Division of Academic Affairs
Annual Impact Report
2024-25
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost
Brandon Schwab
Provost Brandon Schwab serves as Chief Academic Officer and leads the Division of Academic Affairs, which is comprised of four academic colleges; the university library; graduate education; student success and undergraduate education; online, professional and engaged learning; institutional research and effectiveness; research and innovation; and information technology services. Provost Schwab also serves as chief administrative officer in the Chancellor's absence.
Celebrating our Collective Impact
We are pleased to share the inaugural Annual Impact Report for the Division of Academic Affairs at UIS. The report features some highlights from the 2024/25 academic year. It was indeed a busy year, and this collection is only a sampling of the great work and accomplishments from across the division. I am incredibly proud of the faculty and staff at UIS and their dedication to our students, no matter if they are on-ground, online, from Illinois or from around the world. Thank you, all!
By the Numbers
5
Provost's Open Hours
Sessions Hosted
12
Good Ideas funded
(of 23 proposals)
23
New Faculty Hired
(22 Fall + 1 Spring)
$41.6K
New Strategic Investment
Funds (SIF) awarded
Table of Contents
- Provost's Introduction
- Table of Contents
- Vice Provost and Graduate Education
- Student Success and Undergraduate Education
- Online, Professional, and Engaged Learning
- Institutional Research and Effectiveness
- Research and Innovation
- College of Business and Management
- College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- College of Health, Science and Technology
- College of Public Affairs and Education
- University Library
- Information Technology Services
Lake Springfield Field Station
Vice Provost and Graduate Education
Cecilia Cornell
In addition to overseeing Graduate Education and Graduate Assistantships, Vice Provost and Director of Graduate Education Cecilia Cornell's portfolio includes the Center for State Policy and Leadership (CSPL), the Center for Lincoln Studies (CFLS), and Sangamon Experience (SE).
Transforming Learning and Discovery
- Graduate Education launched a professional development pilot program for graduate assistants
- CSPL & Office of Electronic Media (OEM) partnered with academic units to build the CHIME Lab (Communication & Humanities Innovative Media Environment)
- OEM created a new digital audio/podcasting studio for students and staff
Milestones That Made a Difference
- Illinois Innocence Project (IIP) freed two persons and exonerated seven
- SE graduate assistant received the Russell Lewis Award and published her first article
- CSPL staff and affiliated faculty published five academic articles and gave three conference presentations
- CFLS was granted permanent status by IBHE
- CSPL engaged 2000+ students and partners in experiential learning programs
- Dr. Betsy Goulet received the Changemaker Award at the Global Health Summit
- CFLS Director’s book The First Migrants received multiple awards
By the Numbers
1
New UIS CFLS
Faculty Fellowship
50+
CSPL research and
evaluation projects
67
Graduate Assistants
placed in units
800+
Wrongful conviction
awareness trainees
"Soil and Soul: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley"
UIS' Sangamon Experience documentary, "Soil & Soul: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley," was selected for screening at the April Farm to Film Fest in Washington, Iowa. The documentary tells the stories of ten individuals who have spent their lives farming throughout the Sangamon River Valley, an area encompassing approximately 1,500 square miles in central Illinois. Anne Moseley, director and curator of the Sangamon Experience, said the selection is a testament to the film’s impact in preserving the voices of local farmers: "highlighting the vital role they play in our region’s history and culture.”
“Soil & Soul” was produced by Rich Saal and Noah Sabich. Saal earned a master’s degree in history from UIS.
