Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday touted statewide benefits he said will result from a $500 million state investment in 15 hubs of a University of Illinois-led research institute network.
Officials at the University of Illinois Springfield said the announcement was “great news” that gets the Springfield campus “one step closer to realizing our vision for a downtown innovation center.”
The Springfield campus is slated to receive about $15 million from that $500 million for construction of the center, which will include an expanded Innovate Springfield, a social innovation and business incubator.
“We look forward to the release of a portion of those funds relatively soon so we can move forward on the design phase of our plan in Springfield,” said UIS spokesman Derek Schnapp.
The university will also seek additional funds from the state capital construction program as part of a larger downtown innovation district that is expected to be shared with Southern Illinois University.
Pritzker, a Democrat, announced at a Chicago news conference on the site of one of the future developments that the state would release the funding, which was originally approved under former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and reauthorized in last year’s state operating budget.
“Today’s announcement is so exciting. It will fast-track construction planning and we hope to break ground for DPI in a few months,” said UI President Timothy Killeen.
The IIN is a network of DPI and another 14 regional hubs which will receive portions of the other $270 million in state funding.
Those hubs include partnerships with all of the state’s public universities, which will each create specific programs and facilities that fall in line with the IIN’s and DPI’s innovation, workforce development and economic growth goals. The stated goal of the program is to train the state’s workforce for in-demand technology jobs.
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on Feb. 12, 2020.
Read the entire article online.
Showing posts with label Innovative. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Innovative. Show all posts
Thursday, February 13, 2020
Friday, January 17, 2020
UIS, SIU make first joint remarks at DSI awards on downtown proposal
In a room filled with some of the city’s biggest movers and shakers Thursday evening, representatives from the University of Illinois Springfield and Southern Illinois University said they are still “planning” but hope to share their collective space needs and programming desires for a downtown university district soon.
“We are planning,” said John Charles, SIU’s executive director for governmental and public affairs, who spoke alongside Bruce Sommer, UIS’s director of economic development and innovation, at Downtown Springfield Inc.’s 27th annual awards dinner at the Wyndham Springfield City Centre.
“But, in the coming weeks, we look forward to solidifying a business plan and sharing with you our goals for this downtown innovation district.”
“When your industry, when your businesses grow, we all benefit,” Sommer told the several hundred in the room, which included several downtown business owners.
UIS re-established its downtown presence in August 2018 when it assumed control of Innovate Springfield, a social innovation and business incubator that now houses a hub in the Illinois Innovation Network. That University of Illinois system-led initiative is meant to foster economic growth through research and innovation by connecting hubs around the state to the flagship Discovery Partners Institute, a Chicago-based research institute.
Both institutions say that the project will have a greater impact if they work together along with the surrounding business community.
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on January 16, 2020.
Read the entire article online.
“We are planning,” said John Charles, SIU’s executive director for governmental and public affairs, who spoke alongside Bruce Sommer, UIS’s director of economic development and innovation, at Downtown Springfield Inc.’s 27th annual awards dinner at the Wyndham Springfield City Centre.
“But, in the coming weeks, we look forward to solidifying a business plan and sharing with you our goals for this downtown innovation district.”
“When your industry, when your businesses grow, we all benefit,” Sommer told the several hundred in the room, which included several downtown business owners.
UIS re-established its downtown presence in August 2018 when it assumed control of Innovate Springfield, a social innovation and business incubator that now houses a hub in the Illinois Innovation Network. That University of Illinois system-led initiative is meant to foster economic growth through research and innovation by connecting hubs around the state to the flagship Discovery Partners Institute, a Chicago-based research institute.
Both institutions say that the project will have a greater impact if they work together along with the surrounding business community.
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on January 16, 2020.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, September 23, 2019
LGBTQIA+ program rebranded to expand inclusion
The University of Illinois Springfield Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Services rebranded its LGBTQIA+ training program to encourage supportive students, faculty and staff on campus to take even more actionable steps towards inclusion.
