday, the bus will be open to the public from 9:30 to 11 a.m. outside the Statehouse on Capitol Avenue, near Second Street.
Earlier that day, state Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, will be interviewed aboard the bus for the channel’s “Washington Journal” program.
The bus also will be at Springfield High School in the afternoon.
On Wednesday, the bus will be open to the public while parked near the Student Union at the University of Illinois Springfield from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The bus will be at Grant Middle School earlier in the day.
The bus is equipped with a TV production studio, a smart TV and classroom area for conversations with students and teachers, and a D.C.-themed selfie station where visitors can share their bus experiences through social media.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 14, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Leno Assists With Rebranding Of UIS Performing Arts Center
Comedian Jay Leno has helped to launch a rebranding of the main stage at the University of Illinois Springfield.
The building is being renamed the UIS Performing Arts Center, home of Sangamon Auditorium.
At the conclusion of his show there Sunday night, Leno flipped a symbolic switch to turn on large roof-mounted spotlights, which will illuminate the night sky during major shows at the university.
This story aired on NewsTalk 94.7 and 970 AM, WMAY on September 16, 2018.
Read the entire story online.
The building is being renamed the UIS Performing Arts Center, home of Sangamon Auditorium.
At the conclusion of his show there Sunday night, Leno flipped a symbolic switch to turn on large roof-mounted spotlights, which will illuminate the night sky during major shows at the university.
This story aired on NewsTalk 94.7 and 970 AM, WMAY on September 16, 2018.
Read the entire story online.
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Men's Soccer: Prairie Stars win GLVC opener
Mario Gonzalez scored a goal at 58 minutes 2 seconds of the second half to lift the University of Illinois Springfield to a 1-0 win over Maryville (Mo.) in the Great Lakes Valley Conference opener Friday at Kiwanis Stadium.
Mario Falsone assisted Gonzalez on the game-winner.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 14, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Mario Falsone assisted Gonzalez on the game-winner.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 14, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Thursday, September 13, 2018
UI Springfield sees freshmen bump
University of Illinois Springfield has grown by 14 percent according to new numbers.
The fall semester enrollment numbers show that the total number of first-year students sits at 316, compared to the 278 counted in the fall semester last year.
Additionally, 90 percent of the new freshmen are Illinois residents and 47 percent are self-reporting as a minority.
Of the university’s 4,575 students, 9.5 percent of students are international students.
UIS saw an increase of students from Illinois, from 72.2 last year to 75.5 this year, according to the school.
The total student body has fallen from 4,956 last year and total undergraduate stands at 2,814 down from 2,932 recorded last year.
This story appeared online on MyJournalCourier on September 12, 2018.
Read the entire story online.
The fall semester enrollment numbers show that the total number of first-year students sits at 316, compared to the 278 counted in the fall semester last year.
Additionally, 90 percent of the new freshmen are Illinois residents and 47 percent are self-reporting as a minority.
Of the university’s 4,575 students, 9.5 percent of students are international students.
UIS saw an increase of students from Illinois, from 72.2 last year to 75.5 this year, according to the school.
The total student body has fallen from 4,956 last year and total undergraduate stands at 2,814 down from 2,932 recorded last year.
This story appeared online on MyJournalCourier on September 12, 2018.
Read the entire story online.
UIS hosting Diverse Business Opportunity Fair
The University of Illinois Springfield is hosting a Diverse Business Opportunity Fair Wednesday.
Diverse businesses in the Springfield community interested in doing business with the state of Illinois' public universities and community colleges are invited to attend from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the UIS Student Union Ballroom.
The goal is to increase participation by minority, women, persons with disabilities and veteran-owned firms.
The Diverse Business Opportunity Fair is sponsored by the Chief Procurement Office and organized by the University of Illinois.
It is open to all businesses who desire to do business with the state of Illinois public universities and colleges
This story aired on WAND TV 17 on September 12, 2018.
Read the entire story online.
Diverse businesses in the Springfield community interested in doing business with the state of Illinois' public universities and community colleges are invited to attend from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the UIS Student Union Ballroom.
The goal is to increase participation by minority, women, persons with disabilities and veteran-owned firms.
The Diverse Business Opportunity Fair is sponsored by the Chief Procurement Office and organized by the University of Illinois.
It is open to all businesses who desire to do business with the state of Illinois public universities and colleges
This story aired on WAND TV 17 on September 12, 2018.