Building Community Connections
- CFLS partnered with NPR Illinois, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM), the Illinois State Museum, and Juneteenth Inc. to offer the Beaumont Lincoln Legacy Lecture and Juneteenth public programming
- CSPL worked with the Edgar Fellows to involve five UIS Students in the inaugural Capitol Connections Day
- CSPL collaborated with Columbia College Chicago and the Chicago Sun-Times on the “Un-Debates” series
- Sangamon Experience hosted its first Local History Check-In
- CSPL & SE co-hosted a Civics Camp for high school students
- CSPL evaluation projects netted approximately 12,000 survey responses
Scholarship and Creative Contributions
- CFLS and the Department of History launched a digital mapping project on Black Springfield 1900-1910
- CFLS partner Dr. Brian Mitchell presented on the Black Springfield Project at the Midwest History Conference
- Radio That Listens to You exhibit: 50-year history of NPR Illinois created with SE and NPR Illinois
- CFLS Book Series launched with publication of Lincoln the Citizen edited by Dr. Michael Burlingame
Laying Foundations for Future Impact
- NPR Illinois exploring emergency alert infrastructure with the Governor’s Office
- CSPL expanding digital literacy efforts with the Illinois Innovation Network
- CFLS launched a Community Advisory Group to guide public engagement
- CSPL & Brookens Library sustaining the Central Illinois Nonprofit Resource Center
Student Success and Undergraduate Education
Michael Roth
Associate Provost for Student Success and Undergraduate Education Michael Roth is responsible for Undergraduate Education, the Center for Academic Success and Advising (CASA), and the Capital Scholars Honors Program (CAP).
Shaping the Future of Learning
- “Mobile Advising” launched in the Student Union for real-time student support
- Supplemental Instruction expanded for high-demand Business courses
- Banner/Eddie automation supports strategic Gen Ed and ECCE planning
- Five new FYS courses approved; four articulated at UIC for nursing majors
- Title III - LEAD-HIP Program: Five-year federally funded initiative to expand high impact practices (HIP), improve advising and academic support, and address DFW rates; grants supported student attendance at professional development conferences; and faculty engaged in Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) certification for teaching improvement
- Advising - Created first comprehensive Advising Handbook with Athletics and college advisors
- Course Scheduling - Ongoing collaboration with Records and Registration to improve course scheduling
"Citizenship in Action: Honors Students Connect with Community"
The Capital Scholars Honors Program reimagined its first-year writing curriculum to focus on engaged citizenship. Through “Citizenship Saturday,” students explored Springfield’s civic landmarks, engaged in service projects, and connected classroom learning to real-world impact. The event was supported by a $1,000 community donation and included tours, expert talks, and hands-on service.
“How can students truly practice citizenship without first-hand exposure to the broader community in which they live?”
— Dr. Katie Carlson, CAP Honors
By the Numbers
30+
Hosted at
Advising Summit
609
Students in First-Year
Seminar (FYS)
62%
Increase in
Learning Hub usage
785
Students in
Speaker Series (SS)
Celebrating Teaching and Scholarship
- CASA Hub staff published and presented on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in writing centers
- Katie Carlson, Marc Klingshirn, Elise LoBue: “Neighbors Outside, Inside, and Beyond the Classroom” – Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council
- Elise LoBue: Presented refugee resilience research in Krakow, Poland
- Elise Lobue: Selected "Best Instructor" - Observer 2024
- Michael Roth: Modeling and Simulation of Everyday Things (2nd Ed., 2025)
- Roth, Nikoley, Hunter: Mars simulation research published in The Compass
Online, Professional and Engaged Learning
Layne Morsch
As Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs, Layne Morsch's portfolio includes the Center for Online Learning, Research and Service (COLRS), the Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE), the Office of Digital Accessibility (ODA), and the Office of Engaged Learning (OEL).
Leadership and Innovation
- Award-Winning Staff: Taylor Lester (COLRS) received the 2025 Nova Award
- Published: ODA & COLRS co-authored a chapter in Ensuring Equity, Access, and Inclusion in Digital Learning
- Global Reach: OEL launched two new international exchange partnerships
- AI Leadership: Faculty Fellows organized five Artificial Intelligence (AI) events, including the Day of AI with 400 high school students
- Innovation in Accessibility: ODA launched six cross-campus working groups and two accessibility sprints
By the Numbers
14
Mentees + 13 mentors
in Guiding Lights
512+
Hours of video
remediated
273
Participated in student
internships and projects
20.5K+
Pages, PPT slides, Excel
sheets remediated
"Building a Culture of Digital Accessibility"
In 2025, the Office of Digital Accessibility (ODA) led a transformative initiative to embed accessibility into UIS’ digital fabric. The Digital Accessibility Leadership Team and working groups brought together voices from across the university to shape policy, improve training, and ensure inclusive digital experiences.
