Special Report: Why so few male elementary teachers?

Why are there so few male elementary teachers locally and across the nation?

"I think it has a lot to do with perceptions of what teachers do during the day, especially elementary school teachers," said Dr. Curby Alexander, UIS assistant professor of education.

Alexander is a former elementary teacher and says many men stay out of the classroom because they think being a teacher means being a babysitter.

Demetrius Davis wanted to go into criminal psychology, but spent a summer teaching kids how to read. Now he is one of only a handful of male UIS students studying to become an elementary school teacher.

The special report aired on News Channel at Nine on Fox Illinois (WRSP-TV) on November 18, 2009.

Watch the report online:
http://www.myfoxillinois.com/dpp/springfield/11192009_why_so_few_male_teachers

Dedication Day: 146th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address

On Thursday, the 146th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address will be honored with numerous events in Gettysburg.

Dr. Michael Burlingame will deliver the 48th Annual Fortenbaugh Memorial Lecture at 8 p.m. Burlingame is currently the Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Burlingame's lecture was featured in an November 18, 2009 article in The Gettysburg, PA Times.

Download a PDF of the article:
20091118-Getty-Dedication-Day.pdf

Books of the Year: The Top Five

Dr. Michael Burlingame’s book “Abraham Lincoln: A Life” has been picked by The Atlantic Monthly magazine as one of the top five books of 2009. Burlingame is a professor of history at the University of Illinois Springfield and holds the Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies.

Read more online at:
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200912/books2009

Download a PDF of the article:
20091116-Atlantic-Monthly-Books-2009.pdf

U of I committee starts presidential search

The retiring president of the University of Illi­nois got a standing ovation at his final meeting of the school’s board of trustees.

Meeting in Springfield, the board also ap­pointed a 19-member committee, including for­mer Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara, to search for a new president. The committee will be chaired by trustee Pamela Strobel.

Also appointed to the committee from the Uni­versity of Illinois Springfield were:

* Faculty members Tih-Fen Ting, chair of the campus senate and associate professor of envi­ronmental studies, and James Patrick Hall, di­rector of the MBA program and vice chair of the campus senate.

* Student representative Charles Olivier, vice president of the Student Government Associa­tion. He is an undergraduate in accountancy and business administration.

The appointments were reported in an November 13, 2009 State Journal-Register article.

Download a PDF of the article:
20091113-SJR-U-of-I-committee.pdf

Young characters walk fine line in UIS play

At the center of “The Shape of Things” is the line between art and life.

The Neil LaBute play, which opens Friday at UIS Theatre, begins with a literal interpretation of that divide when Adam, a college student and part-time museum security guard, finds Evelyn on the wrong side of a velvet rope guarding a statue.

Suffice to say that Evelyn’s can of spray paint was just a small indication of how dirty she’s willing to get smudging the line between art and life.

“In other words, how much should art be infused in our daily living?” director Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson said. “Is art something that should just be seen on the occasional weekend visit to the museum, and keep it over there, safe? Or should we live all our lives artistically?”

The play was featured in an November 12, 2009 article in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article:
20091112-SJR-Young-characters-UIS-play.pdf

Richard Judd: Small business recovery is lagging

If the economic recovery touted as taking place right now seems weak and prepared to relapse, what might be the causes of a relapse?

Unemployment has crept above 10 percent and may stubbornly stay there if not rise higher for some time to come.

Richard Judd is a National City Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois Springfield. Judd's comments were featured in an November 4, 2009 opinion article in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091104-SJR-Richard-Judd-.pdf

Best of Springfield 2009: Best Theatrical Production - Drama

BEST THEATRICAL PRODUCTION - DRAMA

As You Like It
University of Illinois at Springfield

Shakespeare’s tale of love, deception and cross-dressing has been performed many times, many ways, in many places. For the first time ever, UIS was the stage, and its students not-so-merely the players. Associate Professor of Theatre, Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson tells us that the show came about as schoolwork. “For the 2008-2009 school year, my idea was to offer, in tandem, a Shakespeare class and a Shakespeare production.” The class, “Playing Shakespeare,” was offered for the first time in the fall of 2008 and by spring, they were ready to take the stage, with Thibodeaux-Thompson encouraging his students to audition. “We had a total of 18 actors in 23 roles. Approximately 80 percent were students, with 20 percent community actors, faculty and alumni. I enjoy a mix of students and community actors. I was very proud in a lot of ways.”

The honor was given the the Illinois Times in an October 29, 2009 edition.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091029-ILTimes-Best%20of%20Springfield%202009.pdf

Kathryn Rem: Better cooking through chemistry

“Let the magic begin,” announced Harshavardhan Bapat to a crowd of students as he stirred liquid nitrogen into a bowl of sugar and heavy cream.

With a temperature of -320 degrees F, the nitrogen turned into a white gas when poured, looking a bit like puffy Cumulus clouds.

Last week was National Chemistry Week. At the University of Illinois Springfield, the annual event was celebrated by the school’s Chemistry Club with a public demonstration of instant ice cream-making.

The story was featured in an October 28, 2009 article in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091028-SJR-UIS-National-Chemistry-Week.pdf

Sixty people naturalized at Springfield ceremony

Sixty people became new U.S. citizens during a ceremony at the Old State Captiol on Friday, October 23. The new citizens come from 29 different countries and more than half are from Asia.

Tih-Fen Ting says her heart swelled with pride as she took the oath to become an American citizen. Like many of her fellow immigrants Tih-Fen is educated. She holds a Ph.D. and teaches Environmental Science at UIS.

