Kirsten Montgomery

Alumni Spotlight — Kirsten Montgomery '22

Welcome to this semester's Alumni Spotlights. Throughout this semester we will highlight several UIS alumni. First up we have Kirsten Montgomery from the class of 2022. I had the opportunity to ask Kirsten about her time at UIS.

What are you doing professionally? How long have you been doing your job?

My name is Kirsten, and I serve as the Research and Insights Manager at Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (GPEDC) in Peoria. I have held this role for two years, where I lead the research and insights function for the organization. My work includes conducting cost of living analyses for the region, analyzing historical and current demographic trends using census data, and completing specialized research projects that inform regional strategy, I am currently contributing research and data analysis to our Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, helping shape long term planning for the region.

My graduate training in public history at UIS continues to inspire how I approach my work. Courses in my master's program taught me how to evaluate conflicting sources, determine reliability, and construct meaningful interpretations of data. Currently, I work with government and economic resources rather than traditional archives, the method is the same. I spend much of my time researching datasets, analyzing potential trends, and translating those findings in ways that help communities and leaders make impactful choices.

Can you describe what you've been up to, professionally, since graduating from UIS?

Soon after graduating from UIS, I became the head of the Education Department at Henson Robinson Zoo. In that position, I developed curriculum, led public programs for both children and adults, and explored interactive and technology-based styles of engagement. That experience sharpened my ability to provide meaningful learning experiences.

I became highly interested in applying research and analysis at a larger community level, leading me to my current role in economic development. Today, I utilize a lot of the same research and communication skills that I developed at UIS, but now I apply it to understanding demographic and economic trends. My work focuses on helping communities understand themselves via data and evidence.

What is your favorite memory from attending UIS? Did you have a favorite class or memorable moment?

A moment from UIS that changed who I am as a historian was the 520 Oral History Methods course during the COVID pandemic. Our class was tasked with creating documentation and historic collections in real time, interviewing members of our community about their experiences. We experienced the range of human story as COVID progressed. We were not just studying history. We were actively recording it.

I am still incredibly honored to have been part of that work. UIS made it possible,

Do you have any advice for perspective UIS students who have interest in studying history?

Build projects around what genuinely fascinates you. The more personally invested you are, the more meaningful your work becomes. Over time, those interests begin to connect and help define your kind of historian. The world needs your kind of voice.

Also, seek out research that challenges your opinions. The academia that contradicts you often strengthens your critical thinking the most. If an idea cannot withstand it, change the idea.

Those skills remain valuable no matter where your career takes you.

Do you have any career advice for future or current students?

Your career can extend far beyond only historian, but the skills you develop studying history will stay with you. Communities and organizations need people who can evaluate data, generate research, and translate the meaning into actionable progress. You are learning from impact.

Develop a sense of what drives you, pursue it, and stay connected with professors and alumni. Never be afraid to reach out. There are many people rooting for your scucess.

Is there anything else happening currently outside of your professional life you would like to share?

Outside of my professional work, I completed my first children's book in 2025 and continue writing as a creative pursuit. I spend much of my free time futilely attempting to keep up with my golden retriever, Luna. on local trails. Additionally, my husband and I are happily settled in Peoria, though we still carry Springfield close to our hearts.