12.9.25

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

As the holiday season draws near, I have been reflecting on what makes me proud to be a Prairie Star. It is not just our accomplishments, though we have many to celebrate. It is the spirit of this community.

That spirit shows up in our classrooms and labs, in our campus activities, in the stories our alumni tell and in the belief that what we do matters. I see it in the small moments and the big ones, and I carry immense pride in this community because of it.

The Office of Web & Digital Strategy is collecting feedback to guide the upcoming redesign of the uis.edu website. We’d like your perspective on what’s working well and what could be improved. Your input will help us better understand common challenges and positive experiences across campus. Your feedback will directly inform our redesign process as we work toward a Summer 2026 launch of the new site.

11.24.25

Happy Holidays,

As we head into the final stretch before a well-earned holiday break, I want to express my gratitude for your dedication and hard work. You are the reason I and so many others are proud to be Prairie Stars.

As finals draw near, we know this time can bring extra stress, long study hours, and added pressure for students. While doing their best academically matters, mental health and overall well-being are just as important.

Here are a few gentle reminders to be mindful of for students to practice during this busy season in the semester:

Kyle Blount, an assistant professor of ecohydrology in the University of Illinois Springfield’s Environmental Studies Program within the College of Health, Science and Technology, has co-authored two collaborative research articles that offer new guidance for cities and researchers working to manage extreme heat, water challenges and the growing demands of urbanization.