2.9.26

Dear UIS Community:

Thank you to everyone who attended the RISE Professional Development Retreat last Friday and helped make the day a success. Special thanks to Dr. Jamarco Clark for stepping in during the Chancellor’s Thinker Series conversation with our keynote speaker, Dr. Celina Peerman, and to all who contributed their time and effort behind the scenes. A special thanks to Kelsea Gurski, chief of staff, and each member of the planning team for their considerable efforts leading up to the event.

The retreat reinforced the university’s CARE framework, which guides how we work with one another and support our students. CARE is a university-wide approach centered on building a culture of care and strengthening student-centered practices through clear and transparent communication, timely and accountable action, mutual respect and meaningful empathy. Together, these principles help foster an environment where everyone feels valued, supported and connected.

By embracing CARE in our daily work, we continue to build a supportive, student-centered community across the university.

New Information

New CPAE Dean 

Pending final approval by the Board of Trustees, Dr. Gregg “Bagel” Johnson has been named the next Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Education, with his appointment beginning July 1. Dr. Johnson joins UIS from Valparaiso University, where he most recently served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Read more in the UIS Newsroom.

I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Miriam Wallace, who has served as interim dean since July 1, 2025, and to Ann Strahle, who has taken on additional responsibilities as interim associate dean this past year. Their leadership has been essential in providing continuity and stability for the college during this transition.

Day of Giving

UIS’ second annual Day of Giving will take place March 25. Faculty, staff, alumni and friends are encouraged to give a gift to an area of the university that is meaningful to them.

In addition, UIS programs are invited to share their stories on the Day of Giving crowdfunding page by highlighting new or existing initiatives and projects that would benefit from donor support. Requests to participate in crowdfunding must be submitted by Feb. 13. Contact Kate Bolte for more information.

Brookens Fourth Floor 

The fourth floor of Brookens is closed due to necessary roof repairs. This affects the entire fourth floor of the building, including the library stacks and study spaces. If you have any questions, please contact the library at questions@uis.libanswers.com. Learn more on Orbit.

UIS Career Connections Expo

Register your department for the 2026 Career Connections Expo, set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 20. The expo offers an opportunity to connect with students, highlight career pathways and build relationships with future talent. The priority registration deadline is March 6.

OEL Classroom Visits

The Office of Engaged Learning is offering classroom visits to share information about its programs and how they benefit students. These visits help students learn more about experiential learning opportunities, including internships and Study Away, and how to get involved. Faculty who are interested in scheduling a classroom visit are asked to complete the request form at least two weeks in advance.

New Dynamic Campus Map

The Department of Strategic Communication, in partnership with departments across campus, has launched a new dynamic, web‑based campus map highlighting key amenities such as parking, accessible entrances, water bottle refill stations and more. The interactive 3D view also offers walking and driving directions through Google. This tool replaces the PDF maps.

UIS Library Reading Challenge

The UIS Library invites the university community to take part in its first UIS Library Reading Challenge, running now through April 19. To participate, read a book that matches one of the squares on the challenge bingo card. Then complete the submission form for the square you want to fill.

There are three ways to win prizes:

• Fill out the submission form for the square you completed and be entered into a monthly drawing for a gift card.
• Complete a bingo.
• Complete at least one square in February, March and April.

UIS Performing Arts Center Updates

The UIS Performing Arts Center’s Second Act Campaign has surpassed its milestone goal of $750,000 and has now raised $810,000. Fundraising will continue through June 30. With this support, the Performing Arts Center will replace all of the seats and carpet throughout Sangamon Auditorium and add new aisles on the main floor. The Performing Arts Center remains on track to reopen in the fall. Anyone who has donated is invited to see the venue in its “bare bones” state from 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 20 and 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 21.

UIS Online Bachelor’s Programs Accolades

UIS’ online bachelor’s degree programs ranked among the nation’s best in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings. Read more in the UIS Newsroom.

Faculty Fellowship Program

The Center for Social & Behavioral Science and the Institute of Government and Public Affairs are accepting applications for the Partnerships for Evidence-based Public Policy (PEPP) fellowship program. This program supports mid-career faculty across the University of Illinois System who want to work on a year-long research project with Illinois government partners. The goal is to connect academic research with real public policy needs. Applications are due March 15.