The Digital Accessibility Remediation Team (DART) scaled its impact dramatically—tripling its annual output. With over 512 hours of video and 20,000+ document pages remediated, the team empowered 110 faculty and staff to make their content accessible.
ODA’s collaboration with Student Affairs and Enrollment and Retention Management through targeted “accessibility sprints,” paired with daily Zoom office hours and co-led workshops with COLRS, is shifting the UIS culture toward one where accessibility is not an afterthought—but a shared responsibility.
Impacting the University Community
- 59 units served by DART
- Daily Zoom office hours (COLRS/ODA)
- Nine Accessibility Tips sessions and eight Fix-It Workshops
Fostering Faculty Excellence
- 17 faculty development sessions with 173 attendees
- 33 institutions engaged in the regional faculty development network
Expanding Global and Experiential Learning
- Two new international exchange partnerships established
- 20 students engaged in study away programs
- 8% growth in study away and internship participation
Institutional Research and Effectiveness
Michele Gribbins
Associate Provost for Institutional Research and Effectiveness Michele Gribbins provides vision and leadership for Institutional Research, Assessment, Accreditation, Institutional Effectiveness, and Strategic Planning and Decision Support.
Strengthening Access to Institutional Insight
- Enhanced UIS Data Book resources
- Improved access to visual data with 20+ UI System Dashboards
- Clarified institutional language by introducing the UIS Acronym Guide
- Provided regular updates on key Projects & Initiatives on the new OIRE website
- Encouraged stakeholder engagement via an anonymous feedback form
Advancing Leadership and Impact
- Michele Gribbins named an Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Fellow, one of the highest honors in online education, and served on the organizing committee for the inaugural Illinois Online Higher Education Symposium
- Matt Suda joined UIS as Director of Institutional Research, strengthening the university’s capacity for evidence-based decision-making
- Carrie Allen collaborated with the General Education Council to review 205 syllabi and develop a general education curriculum map
By the Numbers
18
Assessment & Program
Review unit meetings
5
Assurance of Student
Learning presentations
24
Academic Program
Reviews completed
550+
Satisfaction Survey
responses collected
"From Data to Direction - Launching OIRE"
In August 2024, UIS launched the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE) to advance strategic priorities through comprehensive institutional research, assessment, institutional effectiveness, and accreditation activities. Under the leadership of Dr. Michele Gribbins, OIRE has quickly become a cornerstone of institutional planning and improvement. From leading the Academic Portfolio Review to submitting a student-centered HLC Quality Initiative, OIRE is helping to inform decisions and promote institutional and student success.
“In its first year, OIRE is helping shape a more strategic, insight-driven future for UIS.”
— Dr. Michele Gribbins, Associate Provost
Collaborative Academic Planning and Prioritization
- Noah Reynolds and Michele Gribbins co-led the Academic Portfolio Review Task Force, composed of 13 faculty, staff, and students
- The task force met weekly from November 2024 to January 2025 to develop holistic evaluation criteria and prioritization metrics
- Data collection and scoring was conducted during Spring–Summer 2025, laying the groundwork for informed academic planning
Accreditation in Action: HLC Quality Initiative
- Conducted one institutional survey and seven focus groups to gather input on potential initiative topics
- Steering committee of 12 faculty, staff, and students refined the topic and develop the proposal
- In May 2025, the Higher Learning Commission approved the proposal: "Strengthening Advising to Promote Student Success"
- Planning efforts underway for two-year project to improve advising structures and enhance student outcomes as part of our Open Pathway accreditation process
Research and Innovation
Lucía Vázquez
Lucía Vázquez, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, oversees research administration, intellectual property, conflicts of commitment and interest arising from sponsored research, and innovation initiatives.