Ting was interviewed by reporter Gordon Graham of WAND-TV 17 in an October 23, 2009 report.

Watch the report online

Sangamon Co. Sheriff lobbies for budget increase

The Sangamon County Sheriff is calling for a sales tax hike to fill a growing budget gap.

WAND-TV 17 reporter Gordan Graham interviewed UIS Public Administration Associate Professor Beverly Bunch about the growing trend across the country.

"At some point it comes down to what services we can afford," said Bunch.

The report aired on October 8, 2009.
Watch the full report online

UIS adding new undergrad degree program

The University of Illinois Springfield is adding a 23rd undergraduate degree program that is expected to attract 25 students next year.

The state Board of Higher Education approved the Management Information Systems bachelor’s degree for UIS at its meeting in Chicago on Tuesday.

The undergraduate major is designed to provide students with a balance of technical skills and business knowledge and to prepare them for employment in private and public sectors in a changing global economy.

The announcement was featured in an October 8, 2009 article in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article.
20091008-SJR-UIS-adding-new-undergra.pdf

Good police work, public awareness keys to anti-terrorism effort, experts say

Alert police work led to the arrest of an alleged would-be federal building bomber in Springfield Thursday.

Bruce Liebe, a retired Illinois State Police officer who teaches a class on terrorism as a law-enforcement challenge at the University of Illinois Springfield, agreed that Finton’s arrest shouldn’t prevent anyone fom going about their normal routine.

“But I think it definitely heightens the message that’s been put out by the FBI and other law enforcement that people need to remain diligent and observe … people or persons or things that may be out of place and report those to the appropriate authorities,” Liebe said.

Liebe's comments were featured in a September 25, 2009 article in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article.
20090925-SJR-Good-police-work.pdf

Gallery displays rarely seen art of critic, philosopher

The stunningly stark woodcut print “DEAD MAN, BLACK BIRD” displayed at the University of Illinois Springfield’s Visual Arts Gallery seems to bring to life artist ARTHUR C. DANTO’s preference for the black-and-white woodcut.

A world-renowned author, philosopher and artist, Danto used that art form to permit the “directest” statement with the greatest economy of means.

“ARTHUR C. DANTO: PRINTS” will be displayed from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays through Sept. 23 at the arts gallery at UIS.

The gallery was featured in an September 3, 2009, Tamara Browning column in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article.

20090902-SJR-ArtGallery.pdf

Governor won't fire U of I trustees

After threatening for weeks to fire two University of Illinois trustees who refused to resign, Gov. Pat Quinn reversed course Wednesday and said he would keep them on the board.

Political scientist Kent Redfield of the University of Illinois at Springfield said the standoff between Quinn and the trustee holdouts became a distraction that could have been avoided. Demanding resignations in public without knowing that the trustees would comply "painted [Quinn] into a corner," Redfield said.

Redfield's comments were featured in an August 27, 2009, article in the Chicago Tribune.

Download a PDF of the article.
20090827-Quinntrustees.pdf

Illinois governor reputation

Some lawmakers are labeling Gov. Pat Quinn as indecisive after pushing back deadlines involving the University of Illinois board of trustees.

Christopher Mooney, a political science professor at the University of Illinois at Springfield, said Quinn risks weakening himself by being seen as indecisive. Lawmakers, for instance, are less likely to concede to him in negotiations if they think he'll fold soon.

Mooney's comments on the topic were featured in the August 25, 2009, Associated Press article.

Download a PDF of the article
20090825-AP-Quinn.pdf

Professor weighs in on large mammoth bone found

Comments from Dr. Dennis Ruez, professor of environmental studies at UIS, were featured in a WICS news story about the finding of a large mammoth bone in Illinois. Dr. Ruez says the find will be instrumental for research and learning and is important for Illinois.

Watch the video clip here:
http://www.wics.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wics_vid_233.shtml

Furlough days a possibility for U of I

A message from University of Illinois President B. Joseph White and the chancellors at the three U of I campuses went out alerting staff and faculty that unpaid furlough days may be considered as a way to alleviate any budget deficits.

The topic was featured in a July 22, 2009, article in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the story
20090722-SJR-furlough%20days.pdf

Burlingame announced as new Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies

Renowned Abraham Lincoln scholar Michael Burlingame has been named the Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies at UIS.

The announcement was the subject of a news story in the May 27, 2009, State Journal-Register.
Download a PDF of the article
20090527-SJR-Burlingame.pdf

Matthew Holden was 38th Commencement Ceremony Speaker

Matthew Holden Jr., who has been designated as the first Wepner Distinguished Professor in Political Science at the University of Illinois at Springfield, was the Commencement Speaker at UIS’s 38th commencement ceremony.

The announcement about Holden was featured in the May 2, 2009, State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article
20090502-SJR-commencementspeaker.pdf

Commencement in Photos

UIS celebrated Commencement on Saturday, May 16, 2009.

View a photo gallery of the Commencement Ceremony on the Web site of the State Journal-Register here.

Chancellor explains his side of conflict with faculty

Richard Ringeisen, chancellor of the University of Illinois at Springfield, said long-standing tensions between the UIS administration and faculty led to recent events that included the resignations of three coaches and a no-confidence vote in him by some faculty members.

The subject was a part of an April 27, 2009, article in the State Journal-Register.

Download a PDF of the article
20090427-SJR-facultyadminconflict.pdf

Ray Schroeder keeps up on educational technology trends

Keeping up with the latest educational technology trends is a key part of Ray Schroeder's job. Schroeder is the founder and director of the UIS Center for Online Learning, Research and Service (formerly the Office of Technology-Enhanced Learning.)