HLC Reaffirmation Update

The university continues its work toward the 10-year accreditation reaffirmation with the Higher Learning Commission in preparation for the HLC site visit Nov 8-9, 2027. Committee membership and progress updates are available on the HLC Reaffirmation website.

Campus Services Transition

Visit the UIS Brand website for updates on design requests, printing options and more. A small team is working on updating our convenience copier fleet as part of this transition. More details will be shared soon.

Department Newsletters

The February Human Resources newsletter is now available. 

The December–January Strategic Communication newsletter is now available. 

The February Office of Digital Accessibility newsletter is now available.

Upcoming Events

• Employee Development Series: Time Entry Systems and Leaves of Absence: 9 a.m. Feb. 24. Virtual. Learn best practices for recording time and managing leave at UIS in this session from Human Resources. Topics include using time entry systems, establishing office procedures, and examining campus leave processes and policies in depth.
• Bloomberg Finance Lab Ribbon Cutting: 11 a.m. to noon. Feb. 26. UHB 4020 and 4021. Come and celebrate the opening of the Sean & Taryn Grant/Landmark Auto Trading Lab, a new hands-on learning space that provides our students with access to real-time financial data and tools. The ribbon-cutting will include a live Bloomberg terminal demonstration and an opportunity to connect with donors, students and campus leaders.
• 2026 Pickleball Open: Feb. 27-March 1. The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC). This three-day, non-sanctioned tournament hosted by Campus Recreation features co-ed singles, doubles and mixed doubles play across skill divisions, plenty of games guaranteed and medals for top finishers. Register by Feb. 22.

Check the employee events calendar on Orbit for more opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate together.

Information that Bears Repeating

UIS Commencement

UIS Commencement will take place this year at the Bank of Springfield Center due to the PAC plumbing project, with two ceremonies on May 9.

• 12:30 p.m.: Graduates from the College of Health, Science and Technology and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
• 5:30 p.m.: Graduates from the College of Business and Management and the College of Public Affairs and Education

Voluntary Separation Plan

We are continuing our Voluntary Separation Plan as part of the university’s NorthStar initiative to address budget challenges tied to enrollment and personnel costs. Eligible employees can apply through March 6 with notifications issued by March 27. Additional information can be found on Orbit.

Free Tax Filing Assistance 

UIS is hosting free tax filing assistance through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for individuals who qualify, including those with lower incomes, disabilities or limited English proficiency. This program is open to the community and all UIS employees who meet the eligibility guidelines. For more information on eligibility and scheduling, visit the UIS Newsroom.

Star Power

Building service worker Yoselin Gonzalez has been named the 2025 Employee of the Year, recognized for her dedication to maintaining a safe, welcoming campus and delivering outstanding service. Colleagues praised her proactive approach and positive attitude. Gonzalez, who has worked at UIS since 2022, was honored on Jan. 29 during the Employee of the Year reception. To learn more about her impact on campus, visit the UIS Newsroom.

Administrative aide for library administration Pam Francis was named the Employee of the Month for December 2025, recognized for her kindness, reliability and commitment to supporting colleagues across campus. Nominators and supervisors praised her positive mindset, solution-focused approach and willingness to assist others, noting the meaningful impact she has on the library team and university community. Read more on Orbit. 

Congratulations to the UIS employees selected for the 2026 Professional Staff Leadership Academy (PSLA): Patty Meyer, facility director of operations for Facilities and Services; Marie Watson, director of Student Life; and Jamie Weber, senior business manager for Library Administration. PSLA plays a vital role in building a strong pathway for developing dynamic, transformational leaders among academic professionals and professional civil service staff across the University of Illinois System. Learn more on Orbit.

Getting to Know You

Enjoy this "warm" week,

Janet

Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D.

Chancellor

University of Illinois Springfield

P.S. If you have a topic you’d like me to consider for my newsletter, submit your idea here. I always appreciate the opportunity to showcase your news, events and accomplishments. Highlighting the outstanding work happening across our campus community allows us to celebrate your achievements, promote engagement and share the many ways UIS continues to make a positive impact.