Advancing Research Innovation
- First-ever Grant Writing Sprint launched in August 2024 with eight faculty participants
- New NIA Award (course buyout) created to support competitive grant proposal development
- Monthly Newsletters launched in October 2024
- 19 workshops offered in Fall 2024 on Institutional Review Board (IRB), grants, and Report of Non-University Activity (RNUA)
- IRB Review Activity: 48 new protocols, 20 amendments, three continuations
- 73 new proposals submitted
- Student Technology, Arts, & Research Symposium (STARS) participation up this year
By the Numbers
38
Faculty supported
for conference travel
134
STARS student
presenters (up 250%)
47
New awards
secured
$20.7M
External funding
(up 11.2% from FY24)
"Advancing Excellence Through Research and Innovation"
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs champions faculty, staff, and student innovation by providing expert guidance, funding support, and ethical oversight. Scholars are supported at every stage – from idea to impact – through grant development, compliance, and strategic resources. The mission is clear: to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive research community that drives progress and elevates our institution’s global research profile.
Connecting and Collaborating
- Sustainability/Climate Change Group: Organized a session at the Sustainability Research and Innovation (SRI) Congress 2025
- Human Health Group: Engaged 20+ faculty across all four colleges
- Corporate & Alumni Partnerships: Exploring collaborations with the Office of Advancement
- Interdisciplinary Research Groups: Expanding participation and impact
- GrantForward Profiles: Personalized funding alerts for faculty
- Mentorship Programs: Supporting early-career researchers through structured guidance
College of Business and Management
Dean Som Bhattacharya
The College of Business and Management is comprised of the departments of Accounting, Economics and Finance (AEF), Management Information Systems (MIS), and Management, Marketing and Operations (MMO).
Faculty-Driven Innovation
- Serkan Karadas and Tammy Schlosky collaborated on a Bloomberg Finance Lab
- Atul Agarwal’s “Museum of Defective Products” showcases Total Quality Management through Fortune 500 product failure
- Salem Boumediene’s Accounting Cycle Simulation reduced DFWI rates
- Siddharth Upadhyay launched a new AI in Human Resource Management course
Global and Industry Connections
- Yaz Gulnur Muradoglu was interviewed for The Investor
- Matthew Brown led a public education project on American relationships with Asian nations
- William Kline invited many prolific speakers to UIS including Mitch Daniels, Brent Hasse, John Chisolm, Dan Mitchell, and Alex Tokarev
- Mohammed Mohi Uddin completed sabbatical research with global non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
By the Numbers
3
Major competitions
hosted or advised
50+
Faculty
presentations
7+
AI-driven faculty
teaching innovations
$200K
External
grant funding
"AI In Action - Teaching, Research, and Real-World Impact"
From classrooms to boardrooms, the College of Business and Management is leading the charge in integrating artificial intelligence into business education. Faculty like Tei-wei Wang and Vaibhav Mishra are using tools like Gemini and AI-generated simulations to make learning more interactive and industry-relevant. Meanwhile, Bellraj Eapen’s collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Neetu Singh’s work with the AI Campus Learning Community show how CBM is shaping the future of ethical, applied AI.