In 2001, Safe Zone training began. This semester, the initiative was rebranded Brave Space training.
“For the past 25 years, Safe Zone-type programs on college campuses have always been about supportive allies hanging a sign to show they were safe to come out to as a sexual or gender minority, while encouraging conversation with others that have questions about LGBTQIA+ people,” said Kerry Poynter, director of the UIS Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Services. “The name change reflects the UIS Safe Zone Committee’s desire for members to take brave steps to engage in difficult conversations that affirm LGBTQIA+ people.”
This story aired on WCIA on September 20, 2019.
Watch the entire story online.
In 2001, Safe Zone training began. This semester, the initiative was rebranded Brave Space training.
“For the past 25 years, Safe Zone-type programs on college campuses have always been about supportive allies hanging a sign to show they were safe to come out to as a sexual or gender minority, while encouraging conversation with others that have questions about LGBTQIA+ people,” said Kerry Poynter, director of the UIS Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Services. “The name change reflects the UIS Safe Zone Committee’s desire for members to take brave steps to engage in difficult conversations that affirm LGBTQIA+ people.”
This story aired on WCIA on September 20, 2019.
Watch the entire story online.
Friday, October 20, 2017
UIS students could study at newly proposed Chicago research center
University of Illinois Springfield students would have a chance to study at a proposed new public-private research center near downtown Chicago, UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said Thursday.
The University of Illinois announced plans for the Discovery Partners Institute on Thursday.
According to the university, the new research institute would be developed on a site along the Chicago River in the city’s south loop neighborhood, where researchers will work with students and businesses to support “next-generation innovation and workforce development.”
The development company Related Midwest donated the land.
The U of I hopes to complete a plan for the research center next year. The plan will include a timetable for opening and other details of the $1.2 billion institute, which will be operated principally through private donations and partnerships with business and industry.
Koch said Thursday she was excited about what the prospects of the facility could mean in attracting students to UIS and preparing them for the workforce.
The institute, she said, would work similarly to a study-abroad program, where UIS students would spend a semester or more in Chicago. Students in numerous majors could potentially utilize the facility, including computer science, management information services, data analytics and information security, she said. “The sky is the limit on what the possibilities will be,” Koch said.
Northwestern University and the University of Chicago are partnering with the U of I on the institute. U of I president Timothy Killeen said in a statement the center is intended to bring together faculty, students and companies to collaborate on research and turn it into new products and companies.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 19, 2017.
Read the entire article online.
The University of Illinois announced plans for the Discovery Partners Institute on Thursday.
According to the university, the new research institute would be developed on a site along the Chicago River in the city’s south loop neighborhood, where researchers will work with students and businesses to support “next-generation innovation and workforce development.”
The development company Related Midwest donated the land.
The U of I hopes to complete a plan for the research center next year. The plan will include a timetable for opening and other details of the $1.2 billion institute, which will be operated principally through private donations and partnerships with business and industry.
Koch said Thursday she was excited about what the prospects of the facility could mean in attracting students to UIS and preparing them for the workforce.
The institute, she said, would work similarly to a study-abroad program, where UIS students would spend a semester or more in Chicago. Students in numerous majors could potentially utilize the facility, including computer science, management information services, data analytics and information security, she said. “The sky is the limit on what the possibilities will be,” Koch said.
Northwestern University and the University of Chicago are partnering with the U of I on the institute. U of I president Timothy Killeen said in a statement the center is intended to bring together faculty, students and companies to collaborate on research and turn it into new products and companies.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 19, 2017.
Read the entire article online.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
UIS helps launch a tech education revolution
The University of Illinois Springfield is considered a pioneer in online education. The online version of the school's computer science program has been so successful that online enrollment now exceeds on-campus enrollment.
Last year, 121 students were enrolled in the on-campus computer science bachelor's degree program, and 171 students were enrolled online. In the master's program, there were 129 students on campus, and 146 enrolled in the online version. About 70% of the online students are from out of state, including some from other countries, said Ted Mims, a professor and chair of the UIS computer science department.