Schroeder was the subject of an April 23, 2009, feature article on eCampusNews.

Download a PDF of the article.
20090423-eschoolnews-RaySchroeder.pdf

Springfield upbeat at news of Governor's arrest

The mood in the capital city was for the most part upbeat when news of Governor Blagojevich's arrest broke on December 9.

UIS associate professor Marcel Yoder was among psychologists asked to explain the irreverent public reaction to such a serious situation. Yoder said that many people "have a tendency to believe the world is a just place. They'e glad the Governor is getting his comeuppance."

Yoder's comments appeared in a December 17, 2008, article in the State Journal-Register.

Download a pdf file
20081217-sjr-BallandChainParty.pdf

Is Illinois really the most corrupt state?

Rod Blagojevich's addition to the state's rather long list of public officials to run afoul of the law has led to the observation that if Illinois isn't the most corrupt state, it's at least "one hell of a competitor." But it turns out that determining which state really holds that title isn't so easy.

In an article published in the December 18, 2008, Kansas City Star, Chris Mooney, UIS professor of Political Science, observes, "It's notoriously difficult to measure political corruption."

Download a pdf file of the article
20081218-KCS-IsIllinoistheMostCorrupt.pdf

Redfield commentary: Citizens must blame themselves

Kent Redfield, UIS emeritus professor of Political Science, filed a commentary with CNN on Gov. Rod Blagojevich and how he reflects the apparent general consensus among Illinoisans that "politics is solely about power, winning, and personal gain."

Download a pdf file of Redfield's commentary, which appeared on Dec. 16, 2008.
20081216-CNN-CommentaryonIllinoisVoters.pdf

Illinois citizens expect corrupt politics

A New York Times article recounting Illinois' long history of corrupt politicians speculates that Illinoisans have a wide-spread acceptance of less-than-ethical behavior by the people they elect to public office.

Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Science, observes in the article that, "There is this attitude among politicians, and frankly among citizens, that this is the way things are. Politics is for professionals."

Download a pdf file of the article, published on December 14, 2008.
20081214-NYT-InIllinoisaVirtualExpectation.pdf

Senate contenders unsure how to proceed

There is no shortage of potential candidates interested in filling President-elect Obama's vacant Senate seat, but in the current situation no one is sure exactly how to pursue that interest.

Chris Mooney, UIS professor of Political Science, says it's his opinion that -- if the choice falls to (current) Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn -- the appointment won't go to anyone known to be under consideration by (current) Gov. Rod Blagojevich. "We're making this up as we go along," Mooney observed.

Mooney was interviewed for an Associated Press article that appeared on December 12, 2008.

Download a pdf file
20081212-AP-ContendersNotSure.pdf

State's political culture fosters corruption

Even some of the most cynical observers of Illinois politics were shocked by the behavior that brought about Gov. Rod Blagojevich's arrest on federal corruption charges. But it was the extent of his brazenness that surprised people rather than the arrest itself; many point to Blagojevich as just an extreme example of the state's political culture.

In an article in the December 11, 2008, Christian Science Monitor, Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Science, says that Illinois tends to "treat politics as a business. It's not about public interest…It's about power and winning and jobs."

Download a pdf file of the article
20081211-CSM-CorruptionWindsThru.pdf

Blagojevich arrest hinders ability to conduct state business

Though Governor Rod Blagojevich gives no sign of stepping down, his ability to fulfill his official duties is seriously in question.

Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Science, says that while Blagojevich is governor and can sign bills and issue executive orders, "Nothing he does will be taken on its merits. It will all be: How does this fit into (his) legal problems?"

Redfield's comments were part of an article published in the December 11, 2008, Peoria Journal Star.

Download a pdf file of the article
20081211-PJS-ArrestCripplesGovernor.pdf

Corruption in state government isn't anything new

Governor Rod Blagojevich's arrest on federal corruption charges is just the latest chapter in Illinois' long history of political scandal.

Chris Mooney, UIS professor of Political Science, observed that "Government in Illinois isn't about political ideology or helping people. It's about which…brother-in-law are you going to get a job…because he helped you get into office."

Mooney's comments appeared in a December 10, 2008, posting in the Conservative Libertarian Outpost.

Download a pdf file
20081210-CLO-JustWhatIsNewinIl.pdf

Close ties to governor a liability

Illinois State Rep. Jay Hoffman has been among Gov. Rod Blagojevich's closest political allies and friends. But Hoffman, who serves as chair of the House Transportation Committee, may find he has less clout when the legislature reconvenes.

Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Science, notes that while the Governor's friendship had previously been a big asset, "now it's probably a liability."

Redfield's comments appeared in an article published December 10, 2008, in the Olympia, Washington, Olympian.

Download a pdf file of the article
20081210-Olympian-HoffmansClout.pdf

Quinn, Blagojevich don't get along

Though Pat Quinn serves as Lt. Governor, it's no secret that he and Gov. Rod Blagojevich don't like each other. An article that appeared in the December 10, 2008, Huffington Post examined the reasons for this and speculated on Quinn's future should Blagojevich leave office.

In the article, Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of Political Science at UIS, noted that the Quinn-Blagojevich relationship was "a marriage of convenience…their experiences are very different, so they really didn't have a lot to talk about."

Download a pdf file of the article
20081210-HP-QuinnVBlagojevich.pdf

Blagojevich re-election is a "sad commentary"

When Rod Blagojevich was first elected governor in 2002 he presented himself as a reformer; however by the time he was re-elected in 2006 the fact that his administration was under federal investigation was already widely known.