Leadership and Professional Service
- Xiaoqing Li selected to host the MWAIS 2027 conference
- Neetu Singh led students to 13th place in the global SAS Curiosity Cup
- Hasan Kartal recognized as Software AG Certified ARIS Modeler Associate
- Rishikesh Sahay received U of I Research Board grant
- Shipra Gupta awarded High-Impact Practice development grant
- Md Rasel Al Mamun received Research Faculty Mentor Award at Student Technology, Arts, & Research Symposium (STARS)
- Yuan Wen: Editorial Board, Marketing Intelligence & Planning
- Yaz Gulnur Muradoglu: Editor-in-Chief, Review of Behavioural Finance
- Salem Boumediene: Guest Editor, Journal of Forensic Accounting Research
Publication Areas
- Post-Acquisition Performance
- Digital Forensics
- Investor Psychology
- Cybersecurity & Phishing Avoidance
- Conversational AI & User Experience
- Blockchain & Corporate Innovation
- Lean Manufacturing
- Political Finance
- Business Intelligence & Decision Support
- Internal Governance & Controls
College of Health, Science and Technology
Dean Travis Bland
The Department of Computer Science (CSC), the Department of Mathematical Sciences and Philosophy (MSP), the Department of Psychology (PSY), the School of Health Sciences (HSC), and the School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability and Public Health (ISP) - including the Lake Springfield Field Station and the Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon - make up the College of Health, Science and Technology.
Faculty Innovation
- Big Research Data Hub by Sunshin Lee supports large-scale social data analysis
- CHST faculty presented at the 2025 Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress (SRI)
- Artist-in-Residence Program launched at Emiquon Field Station
- Goutham Reddy Alavalapati organized a Krasan-sponsored hackathon
- Xiang Huang contributed to a molecular programming textbook
- CHST Faculty are exploring new degree pathways at events like the Engineering Summit
Community and Civic Engagement
- Illinois Public Health Advocacy through the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) Student Day of Advocacy and Lenore Killiam and Brian Chen’s leadership on the IPHA board
- John Ferry’s CHE 302 students conduct environmental testing with Sierra Club
- Day of AI for area high school students and Nurse for a Day immersive experience
- STEAM CareerSpark Expo and Central Illinois STEM Fair booths
- Emiquon Field Station field trips for high schools
- Joshua Smith and Brian Rogers mentor FIRST Robotics Team 4156
By the Numbers
40+
Student research
projects at STARS
$1M+
External
grant funding
342
Students on
Dean's List
11B+
Tweets collected for
Big Research Data Hub
Faculty Excellence
- Natalya Zinkevich: Pearson Faculty Award
- Kyle Blount: Early Career Scholarship Award
- Hei-Chi Chan, Robin Vansacik, Yifei Li, Rick Stokes, and Elham Buxton were CHST Award Recipients
- Megan Styles (study away), Tia Bolívar (internships), Hei-Chi Chan (capstone redesign) received High-Impact Practices Grants
- Strategic Investment Fund: Artificial intelligence and data analytics center
"CHST_NEXT - Building the Future of Health, Science and Technology"
The CHST_NEXT initiative is transforming the student experience through strategic innovation in the College. With redesigned degree plans, behaviorally informed advising, and cutting-edge ed tech and lab infrastructure, CHST is preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow. Faculty are integrating real-world research—like Kyle Blount’s urban hydrology studies—directly into the curriculum, ensuring students graduate with both knowledge and impact.
Environmental Leadership
- Amy McEuen: Springfield Urban Forestry Commission
- Megan Styles: Lincoln Memorial Garden
- Kyle Blount: AGU Ecohydrology Committee
- Tih-Fen Ting: Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board
Student Highlights
- Noah Reynolds supports Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) students in biology research at UIS
- Psi Chi/Psychology Club led a food drive, fundraiser, and a DEI trivia event
- AI-Powered Student Leadership Bootcamp to enhance AI literacy, skills, and ethical know-how
Externally-Funded Projects
- Kyle Blount: Urban ecohydrology (NSF GEO-EMBRACE)
- Elham Buxton: GPU infrastructure for deep learning (NSF NAIRR)
- Anne-Marie Hanson, Hei-Chi Chan, Neetu Singh, and Chrissy Miller: Circular Economy Simulator (Illinois Innovation Network)
- Tih-Fen Ting: Osprey Recovery (US Fish & Wildlife Service)
- Pattie Piotrowski, Brian Chen, Suyang Yu, and Hei-Chi Chan: Open Educational Resources (Illinois Secretary of State)
- Yanhui Guo: WeiboCenso Insight (Open Technology Fund)
- Natalya Zinkevich: via SIU School of Medicine (NIH R15 Grant)
Publication Areas
- Prairie soil bacteria
- Urban air temperature analysis
- Vascular pharmacology
- tRNA’s role in mistranslation
- Climate justice and sustainability
- Applied machine learning
- Pediatric telehealth
- COVID-19 rehab
- Mindfulness in classrooms
- Addiction education and grading tools
- Blockchain, quantum security, Internet of Things (IoT)
- AI, cybersecurity, and medical imaging
- Chemical reaction networks
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Dean Miriam Wallace
Units in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences include the departments of Art, Music, & Theatre (AMT), Counseling and Social Work (CSW), English (ENG), History (HIS), Sociology/Anthropology (SOA), and the Institute for Race, Gender, Sexuality and Social Justice (IRG).