Most online programs established by universities will attract students who live relatively close to a school's actual campus, said Elaine Allen, a professor of statistics and entrepreneurship at Babson College and co-director of the Babson Survey Research Group, which produces an annual report on online learning in the U.S. However, she said, UIS is an exception to that rule, because it started offering online classes much earlier than other institutions. "They were really thinking ahead," she said.
UIS online programs were featured in an April 19, 2012, article by Computer World.
Read the article online
Last year, 121 students were enrolled in the on-campus computer science bachelor's degree program, and 171 students were enrolled online. In the master's program, there were 129 students on campus, and 146 enrolled in the online version. About 70% of the online students are from out of state, including some from other countries, said Ted Mims, a professor and chair of the UIS computer science department.
Most online programs established by universities will attract students who live relatively close to a school's actual campus, said Elaine Allen, a professor of statistics and entrepreneurship at Babson College and co-director of the Babson Survey Research Group, which produces an annual report on online learning in the U.S. However, she said, UIS is an exception to that rule, because it started offering online classes much earlier than other institutions. "They were really thinking ahead," she said.
UIS online programs were featured in an April 19, 2012, article by Computer World.
Read the article online
Thursday, March 22, 2012
UIS to host annual Friday Night Star Parties
If spring has sprung, the University of Illinois Springfield has also opened its telescope apertures on the heavens for those in Springfield with a hankering to look closer at the stars and planets.
The popular Friday Night Star Parties begins the last week in March and runs every Friday through April during clement weather. Host John Martin, assistant professor of astronomy/physics, says that during this season Jupiter and Venus are bright in the west around sunset and Mars and Saturn rise later in the evening in the east.
The entrance to the rooftop observatory is at the southeast corner of UIS Brookens Library. Guests receive a presentation as they ascend the four flights of stairs, followed by viewing of various celestial objects, when they may also ask questions.
Visitors are welcome to arrive and leave any time between 8 and 10 p.m. Cloudy weather may cancel a Star Party. Questions as to if the weather is suitable for star gazing should be made at 7 p.m. the evening of the party.
For those unable to climb stairs or a short five-foot ladder up to the main telescope dome, Sunday Night Star Parties are held for people with disabilities. More info is at uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties.
The Star Parties were featured in an March 22, 2012, article in the Illinois Times.
Read the article online
The popular Friday Night Star Parties begins the last week in March and runs every Friday through April during clement weather. Host John Martin, assistant professor of astronomy/physics, says that during this season Jupiter and Venus are bright in the west around sunset and Mars and Saturn rise later in the evening in the east.
The entrance to the rooftop observatory is at the southeast corner of UIS Brookens Library. Guests receive a presentation as they ascend the four flights of stairs, followed by viewing of various celestial objects, when they may also ask questions.
Visitors are welcome to arrive and leave any time between 8 and 10 p.m. Cloudy weather may cancel a Star Party. Questions as to if the weather is suitable for star gazing should be made at 7 p.m. the evening of the party.
For those unable to climb stairs or a short five-foot ladder up to the main telescope dome, Sunday Night Star Parties are held for people with disabilities. More info is at uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties.
The Star Parties were featured in an March 22, 2012, article in the Illinois Times.
Read the article online
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
UIS grad student develops exhibit for Harry Truman Library
A history student from Lincoln country is guest curator for a major exhibit opening this week at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Mo.
Claire Jerry, a graduate history major at the University of Illinois Springfield, is curator of “Tracing the Trumans: An American Story,” a temporary exhibit opening Friday at the Truman Museum.
“It is the story of Harry and Bess Truman before the presidency,” said Jerry, who lives in Jacksonville.
The exhibit focuses on two families — the Trumans and the Wallaces — who settled in the area more than 150 years ago and examines how they were influenced by the Independence area and vice-versa, she said.