In an article that appeared in the December 9, 2008, Bloomington Pantagraph, Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Science, notes, "It's a pretty sad commentary that we elected him again."

Download a pdf file of the article
20081209-BP-HistoryRepeats.pdf

Arrest reinforces image of state as corrupt

An Associated Press story filed on December 9, 2008, reports on the growing opinion that the arrest of Gov. Rod Blagojevich has only reinforced Illinois' image as among the most corrupt states in the nation.

In the article, Charles Wheeler III, director of Public Affairs Reporting at UIS, notes that Blagojevich's apparent brazenness "blows everything else out of the water."

Download a pdf file of the article
20081209-AP-ArrestReinforcesImage.pdf

Wheeler: Blagovejich "most incompetent" governor

In an article contrasting the early promise of Gov. Rod Blagojevich with his subsequent performance and, finally, arrest on federal corruption charges, Charles Wheeler III, director of Public Affairs Reporting at UIS, assessed Blagojevich as "the most incompetent governor we've had in the last 50 years."

The Chicago Tribune article was published December 10, 2008.

Download a pdf file
20081210-CT-BlagojevichsPromiseCrashes.pdf

Redfield in NYT: Blagojevich may have tripped over ambition

Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Science, was among those asked to comment on Governor Rod Blagojevich's arrest on federal corruption charges for an article that ran in the December 10, 2008, New York Times.

Redfield noted that while Blagojevich "had clearly come into office believing he was destined for bigger things," he may have tripped up on his own ambition.

"The combination of arrogance and stupidity…is just stunning," said Redfield. "There's no feedback loop or reality check."

Download a pdf file of the article
20081210-NYT-BlagojevichArrest.pdf

Barricaded workers are a symbol

The laid-off workers of now-defunct Republic Widows and Doors who have taken over the Chicago factory and are refusing to leave until they receive assurances of promised severance and vacation pay have put a face to the reality of hard economic times.

Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Science, noted in a Chicago Tribune article that, while the case is classic politics, "politicians who… have something to offer are rightly intervening.

"It becomes a metaphor for what's going on in the larger economy," Redfield said.

Download a pdf file of the article, published on December 8, 2008.
20081208-CT-WorkersareaMetaphor.pdf

New search options gaining popularity

Established Internet search engines such as Google may be facing competition from a variety of newer tools such as Blinkx, Grokker, and ChaCha.

In an article in the November 26, 2008, eSchoolNews, UIS OTEL Director Ray Schroeder noted that these new tools can be a boon to students, especially when their searches involve media other than print.

Download a pdf file of the article
20081126-eSN-NewSearchTools.pdf

Constant connection to work is a mixed blessing

With the advent of e-mail, Blackberries, and smart phones, more and more workers find it hard to be "off duty."

An article in the November 24, 2008, State Journal-Register quotes Keith Burton, assistant professor and chair of Psychology at UIS, who notes that "employees need time to rest in order to be productive.

"We're not built to be constant working machines," he said.

Download a pdf file of the article
20081124-SJR-WiredWorld.pdf

Obama discusses massive stimulus package

At his press conference yesterday, President-Elect Barack Obama discussed plans for economic recovery and emphasized the need to pass a massive stimulus package shortly after he takes office.

In an interview with Chicago Public Radio, Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at UIS, remarked that Congress historically likes to take its time in debating how to dole out large sums of money, so passing such complex legislation early in a presidency will be no small task.

Download a PDF file featuring Redfield's radio quotes
20081125-ChiPubRadio-ObamaStimulusPackage.pdf

Wired world means rarely leaving work

Because about 60 percent of the workforce uses the Internet or e-mail for their jobs, almost half of them also work from home, checking their e-mail on weekends and sick days and logging in while on vacation.

Clinical psychologist Keith Burton, head of the psychology department at UIS, says that while some can manage with constant connection to work, most people need to recharge and take a break to be productive.

Burton's quotes were featured in an article in the November 25, 2008, State Journal-Register. Download a PDF of the file
20081125-SJR-WiredWorkers.pdf

Corruption charges taint state's mood

With an Illinois senator poised to become President of the United States and centennial celebrations for the birth of Abraham Lincoln about to begin, the atmosphere in the state's capital should be buoyant. But allegations of government corruption are rampant.

An article in the November 24, 2008, Newsweek discusses the cloud hanging over Illinois politics and quotes UIS Professor Emeritus Kent Redfield as noting that, while the state has produced such iconic figures as Lincoln and Adlai Stevenson, an air of "let's make a deal" has always been "pretty pervasive" in Illinois.

Download a pdf file of the article
22081124-NW-CorruptionintheLandofLincoln.pdf

Who will Governor choose?

President-elect Barack Obama has resigned his Senate seat and it's up to Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to choose a successor. Speculation is rife as the list of potential nominees grows longer.

An article in the November 13, 2008, New York Times quotes Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of political science: "Compared to everything else, this is good publicity."

Download a pdf file of the article
20081113-NYT-BlagojevichPicksSuccessor.pdf

Scholarship to be named after Kent Redfield

UIS Professor Emeritus Kent Redfield is getting a scholarship fund named after him. The Kent Redfield Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student based on merit and financial need.

Redfield, a leader for years in research into campaign contributions in Illinois, retired September 1 after 29 years at UIS, but he still remains highly involved with the university and plans to teach a class per semester starting in the new year.

The news of his scholarship fund appears in a column in the September 13, 2008, issue of the State Journal-Register. Download a PDF file of the column
20081113-SJR-KentRedfieldScholarship.pdf

Obama candidacy shines a light on Illinois legislature

Barack Obama's background in the Illinois Senate has focused more national attention than usual on the Illinois legislature and Illinois politics, as an article in the November 2, 2008, State Journal-Register reports.