Creative Impact
- Brytton Bjorngaard organized an exhibition on Reflections of Resistance: Black Photography
- Allison Lacher curated multiple exhibits with Kidzeum and the Illinois State Museum
- Shane Harris launched Throwing Thursdays, opening the ceramics studio to the UIS community
- Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson and Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson performed in many regional theatre productions
Community and Policy Engagement
- Jay Gilliam participated in the City of Springfield grant to develop a Teem Empowerment Zone
- Ryan Williams featured on many live TV broadcasts as a crime and policing expert
- Leanne Brecklin served as Interim President of the Board of Directors for the Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault
- Devin Hunter and Lesa Johnson contributed to the collaboration effort of the two-day “Journeys to Justice” symposium
- Holly Thompson served on the Massey Commission Workgroup
- Tiffany Nielson served as Past Chair of Memorial Behavioral Health Board of Directors
By the Numbers
1
Mental Health/Wellness
CEU event hosted
10+
Faculty and student
performances
3
Telly Awards for public
services video production
15+
Publications, translations,
and creative works
"Humanities in the Age of AI"
In an innovative collaboration under the NEH-funded “Spotlight on Humanities” grant, four UIS faculty (Donna Bussell, Stephanie Hedge, Elizabeth Kosmetatou, and Neeraj Rajasekar) joined peers at other institutions to enhance liberal arts curriculum to prepare students to think critically and ethically in an AI-driven world. From plug-and-play Canvas modules to chatbot-assisted Holocaust education to critical discourse analysis, this initiative exemplifies the college’s leadership in integrating technology with humanistic inquiry.
Faculty Excellence
- Lan Dong shortlisted for the 2025 Comics Studies Society Article Prize
- Peter Shapinsky’s published research is forthcoming in The New Cambridge History of Japan
- Yona Stamatis featured in the short-form video “Music of Hope”, which won a Mid-America Emmy
- Meg Cass’ “Pink Rats” selected for Best Small Fictions 2024 and Wigleaf Top Flash 50
- Stephanie Hedge and Donna Bussell trained IL legislative aides on “plain language”
- Sara Lupita Olivares was a finalist for the Colorado Poetry Prize
- Dathan Powell participated in the Doris Duke Foundation and the UIUC SHIFT programs
- Livia Woods’ students contributed to the Covid Narrative project
Student Success
- Cicely Flynn: Mayor’s Award for Exceptional Arts Student
- Jordan Matthews: Illinois Health Practice Alliance (IHPA) Diversity Internship at Carle Health
- Nicos Soares: Accepted to MS in Biostatistics at University of Washington
- C.J. Campbell: Accepted to English MA at University of Central Florida
College of Public Affairs and Education
Interim Dean Miriam Wallace
The College of Public Affairs and Education includes the Department of Legal Studies, the School of Education, the School of Communication and Media, the School of Public Management and Policy, and the School of Politics and International Affairs.