Jerry, who served an internship at the Truman Library during the summer of 2010 and returned as a volunteer last summer, drew upon the library’s collection of correspondence and artifacts from the two families, including newly released papers from Bess Truman and Margaret Truman Daniel, daughter of the president and Mrs. Truman. She then developed themes for the exhibit, which will run through the end of December.
Jerry was featured in an March 6, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Claire Jerry, a graduate history major at the University of Illinois Springfield, is curator of “Tracing the Trumans: An American Story,” a temporary exhibit opening Friday at the Truman Museum.
“It is the story of Harry and Bess Truman before the presidency,” said Jerry, who lives in Jacksonville.
The exhibit focuses on two families — the Trumans and the Wallaces — who settled in the area more than 150 years ago and examines how they were influenced by the Independence area and vice-versa, she said.
Jerry, who served an internship at the Truman Library during the summer of 2010 and returned as a volunteer last summer, drew upon the library’s collection of correspondence and artifacts from the two families, including newly released papers from Bess Truman and Margaret Truman Daniel, daughter of the president and Mrs. Truman. She then developed themes for the exhibit, which will run through the end of December.
Jerry was featured in an March 6, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
After six months, UIS chief getting to know her way around
University of Illinois Springfield student Dan Garcia gave Susan Koch her first tour of the UIS campus last April.
“She was very interested and personable, and she kept asking me what do the students do, where do they hang out?” said Garcia, a UIS junior from Joliet who works in the admissions office and gives tours to new students. “She’s from the Midwest, so all the cornfields around didn’t seem to bother her. She’s getting a lot of exposure.”
Koch, who was named chancellor of UIS last spring and assumed her duties July 1, has been learning all she can about UIS and Springfield during her first six months on the job.
“My goal for the first semester was to sink my roots as deeply as I could in the academic community and the larger community,” said Koch, a South Dakota native who had spent her academic career in Iowa and northern Michigan. “I’m moderately satisfied that I’ve done that. I’ve met many employees, but not all. And I’ve had wonderful interaction with students.”
Koch was profiled in an January 24, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the full article online
“She was very interested and personable, and she kept asking me what do the students do, where do they hang out?” said Garcia, a UIS junior from Joliet who works in the admissions office and gives tours to new students. “She’s from the Midwest, so all the cornfields around didn’t seem to bother her. She’s getting a lot of exposure.”
Koch, who was named chancellor of UIS last spring and assumed her duties July 1, has been learning all she can about UIS and Springfield during her first six months on the job.
“My goal for the first semester was to sink my roots as deeply as I could in the academic community and the larger community,” said Koch, a South Dakota native who had spent her academic career in Iowa and northern Michigan. “I’m moderately satisfied that I’ve done that. I’ve met many employees, but not all. And I’ve had wonderful interaction with students.”
Koch was profiled in an January 24, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the full article online
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Focus with Bob Murray: Chancellor Susan Koch
University of Illinois Vice President and Springfield Chancellor Susan J. Koch is interviewed by Bob Murray from WTAX radio in Springfield on a variety of issues.
The interview aired on January 8, 2012, as part of the weekend news program "Focus".
Listen to the interview online
The interview aired on January 8, 2012, as part of the weekend news program "Focus".
Listen to the interview online
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Bernard Schoenburg: Bipartisanship in action
There must be something about the water out at the University of Illinois Springfield that makes people get along.
Back in the spring of 2010, I wrote a story about how the president of College Democrats at the time, MATT VAN VOSSEN, and the then-chairman of College Republicans, RYAN MELCHIN, were roommates in campus housing.
Well, it’s happening again.
SEAN MILLER, president of College Democrats, and ZACH WATKINS, chairman of College Republicans, are roommates this year. So are the secretaries of the organizations — MICHELLE TUMA of the Democats and ANDREA CARLSON of the Republicans.