UIS Professor of Public Affairs Reporting Charles Wheeler, a former newsman who covered the Statehouse for many years, weighs in on what Obama's record of voting "present" really means.

Professor of Political Science Chris Mooney notes that he had expected Obama to face much more and much harsher criticism because of the current investigation into charges of corruption in Illinois government and the federal conviction of one-time Obama fundraiser Tony Rezko.

Download a pdf file of the article
20081102-sjr-ObamaDrawsSpotlighttoIllLegislature.pdf

Redfield sees local races as a "way to send a message"

Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of Political Science, noted that local races are the best way for voters "to send a message" to the leaders of their respective political parties.

His comments appeared in an article on the impact local races can have on people's everyday lives that appeared in the November 3, 2008, Chicago Daily Herald.

Download a pdf file of the article
20081103-CDH-DontSkipUndercard.pdf

Redfield discusses Con-Con question

Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of Political Science, talked about the "strange bedfellows" that have resulted in the upcoming vote on whether Illinois should hold a new constitutional convention.

The interview was aired on Chicago public radio station WBEZ 91.5 FM on Monday, November 3.

Listen to the interview

Berman: Community must make the most of economic opportunities

In an "In My View" column appearing in the November 1, 2008, State Journal-Register, UIS Provost Harry Berman outlined the goals of the Continuum of Learning, an initiative of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Central Illinois, and Sangamon Country Community Foundation. Berman chairs the Continuum's Steering Committee.

The intention, said Berman is a "community commitment to seeing that the highest possible proportion of children, adolescents, and young adults are progressing successfully through each stage of development and are poised to succeed and to contribute to the region's economy."

Download a pdf file of the column
20081101-sjr-BermanonMaximizingEconomicOpportunity.pdf

White tells campuses to prepare for tough times

In a recent campuswide memo, U of I President Joseph White said that he has told leaders at the three campuses to prepare for tough economic times over the next year and a half. White said the university should expect to face possibilities such as reduced state support, students with greater need for financial assistance, and leaving vacant positions unfilled.

Download a pdf file of an article from the October 28, 2008, Chicago Tribune
20081028-CT-PrezsaysLeanTimesAhead.pdf

Wheeler: Lawrence "one of the best"

When Mike Lawrence announced that he was returning to journalism after 11 years at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, including four years as director, his colleagues around the state were quick to praise the decision as well as the man.

UIS Public Affairs Reporting director Charles Wheeler III, who worked with Lawrence when both were Statehouse reporters, said, "I think that Mike's one of the best reporters I ever met," adding that Lawrence was respected by both Republicans and Democrats because he "took the time to understand the issues."

Download a pdf file of the article that appeared in the October 26, 2008, edition of The Southern
20081026-TS-LawrenceReturnstohisRoots.pdf

Redfield on the importance of fundraising

With Illinois Senate President Emil Jones stepping down in January, a number of state senators are positioning themselves to replace him. The ability to raise funds is seen as an important part of that process, for a variety of reasons.

Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of Political Science at UIS, noted that it's "all about creating relationships or a sense of obligation." Redfield's comments were part of an article that appeared in the October 21, 2008, Chicago Tribune.

Download a pdf file of the article
20081021-CT-MoneyaFactorinRaceforSenatePresident.pdf

UIS receives national award for online education

UIS received the 2008 Gomory Award for Quality Education from the Sloan Consortium. The award recognizes UIS' innovative work in the continuous process of assuring excellence in its online teaching and learning initiatives.

OTEL Director Ray Schroeder noted that the Gomory Award is "one of the highest honors to be granted" by the Consortium.

Download an article from the October 20, 2008, State Journal-Register
200081020-SJR-UISWinsGomoryAward.pdf

Mooney says different motives may be behind House move to cut veto session

The Illinois House of Representatives has cancelled half of its November veto session and the state Senate may do the same. Legislators say this is because they have already dealt with a number of issues during many special sessions over the summer.

Christopher Mooney, UIS professor of Political Science, says that while this is true, the reason may also have something to do with the troubled relationship between Gov. Rod Blagojevich and House Speaker Michael Madigan.

An article that appeared in the October 14, 2008, Peoria Journal Star examined the situation.

Download a pdf file of the article
20081014-PJS-HouseCutsVeto.pdf

Veselenak is community resource for mushroom hunters

Jim Veselenak, UIS associate professor of Clinical Laboratory Science and Public Health, is also an expert on mushrooms.

Illinois Times correspondent Julianne Glatz talked with Veselenak for an IT article on hunting wild mushrooms that was posted on September 25, 2008.

Download a pdf copy of the article
20080925-IT-ForagingforFungi.pdf

Redfield sees McCain decision to suspend campaign as a ploy

Opinions differ on Sen. John McCain's suspension of his Presidential campaign to return to Washington while Congress considered the administration's plan to resolve the economic crisis.

In an article that appeared in the September 25, 2008, Galesburg Register Mail, UIS Professor Emeritus of Political Science Kent Redfield observed, "His implication is, I care more about this issue than Obama does, and I'm above politics….The irony is, you have a political ploy…to show he's above politics."

Download a pdf file of the article
20080925-GRM-PoliticsorStatesmanship.pdf

LA Tech joins consortium founded by Schroeder and Oakley

Louisiana Tech is one of seven charter members of the New Century Learning Consortium, a group founded by Ray Schroeder, director of UIS' Office of Technology-Enhanced Learning, and Burks Oakley II, founding director of University of Illinois Online.