Innovation and Impact
- $744K+ evaluation project for Illinois Criminal Justice Information Agency (Ty Dooley, Bob Blankenberger, Ken Kriz, Travis Bland, Matt Sprong, and Junfeng Wang)
- $60K Institute of Government and Public Affairs (IGPA)-funded study on COVID-19’s impact on local government revenues (Rick Funderberg)
Engagement
- School of Public Management and Policy hosted the biennial Railsplitter’s Event honoring non-profit and for-profit public policy and administrative leadership
- School of Communication and Media developed new interdisciplinary communication curriculum launching Fall 2025
- Aspiring Educators Chapter launched at UIS
- CPAE Advisory Board was revived and increased engagement with students, faculty, and alumni
By the Numbers
3+
International
collaborations
350+
High school students
engaged
100+
Trained in
Restorative Practices
$1.25M
Grant funding
secured
“Model United Nations Earns Top Honors”
UIS’ Model United Nations (Model UN) team earned top honors at the 2025 National Model United Nations Conference in New York, receiving the Outstanding Delegation award for their representation of Slovenia. The program, led by Dr. Brandon Bolte, equips students with skills in diplomacy, public speaking, and policy analysis through immersive simulations and global collaboration. Participants study international issues, represent diverse nations, and engage with peers from around the world. This achievement underscores the program’s role in preparing students for leadership in global affairs and reflects UIS’ dedication to experiential learning and academic distinction.
Global and Strategic Partnerships
- Hanfu Mi spent a year as a Fulbright Scholar in Jordan
- Brazil-Illinois Collaboration for joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and doctoral internships
- Ty Dooley and Priyanka Deo expanded academic partnerships in India in communication and public administration
- Vision 2030 & Illinois Principals Association Conference hosted at UIS
Faculty Excellence
- Jason Piscia selected by Governor J.B. Pritzker to serve on the Local Journalism Taskforce
- Isabel Skinner, Matthew Geras, and Brandon Bolte moderated panels and educational events before and after the presidential election
- Beth Ribarsky received two Top Papers and a Top Panel award at the 2025 Central States Communication Association annual conference
- Isabel Skinner, Matthew Geras, and Brandon Bolte moderated panels and educational events before and after the presidential election
- Beth Hatt and Ann Strahle selected for the HERS Leadership Institute
Scholarly Impact
- Richard Gilman-Opalsky wrote two books on utopianism and political theory
- Jae Sik Ha published the “Landscape of Election Coverage” in U.S. Newspapers & Broadcasting
- Helen Brandon published on equity in STEM in American Journal of STEM Education
- Jennifer Martin’s sabbatical project combined social emotional learning and memoir writing
- Deborah Anthony authored a parents’ naming rights article in Race, Gender & Social Justice
- Richard Funderburg wrote about fossil fuel plant closures in Illinois Municipal Policy Journal
- Beverly Bunch contributed to a police community advisory council study with the Center for State Policy and Leadership
University Library
Dean Pattie Piotrowski
The University Library supports teaching, learning and community at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Library Commons
- Construction begins Summer 2025
- Opening planned for FY28
- Designed to serve as a modern, collaborative learning hub with integrated educational spaces
Open Access and Affordability
- New transformational agreements with publishers provide Article Processing Charge (APC) waivers for faculty
- Contractual agreements for resources negotiated through the UI System, and partnerships with the Consortium of Academic and Research libraries in Illinois (CARLI), and the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) resulted in cost savings on subscriptions and expanded access
- OER Grant: $102,668 awarded for projects in public health, computer science, and mathematics that increase affordable materials available to students
Staff Highlights
- Librarian Mallory Jallas co-authored two chapters in Student Success Librarianship (March 2025), and one article in Journal of the Medical Library Association (Oct 2024), which was awarded 3rd Place, IACRL People’s Choice Award (May 2025)
- Senior Library Specialists Carol Reese, acquisitions, and Pamela Scott, course reserves, each reached 30 Years of Service
- University Librarian Pattie Piotrowski served as the Vice Chair of CARLI, and in July 2025 will begin her term as chair
Student Engagement
- Events like Banned Book Celebration, Mini-Golf, Movie Nights, and Blind Date with a Book drew over 600 students
- Provided extended hours during midterms and finals, featuring “Coffee, Cocoa, and Cereal” to power student success
- “Potting a Plant Study Buddy”, “Create a Junk Journal”, and other creative programs supported student well-being
By the Numbers
1
Library Commons
opening FY28
$102K
Open Education
Resources Grant
600+
Students engaged
in Library events
2
Staff recognized
for 30 years of service
"Facing the Future"
As we prepare for the new Library Commons, faculty and staff at Brookens Library are intentionally designing services, spaces, and collections to encourage discovery, foster creativity, and encourage collaboration at every level. Libraries curate collections, engage communities, and build partnerships across all disciplines. Academic libraries don’t just store and provide access to information, but they contribute to the teaching and learning that enables content creation and transformative knowledge.