“We get along fairly well,” said Miller, a senior from Dieterich in Effingham County, about him and Watkins, a native of Mossville, near Peoria. “We look at each other as people. … Most of the time we just try to put our politics aside.”
“We share a bathroom, so we kind of have to get along,” he said.
Carlson, a Plainfield native, and Tuma, of Elgin, met at freshman orientation. Both intended to double-major in legal studies and political science, so they decided to room together.
The roommates were featured in an December 8, 2011, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the full article online
Back in the spring of 2010, I wrote a story about how the president of College Democrats at the time, MATT VAN VOSSEN, and the then-chairman of College Republicans, RYAN MELCHIN, were roommates in campus housing.
Well, it’s happening again.
SEAN MILLER, president of College Democrats, and ZACH WATKINS, chairman of College Republicans, are roommates this year. So are the secretaries of the organizations — MICHELLE TUMA of the Democats and ANDREA CARLSON of the Republicans.
“We get along fairly well,” said Miller, a senior from Dieterich in Effingham County, about him and Watkins, a native of Mossville, near Peoria. “We look at each other as people. … Most of the time we just try to put our politics aside.”
“We share a bathroom, so we kind of have to get along,” he said.
Carlson, a Plainfield native, and Tuma, of Elgin, met at freshman orientation. Both intended to double-major in legal studies and political science, so they decided to room together.
The roommates were featured in an December 8, 2011, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the full article online
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tamara Browning: 'Snapshots' offers hands-on experience
Visitors to artist Shane Harris' “Snapshots” interactive installation at the University of Illinois Springfield’s Visual Arts Gallery get a chance to play with objects.
From the small-scale sculptural pieces lining the walls of the gallery, visitors are encouraged to “select a couple pieces that catch your eye, and arrange your pieces on one of the bases on a pedestal,” according to a “Snapshots” instructions card.
Pedestals arranged on the floor of the gallery are encased in various materials and range in colors from turquoise to black.
“Please take a picture with your camera phone and send me the photo at saharris@uis.edu or tag me on Facebook!” the instructions continue.
“If you don’t have a camera phone, you can still play! Just ask the Gallery Attendant to use our camera! I will print the photos I receive and post them in the gallery for the remainder of the show!”
“Snapshots” will be displayed through Dec. 1 at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery, Room 201 in the Health and Sciences Building. Gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
The exhibit was featured in an November 24, 2011, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
From the small-scale sculptural pieces lining the walls of the gallery, visitors are encouraged to “select a couple pieces that catch your eye, and arrange your pieces on one of the bases on a pedestal,” according to a “Snapshots” instructions card.
Pedestals arranged on the floor of the gallery are encased in various materials and range in colors from turquoise to black.
“Please take a picture with your camera phone and send me the photo at saharris@uis.edu or tag me on Facebook!” the instructions continue.
“If you don’t have a camera phone, you can still play! Just ask the Gallery Attendant to use our camera! I will print the photos I receive and post them in the gallery for the remainder of the show!”
“Snapshots” will be displayed through Dec. 1 at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery, Room 201 in the Health and Sciences Building. Gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
The exhibit was featured in an November 24, 2011, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Monday, October 31, 2011
UIS to begin offering online seminars
The University of Illinois Springfield has a successful record of offering online for-credit and degree courses, yet it hadn’t delved much into not-for-credit seminars and activities.
That’s about to change, said Ray Schroeder, director of the Center for Online Learning, Research and Service at the university. Starting in November, five continuing education seminars will be offered online.
“Many universities do offer those kinds of things, and we thought we could do well in that area,” he said.
The seminars and workshops can be taken by anyone, anywhere but are aimed at those living in Springfield and surrounding areas.
The first live, online seminars to be offered are called “HR Training Tuesdays” and consist of five two-hour seminars on human resources topics that enable HR professionals to earn continuing education credit connected to their certification.
The seminars will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays — three in November beginning Nov. 1 — and two in December. Each costs $49. Sign up on the UIS website.