The consortium was designed to assist universities in implementing high quality, large-scale online and blended learning programs.

An article published in the September 10, 2008, Monroe, Louisiana, News-Star described the organization and quoted Schroeder, who noted that the first meeting, held at UIS in July, “enabled us to formalize our relationships and begin collaborations in the development of online and blended learning initiatives that will span the country."

Download a pdf file of the article

20080910-LNS-LATechJoinsConsortium.pdf

Governor back in the spotlight

After months of keeping a relatively low profile, Gov. Rod Blagojevich is once again making public appearances and talking with reporters.

In an article that appeared in the September 8, 2008, Chicago Tribune, Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Studies, speculated that the reason for the Governor's return to the public eye may be that he's feeling less pressure now that the trial of his friend and fundraiser Tony Rezko is over.

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20080908-CT-GovernorNotShyingAway.pdf

Redfield on Governor's third term

On August 29, 2008, Chicago Newsradio WBBM reported on Governor Rod Blagojevich's hint that he might seek a third term. The report cited UIS Professor Emeritus of Political Studies Kent Redfield's assessment that there would be "little enthusiasm" should the Governor decide to run for reelection in 2010.

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20080829-WBBM-Blagojevich3rdTerm.pdf

Blagojevich keeps low profile

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is keeping a low profile as far as Illinois Senator and Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama is concerned.

In an article that appeared in the Rockford Register Star on August 21, 2008, UIS Professor Emeritus Kent Redfield notes that one big reason is Blagojevich's seemingly close ties to Tony Rezko, who is awaiting sentencing on his federal corruption conviction.

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20080821-RRS-BlagojevichSitsOut.pdf

State senators vie for Jones' spot

Members of the Illinois Senate are already jockeying to be in position to fill Emil Jones' spot as Senate President when he retires.

Chris Mooney, UIS Professor of Political Studies, is quoted in an article published August 22, 2008, by the Sun Times News Group. The article discusses senators who have expressed an interest, as well as why the senate presidency is so important.

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20080822-STNG-NextSenatePrez.pdf

Wheeler says it's "no surprise" Jones is retiring

Illinois Senate President Emil Jones has announced that he will retire when his current term expires in January 2009.

"I can't say I'm surprised," observed UIS' Public Affairs Reporting Director Charles Wheeler III in an article that appeared in the August 18, 2008, Daily Herald. Wheeler noted that Jones' close alliance with an unpopular governor has been an issue.

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20080818-DJ-EmilJonestoRetire.pdf

Redfield says method used to redraw county districts was good

Two maps suggesting possible redistricting if membership of the Sangamon County Board is reduced from 29 to 15 are drawing criticism from a number of constituencies. However Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Science, notes that the criteria used to determine the district boundaries was correct.

Read the article that appeared in the August 3, 2008, State Journal-Register.

20080803-SJR-MapsofPossibleCoBdDistricts.pdf

Wheeler says loading Obama with state's political baggage is unfair

Illinois senator and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has been a Chicago resident for nearly 25 years, and some observers wonder how much his campaign will be tainted by the city's reputation for seedy politics and the state's overall political history.

An article in the July 20, 2008, CQ Weekly quotes Charles Wheeler, director of Public Affairs Reporting at UIS, on the subject. Wheeler says that linking Obama with Illinois' political climate isn't fair: "People who have a more sophisticated knowledge of Chicago politics will realize that Obama is not a machine hack."

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20080720-CQW-ObamaNotChicagoHack.pdf

UIS' Emiquon Field Station an asset to area teachers, students

The UIS Field Station located at the Nature Conservancy's Emiquon Preserve near Havana is providing area teachers and students with unique hands-on learning opportunities.

Mike Lemke, UIS associate professor of biology and field station director, noted that the facility "allows us access to an incredible restoration project and natural setting that would not otherwise be possible."

An article that appeared in the July 17, 2008, Canton Daily Ledger profiled the experiences of one teacher, Kristy Boggs from Spoon River College, who has been bringing students in her field ecology classes to Emiquon since 2006.

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20080717-CDL-EmiquonLivingLab.pdf

Oldfield is author of study on socioeconomic status and admission decisions

An article in the July 10, 2008, Daily Texan reported on a study conducted by Kenneth Oldfield, UIS professor emeritus of Public Administration.

Oldfield found that while schools are federally mandated to evaluate applicants to graduate programs based on race and ethnicity, few institutions also consider an applicant's economic status.

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20080710-DT-StudyonSocioeconomicStatus.pdf

Schroeder quoted in article on gas prices' effect on online education

As the cost of gasoline goes up, so does the number of students enrolling in online courses.

Ray Schroeder, director of UIS' Office of Technology-Enhanced Learning, was among a number of educators who commented on the subject for an article that appeared in the July 8, 2008, Chronicle of Higher Education.

Schroeder noted that colleges and universities across the country are getting requests for online courses, with students specifically mentioning the cost of gas as a factor.

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20080708-CHE-GasPricesDriveStudentstoOnlineCourses.pdf

Phillips helps Chicago school district in consolidation talks

When a group of parents and school officials in west Chicago met to discuss combining a high school and its elementary feeder schools into a single system, William Phillips, UIS associate professor of Educational Leadership, was on hand to help them examine the implications of such a move.

Phillips is a recognized authority on the topic. He stressed to the audience that they need a "base of information" on which to make their decision.

An article in the July 8, 2008, Chicago Daily Herald reported on the meeting.