Read the entire story online.
UIS enrollment drops 7.7 percent compared to last year
Fall semester enrollment at the University of Illinois Springfield fell by 7.7 percent compared to last fall, according to statistics released by the university on Wednesday.
After the first 10 days of classes, the total number of students enrolled in fall classes at UIS stands at 4,575 compared to 4,956 students in fall 2017.
It’s the second year in a row UIS has seen enrollment losses and the lowest the campus’ headcount has been since 2005, when fall enrollment was 4,517.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said the university was “fully expecting” the drop, given the large graduating class last year and the decline in the international student population, a nationwide trend brought on by prospective students’ safety concerns and uncertainty over visa statuses.
“Of course, we’d love to say that our headcount is higher this year than last year,” Koch said. “But we were expecting this and that’s OK.”
UIS is not alone in losing students. Northern Illinois University, Western Illinois University and both Southern Illinois University campuses also announced enrollment drops. The continued declines illustrate the reputational challenges many of Illinois’ public universities still face as they continue to recover from the two-year state budget impasse, which decimated funding for higher education.
“Of course, it helps tremendously that we’re a part of the University of Illinois system,” Koch said. “That’s a big part of our ability to continue to press on and position ourselves for growth. So we’re going to continue with the strategy that we’re currently employing because we believe it’s working well. “At the same time, we’d like to build back that international enrollment that we’ve lost,” Koch continued. “We’ve had delegations go to India and China, and we’ll be continuing to do that.”
In the past few years, the university has added new academic programs ranging from a nursing partnership with UIC to degrees in growing fields like exercise science and data analytics.
The university also has made a number of facility improvements to its campus, including the opening of the new student union. Such investments are yielding results, Koch said. Most notably, there’s been a 14 percent increase in freshman enrollment, which jumped from 278 last fall to 316 now.
Of this group, nearly 90 percent were from Illinois. “We have made a commitment to focus, first and foremost, on serving Illinois families,” Koch said. “And I think we see that across the system this year in the success we’ve had. And part of the strategy that we’re using is to continue those efforts to make the University of Illinois experience both affordable and to continue the excellence.”
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 12, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
After the first 10 days of classes, the total number of students enrolled in fall classes at UIS stands at 4,575 compared to 4,956 students in fall 2017.
It’s the second year in a row UIS has seen enrollment losses and the lowest the campus’ headcount has been since 2005, when fall enrollment was 4,517.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said the university was “fully expecting” the drop, given the large graduating class last year and the decline in the international student population, a nationwide trend brought on by prospective students’ safety concerns and uncertainty over visa statuses.
“Of course, we’d love to say that our headcount is higher this year than last year,” Koch said. “But we were expecting this and that’s OK.”
UIS is not alone in losing students. Northern Illinois University, Western Illinois University and both Southern Illinois University campuses also announced enrollment drops. The continued declines illustrate the reputational challenges many of Illinois’ public universities still face as they continue to recover from the two-year state budget impasse, which decimated funding for higher education.
“Of course, it helps tremendously that we’re a part of the University of Illinois system,” Koch said. “That’s a big part of our ability to continue to press on and position ourselves for growth. So we’re going to continue with the strategy that we’re currently employing because we believe it’s working well. “At the same time, we’d like to build back that international enrollment that we’ve lost,” Koch continued. “We’ve had delegations go to India and China, and we’ll be continuing to do that.”
In the past few years, the university has added new academic programs ranging from a nursing partnership with UIC to degrees in growing fields like exercise science and data analytics.
The university also has made a number of facility improvements to its campus, including the opening of the new student union. Such investments are yielding results, Koch said. Most notably, there’s been a 14 percent increase in freshman enrollment, which jumped from 278 last fall to 316 now.
Of this group, nearly 90 percent were from Illinois. “We have made a commitment to focus, first and foremost, on serving Illinois families,” Koch said. “And I think we see that across the system this year in the success we’ve had. And part of the strategy that we’re using is to continue those efforts to make the University of Illinois experience both affordable and to continue the excellence.”
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 12, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Men's Cross Country: Pasley leads UIS to win
Sophomore Tyler Pasley won the 3.73-mile race and the University of Illinois Springfield posted a perfect score Friday in capturing the UIS Prairie Stars Invitational for the second straight season.