The workshops were featured in an October 31, 2011, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
That’s about to change, said Ray Schroeder, director of the Center for Online Learning, Research and Service at the university. Starting in November, five continuing education seminars will be offered online.
“Many universities do offer those kinds of things, and we thought we could do well in that area,” he said.
The seminars and workshops can be taken by anyone, anywhere but are aimed at those living in Springfield and surrounding areas.
The first live, online seminars to be offered are called “HR Training Tuesdays” and consist of five two-hour seminars on human resources topics that enable HR professionals to earn continuing education credit connected to their certification.
The seminars will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays — three in November beginning Nov. 1 — and two in December. Each costs $49. Sign up on the UIS website.
The workshops were featured in an October 31, 2011, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
UIS professor to receive national award
A University of Illinois Springfield professor has been chosen to receive a national Excellence in Online Teaching award from the Sloan Consortium, a group made up of fellow online educators.
Michael Cheney, professor of communication, is known for his popular online courses, which include “The Beatles: Popular Music and Society,” “Political Communication” and “Writing for Public Relations.” Last year, Cheney’s “Unit 1: Beatles as Mosaic” podcast was the second-most-downloaded podcast on iTunes U for several weeks. The series also was listed in the “Noteworthy” section of iTunes U.
The award is one of the highest honors presented by the Sloan Consortium, which previously has recognized UIS faculty and programs for their online learning successes.
“UIS is known for its excellence in online education, and I am happy to contribute to that reputation through my work,” Cheney said.
The award was featured in an October 4, 2011, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Michael Cheney, professor of communication, is known for his popular online courses, which include “The Beatles: Popular Music and Society,” “Political Communication” and “Writing for Public Relations.” Last year, Cheney’s “Unit 1: Beatles as Mosaic” podcast was the second-most-downloaded podcast on iTunes U for several weeks. The series also was listed in the “Noteworthy” section of iTunes U.
The award is one of the highest honors presented by the Sloan Consortium, which previously has recognized UIS faculty and programs for their online learning successes.
“UIS is known for its excellence in online education, and I am happy to contribute to that reputation through my work,” Cheney said.
The award was featured in an October 4, 2011, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Downstate Innocence Project gets federal grant
The University of Illinois Springfield’s Downstate Innocence Project has been awarded another federal grant to help investigate cases where people might have been unjustly convicted of crimes.
The $249,319 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice will go toward clearing cases that can’t be resolved through DNA testing.
The Downstate Innocence Project last year received a $687,448 federal grant to investigate cases in which DNA testing is involved.
The grant was featured in an September 22, 2011, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
The $249,319 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice will go toward clearing cases that can’t be resolved through DNA testing.
The Downstate Innocence Project last year received a $687,448 federal grant to investigate cases in which DNA testing is involved.
The grant was featured in an September 22, 2011, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Illinois Downstate Innocence Project gets federal grant
An Illinois institute that helps people convicted of crimes they didn't commit has won a federal grant to help cover the cost of tackling cases that cannot be resolved through DNA testing.
The Downstate Innocence Project got more than $249,000 from the Justice Department.
Project director Larry Golden says more than 90 percent of wrongful convictions cannot be resolved with DNA testing. He says that without DNA, figuring out whether someone has been unfairly sent to prison can require years of investigation.
The Downstate Innocence Project is based at the University of Illinois at Springfield. It collaborates with law schools at Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois.
The grant was featured in an September 22, 2011, report by the Associated Press.
Read the article online
The Downstate Innocence Project got more than $249,000 from the Justice Department.
Project director Larry Golden says more than 90 percent of wrongful convictions cannot be resolved with DNA testing. He says that without DNA, figuring out whether someone has been unfairly sent to prison can require years of investigation.
The Downstate Innocence Project is based at the University of Illinois at Springfield. It collaborates with law schools at Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois.
The grant was featured in an September 22, 2011, report by the Associated Press.
Read the article online
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