Download a pdf file of that article

20080708-CDH-SchoolFeederDistrictsTalk.pdf

Redfield says Governor's tour of flooded areas helpful

Gov. Rod Blagojevich stepped back into the public eye to visit flooded communities along the Mississippi River recently and to take a turn filling sandbags in Pike County. Area residents greeted Blagojevich with smiles and handshakes, a change of pace for the embattled Governor.

Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of Political Science at UIS, noted that appearances such as these are reminders of Blagojevich's role as the state's leader and also help let people know that officials are aware of their problems. "You can't look bad out showing concern for disaster victims," he said.

Redfield's comments appeared in an article that ran in the June 20, 2008, Peoria Journal Star.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080620-PJS-FloodsBoostBlagojevich.pdf

Mooney quoted in article on Obama's ability to win in rural areas

As a new member of the Illinois Senate, Barack Obama began trying to forge connections with voters in the southern part of the state; the results were mixed. Today he is the apparent Democratic presidential candidate, and some in the party are still concerned about his ability to win over voters in largely rural and blue collar areas.

In an article that appeared in the June 15, 2008, Washington Post, UIS Professor of Political Science Chris Mooney noted that one reason Obama has had an impact in southern Illinois is his constituent service.

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20080615-WP-RuralIllandObamasElectability.pdf

Wheeler thinks impeachment is unlikely

Speculation on the possibility that Gov. Rod Blagojevich will be impeached is widespread; however Charles Wheeler, UIS Professor and Director of Public Affairs Reporting, thinks that won't happen.

Wheeler says, in his opinion, the Governor should be more concerned about the federal investigation into corruption in Illinois government. Wheeler's comments appeared in an article published in the June 13, 2008, Ottawa Times.

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20080613-OT-ImpeachmentNotCertain.pdf

Redfield sees irony in campaign contributions bill

While the Illinois legislature unanimously passed a bill banning campaign contributions from those who hold large contracts with the state, Gov. Rod Blagojevich has yet to sign the bill into law, saying a lot of work remains to be done on it.

Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Science, said it is ironic that the man whom many see as a prime of example of why the bill is necessary is the one who is expected to sign it into law.

Redfield's comments appeared in an article in the Dekalb Daily Chronicle on June 15, 2008.

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20080615-DDC-ContributionBanNotDoneDeal.pdf

Redfield says impeachment memo might help Governor

Many Illinois lawmakers say they see House Speaker Michael Madigan's impeachment memo as "posturing" and a distraction from their efforts to balance the state budget.

Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of Political Science at UIS, says that the memo could actually end up helping Gov. Blagojevich. "It helps the governor to say the speaker is out to get me and he's the one causing the problems," Redfield noted in an article that appeared in the June 12, 2008, West Frankfort Daily American.

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20080612-WFDA-MemoMayHelpGov.pdf

Redfield calls memo "out of character"

The leaked memo from Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's staff instructing candidates to call for the impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich may in fact have weakened Madigan's position in his long-standing conflict with the Governor.

"It was pretty heavy-handed and out of character," noted Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Science, in an article in St. Louis Today.com. The article ran on June 12, 2008.

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20080612-SLT-MemoFalloutContinues.pdf

Wheeler quoted in article on "unconstitutional" budget

Illinois' new budget increases state spending without increasing revenue and is therefore unconstitutional, according to Gov. Rod Blagojevich. While the Governor has not vetoed the budget, he has announced his intention to call legislative leaders together to resume work on it.

In an article in the June 3, 2008, Harrisburg Daily Register, UIS Director of Public Affairs Reporting Charles Wheeler said he could not recall another such instance in which legislators had so"deliberately and publicly approved an unbalanced budget."

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20080603-HDR-UnbalancedBudget.pdf

Redfield says ethics bill is a "historic opportunity"

Gov. Blagojevich has indicated that he may not sign the new ethics bill recently passed by the General Assembly because it doesn't go far enough. However, many observers are questioning his motives for refusing to sign the bill, which passed both the Senate and the House by large majorities.

An article published in the June 8, 2008, Chicago Tribune quotes Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Science, who notes that the bill presents "a historic opportunity to eliminate one of the major sources of corruption in Illinois politics."

Download a pdf file of the article

20080608-CT-EthicsBillLoomsLarge.pdf

Redfield offers tips for citizen lobbyists

When it comes to lobbying with state legislators, ordinary citizens can often have an advantage over the professionals. However there are a number of things people can do to present their ideas more effectively.

Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Science, was among the political observers to offer some tips in an article that appeared June 5, 2008, in Medill Reports.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080605-MR-LobbyingIsntJustforPros.pdf

Wheeler sees no "win-win situation" for Republicans

State Republicans are hoping to gain some political advantage in the wake of Democratic fundraiser Antoin Rezko's recent conviction on corruption charges and the ongoing federal investigations into the administration of Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

However an article that appeared in the June 6, 2008, Chicago Daily Herald quoted UIS Director of Public Affairs Reporting Charles Wheeler as noting that this is "not totally a win-win situation" for Republicans.

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20080606-CDH-GOPlooksforpoliticalmileage.pdf

Redfield says Rezko conviction may mean trouble for others

Now that Antoin Rezko has been convicted in federal court on multiple counts including mail and wire fraud and aiding and abetting bribery, speculation is increasing on what implications that may hold for Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and, to a lesser extent, for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

In an article in the June 5, 2008, St. Louis Today.com, Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Science, says there is no question that U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald intends to bargain with Rezko over sentencing in exchange for his help in indicting Blagojevich.