“At Brookens Library, we believe that every interaction we engage in, every service point we provide, and every resource we acquire will connect people and ideas on campus that will positively impact local and global communities.”
- Pattie Piotrowski, Dean, University Library
Information Technology Services
Tulio Llosa
Information Technology Services (ITS) advances the mission of UIS by ensuring reliable core systems and network infrastructure, excellent technology support, and promoting and assisting technology integration into the curriculum and business processes.
Custom App Development
- UIS Mobile App enhanced with digital IDs, push notifications, and student success tools
- Dynamic Course Schedule App: Real-time seat availability, textbook info, and bookstore links
- Course Survey App: Redesigned for Spring 2025 with improved user experience and reporting
- Employee Onboarding App Pilot: Streamlined new employee connections by integrating with Banner and HR Front End (HRFE) to automate onboarding tasks and notifications
- Medical Lab Science Portal: Streamlined admissions and onboarding for MLS students
- Lab Supply App: Tracks lab materials requests and approvals
- Campus Rec App: Replaced Fusion, saving costs and adding features
- CHST Annual Performance Review App: Streamlined faculty review process
- Cost Study App: Redesigned to support Institutional Research (IR) reporting to the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE)
By the Numbers
1
Mobile credential
launched
100%
Instructional computers
upgraded to Windows 11
1
New Employee
Onboarding App piloted
$100K+
Savings: Apps developed,
infrastructure cleanup
"Apps that Empower - Building a Smarter UIS"
ITS is enhancing UIS operations by building custom applications that replace costly vendor tools, streamline workflows, and improve user experience. From the Annual Performance Review App designed for CHST faculty to the New Employee Onboarding App (in partnership with Human Resources), ITS is delivering solutions that are tailored, efficient, and scalable. These innovations not only save money but also empower faculty, staff, and students with tools that work for them.
“ITS does more than support technology; we build solutions that allow our campus partners to better serve the UIS community.”
- Tulio Llosa, CIO and Associate Provost of Information Technology
Strategic Projects
- Internal IT audit completed in FY24; FY25 focused on implementing security and transparency recommendations
- Team Dynamix expanded from help desk to full project management platform
- SLA App launched to manage hosting, backups, and billing with full stakeholder visibility
- Phone line cleanup completed; preparing for cloud phone migration
- Windows 10 devices to be removed from network by October 2025
Infrastructure and Security
- Firewall, virtual private network (VPN), and router replaced to enhance network security
- Server racks secured with PIN-locked cabinets and access logs
- Change Control App and service-level agreement (SLA) App launched for transparency and accountability
Thanks for Reading
This report provides a snapshot of the dedication and collaboration across Academic Affairs. We look forward to building on our successes and embracing new opportunities in the year ahead. Feedback on the report is welcome via the "contact us" link below.
- Provost Brandon Schwab
The Academic Affairs Annual Impact Report is published by the Office of the Provost
The report covers Fall 2024 through Summer 2025
Meet the Provost's Leadership Team