Pasley finished in 20 minutes 41.78 seconds as UIS scored 15 points, taking the first six spots.
Kenton Wilson (20:55.91) was second for UIS, followed by teammates Brendan Kroeger (21:04.09), Blake Jones (21:12.86), Ryan Stark (21:16.78) and Tyler Hiserote (21:20.18).
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 7, 2018.
Read the entire story online.
Pasley finished in 20 minutes 41.78 seconds as UIS scored 15 points, taking the first six spots.
Kenton Wilson (20:55.91) was second for UIS, followed by teammates Brendan Kroeger (21:04.09), Blake Jones (21:12.86), Ryan Stark (21:16.78) and Tyler Hiserote (21:20.18).
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 7, 2018.
Read the entire story online.
Women's Volleyball: UIS volleyball picks up third straight win with doubleheader victories
The University of Illinois Springfield Prairie Stars are riding a winning streak after a doubleheader victory this weekend.
They swept both McKendree and Lindenwood, 3-0.
This story appeared on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 8, 2018.
Watch the story online.
They swept both McKendree and Lindenwood, 3-0.
This story appeared on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 8, 2018.
Watch the story online.
Monday, September 10, 2018
Men's Soccer: UIS men’s soccer gets win
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s soccer team scored two goals in the final 10 minutes for a 4-3 win over the University of Wisconsin-Parkside on Thursday.
The Stars’ Thiago Fernandes tied the game with just over four minutes remaining and Mario Falsone scored the game-winning goal with just under a minute remaining in regulation.
The Prarie Stars collected their first win and are 1-2.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 6, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
The Stars’ Thiago Fernandes tied the game with just over four minutes remaining and Mario Falsone scored the game-winning goal with just under a minute remaining in regulation.
The Prarie Stars collected their first win and are 1-2.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 6, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Women's Cross Country: Christy, UIS win own invitational
Freshman Taryn Christy took first place to help the University of Illinois Springfield repeat its title Friday at the UIS Prairie Stars Invitational on the UIS campus.
It was Christy’s first collegiate race and she finished the 2.49-mile race in 15 minutes 40.64 seconds.
Freshman Morgan Suttles (16:39.70) finished fifth, Alexa Thomsen was seventh (16:41.11) and Savannah Brannan (17:04.31) placed 10th for UIS, which scored 26 points.
This story appeared in The State Journal Register on September 7, 2018.
Read the entire story online.
It was Christy’s first collegiate race and she finished the 2.49-mile race in 15 minutes 40.64 seconds.
Freshman Morgan Suttles (16:39.70) finished fifth, Alexa Thomsen was seventh (16:41.11) and Savannah Brannan (17:04.31) placed 10th for UIS, which scored 26 points.
This story appeared in The State Journal Register on September 7, 2018.
Read the entire story online.
Thursday, September 6, 2018
University of Illinois Springfield earns re-accreditation from HLC
The University of Illinois Springfield received institutional re-accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
The 10-year re-accreditation as approved at a meeting on July 31.
UIS has been accredited by the commission since 1975.
"This re-accreditation is a testament to the quality of academic programs that are offered at the University of Illinois Springfield," said UIS' Chancellor Susan Koch.
This story appeared on FoxIllinois on September 5, 2018.
Watch the entire story online.
The 10-year re-accreditation as approved at a meeting on July 31.
UIS has been accredited by the commission since 1975.
"This re-accreditation is a testament to the quality of academic programs that are offered at the University of Illinois Springfield," said UIS' Chancellor Susan Koch.
This story appeared on FoxIllinois on September 5, 2018.
Watch the entire story online.
UIS announces men’s, women’s basketballs schedules
The University of Illinois Springfield’s 2018-19 men’s basketball schedule was released on Wednesday, with 15 home games and some noteworthy non-conference tests early in the season.
UIS opens the season by hosting the Prairie Stars Tipoff Classic on Nov. 9-10 at The Recreation and Athletic Center. UIS will play Malone that Friday night before facing Hillsdale on Saturday afternoon.
An important road trip ensues when the Prairie Stars travel to the Central Missouri Classic on Nov. 16-17. UIS then plays defending national champion Northwest Missouri on Nov. 19 at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.
The Great Lakes Valley Conference schedule starts on Nov. 29 at Maryville.
UIS finished last season with a 14-14 overall record and a 6-12 mark in the
The University of Illinois Springfield women’s basketball schedule was announced on Wednesday.