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20080605-STLT-RezkoConvicted.pdf

Redfield: Obama may suffer "collateral damage" from Rezko ties

With the corruption trial of former political fundraiser Antoin Rezko ending in a conviction, the Republican Party has increased its efforts to publicize Rezko's links to Illinois Senator and Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

In an article in the June 4, 2008, Chicago Daily Herald, UIS Professor Emeritus of Political Science Kent Redfield noted that while nothing in the case directly related to the Senator, "There will certainly, though, be an effort by Republicans to define Obama as just another corrupt Chicago politician."

Download a pdf file of the article

20080604-CDH-GOPExploitRezko.pdf

Mooney notes legislative session didn't accomplish much

In a report from the Statehouse reviewing what passed or didn't pass during this legislative session, UIS Professor of Political Science Chris Mooney notes that "there wasn't a lot accomplished."

The article appeared on June 5, 2008, in St. Louis Today.com.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080605-STLT-GovLegisBlameEachOther.pdf

Mooney thinks state won't see much presidential campaigning

Political observers say that Illinoisans shouldn’t expect to see much campaigning by either side in the upcoming Presidential race as it is already nearly a given that the state will go to favorite son Barack Obama.

An article in the June 3, 2008, Galesburg Register-Mail presented observations and predictions from several pundits, including UIS Professor of Political Science Chris Mooney.

Mooney noted that the state has been "moving pretty heavily" toward the Democrats in recent presidential elections. "I think Illinois would have been out of it even if Senator Clinton had won (the nomination)," he said.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080603-GRM-ObamaHasIllinois.pdf

Tribune quotes Redfield in article on payday loans

The multibillion dollar payday loan industry has dramatically increased political contributions across the country in an attempt to minimize the effects of new laws aimed at protecting consumers; politicians in Illinois have received a large share of this money.

Kent Redfield, UIS professor emeritus of Political Studies, was quoted in an article on the subject in the May 27, 2008, Chicago Tribune.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080527-Trib-PaydayLoans.pdf

Article on Jones' use of campaign funds quotes Redfield

Since 1989, Illinois Senate President Emil Jones has taken thousands of dollars in interest-free personal loans from his campaign funds.

An article that appeared in CBS2 on May 23, 2008, quotes UIS Professor Emeritus Kent Redfield, who reviewed Jones' records on behalf of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform. Redfield noted that using "other people's money" to augment one's personal lifestyle is a conflict of interest.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080523-CBS2-JonesUseofFunds.pdf

Redfield quoted in article on Aurora political contributions

A number of business owners in Aurora have made thousands of dollars in political contributions to the city’s mayor in the names of various corporate entities. Though legal, this practice takes advantage of a loophole in Illinois campaign finance rules.

An article on the subject in the May 25, 2008, Aurora Beacon News quoted Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of Political Studies at UIS.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080525-ABN-MayorsFund.pdf

State's name-selling practice is "a way to make money"

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the agency that oversees more than 100 professions in the state, sells its database of names to marketing companies, and has done so for at least 30 years.

UIS Professor of Political Science Chris Mooney was quoted in an article that ran in the May 20, 2008, edition of the Rockford Register Star. Said Mooney, "It sounds like it might be a little bit shady, but the argument on the other side is, 'Would you rather be taxed?'"

Download a pdf file of the article

20080520-RRS-StateSellsNames.pdf

Redfield cited in Sun-Times article on Jones' use of campaign funds

A government watchdog group is questioning whether Illinois Senate President Emil Jones is taking advantage of a loophole in the law designed to ban personal use of campaign contributions. Since 1989, Jones has taken more than $120,000 in interest-free personal loans from his campaign funds, repaying less than $100,000.

An article that appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times on May 22, 2008, examines the subject and quotes UIS Professor Emeritus Kent Redfield, who reviewed Jones' records on behalf of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform. Said Redfield, "It's the kind of open-ended float you would not get if you went to a commercial bank…"

Download a pdf file of the article

20080522-CST-JonesLoans.pdf

Mooney cited in article on Governor's re-election plans

Many across the state are wondering whether Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, in the face of possible legal troubles, will follow the precedent set by former Gov. George Ryan and choose not to run for re-election.

An article on the subject appeared in the May 20, 2008, NWI Times. In the article, UIS professor of Political Science Chris Mooney notes that while conventional wisdom says that Blagojevich's political career may be over, "in politics, you never know."

Download a pdf file of the article

20080520-NWI-GovReelection.pdf

Redfield quoted in article on consequences of Obama candidacy for state GOP

Many Republicans in Illinois are worrying that if Barack Obama wins the Democratic nomination for president, it could hurt the chances of Republicans running for a variety of state offices.

An article published in the May 19, 2008, Chicago Daily Herald quotes Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of Political Studies at UIS, on the possible consequences of an Obama candidacy for the state GOP.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080519-CDH-ObamaTicket.pdf

Article on passage of contributions bill quotes Mooney

In response to increasing public concern on ethics issues, the Illinois Senate prepared to vote on a bill outlawing political contributions from state contractors.

Chris Mooney, UIS professor of Political Science, was quoted in a May 15, 2008, article in St. Louis Today on the unusual situation that made passage of the bill likely.

Download a pdf file of the article

20080515-STL-Contributions.pdf

Mooney quoted in article on Senate bill

A bill outlawing political contributions from state contractors seemed certain to pass the Illinois Senate.

An article by Kevin McDermott that appeared in the Bloomington Pantagraph on May 15, 2008, quoted Chris Mooney, UIS professor of Political Science, on the unusual turn of events.

Download a pdf of the article

20080515-Pantagraph-Contributions.pdf