The season begins at the Purdue Northwest Cross Conference Classic when the Prairie Stars face Tiffin and Purdue Northwest, respectively, on Nov. 9-10 in Indiana.
The Great Lakes Valley Conference schedule begins at Maryville on Nov. 29.
The Prairie Stars will have a five-game homestand from Jan. 5-19 with NCAA Division II regional finalist and GLVC champion Drury, coming to UIS on the final night.
UIS ended last season with a 13-13 overall record and a 7-11 mark in the GLVC.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 6, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
UIS opens the season by hosting the Prairie Stars Tipoff Classic on Nov. 9-10 at The Recreation and Athletic Center. UIS will play Malone that Friday night before facing Hillsdale on Saturday afternoon.
An important road trip ensues when the Prairie Stars travel to the Central Missouri Classic on Nov. 16-17. UIS then plays defending national champion Northwest Missouri on Nov. 19 at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.
The Great Lakes Valley Conference schedule starts on Nov. 29 at Maryville.
UIS finished last season with a 14-14 overall record and a 6-12 mark in the
The University of Illinois Springfield women’s basketball schedule was announced on Wednesday.
The season begins at the Purdue Northwest Cross Conference Classic when the Prairie Stars face Tiffin and Purdue Northwest, respectively, on Nov. 9-10 in Indiana.
The Great Lakes Valley Conference schedule begins at Maryville on Nov. 29.
The Prairie Stars will have a five-game homestand from Jan. 5-19 with NCAA Division II regional finalist and GLVC champion Drury, coming to UIS on the final night.
UIS ended last season with a 13-13 overall record and a 7-11 mark in the GLVC.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 6, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
UIS students kick off school year giving back to community
On Friday, the University of Illinois Springfield held its annual Welcome Week Service-A-Thon.
This is an event encouraging students to get involved in their community.
There were 80 UIS students who volunteered at nine locations throughout Springfield.
"It gives students an opportunity to explore their interests which then leads to other volunteer opportunities they take part in,” Connie Komnick, with UIS.
The volunteer opportunity was open for the entire campus.
One student who volunteered, Ella Snyder, also participated in the event last year. This year, she had the opportunity to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, a place that lent her family a hand when her brother received a heart transplant.
"They took us under their wing and helped us, so it was really great being able to help,” said Snyder, a student at UIS.
School officials said the event is also a great way for first-year students to get to know their new home.
The goal of the service day is to give students an opportunity to try something new and hopefully encourage them to volunteer all year long.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on August 31, 2018.
Watch the entire story online.
This is an event encouraging students to get involved in their community.
There were 80 UIS students who volunteered at nine locations throughout Springfield.
"It gives students an opportunity to explore their interests which then leads to other volunteer opportunities they take part in,” Connie Komnick, with UIS.
The volunteer opportunity was open for the entire campus.
One student who volunteered, Ella Snyder, also participated in the event last year. This year, she had the opportunity to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, a place that lent her family a hand when her brother received a heart transplant.
"They took us under their wing and helped us, so it was really great being able to help,” said Snyder, a student at UIS.
School officials said the event is also a great way for first-year students to get to know their new home.
The goal of the service day is to give students an opportunity to try something new and hopefully encourage them to volunteer all year long.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on August 31, 2018.
Watch the entire story online.
Women's Volleyball: UIS volleyball splits matches
The University of Illinois Springfield Prairie Stars split matches in the Warriors Classic on Saturday, losing in four sets to Wayne State before defeating Kentucky State in three.
Tiffany Bauer collected 13 kills in a win over Kentucky State and 21 in the loss to Wayne State. Bauer also led UIS with 11 digs against Kentucky State.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 1, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Tiffany Bauer collected 13 kills in a win over Kentucky State and 21 in the loss to Wayne State. Bauer also led UIS with 11 digs against Kentucky State.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 1, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, September 3, 2018
Women's Soccer: UIS draws at home
Paloma Guijarro was in net for the University of Illinois Springfield Prarie Stars, who played to a 0-0 draw against Lindenwood University at Kiwanis Stadium.
Guijarro collected three saves in the draw. The Stars have played to a draw in both matches this season.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 1, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Guijarro collected three saves in the draw. The Stars have played to a draw in both matches this season.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 1, 2018.
Read the entire article online.