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.

1.26.26

Big things are happening on campus. Thank you to everyone for your flexibility and patience as this work progresses.

1.22.26

Dear Students —

UIS Commencement will be here before we know it, and our Commencement Committee is hard at work planning the 2026 ceremonies, slated for May 9. This year’s ceremonies will take place in downtown Springfield at the Bank of Springfield Center. To accommodate as many guests as possible for our graduates, we will be holding two ceremonies, divided by college:

1.20.26

Dear Faculty and Staff —

Three days remain to register for the upcoming RISE Professional Development Retreat. I hope as many of you as possible can attend.

The Feb. 6 retreat will be a launchpad for introducing the CARE Framework to the UIS community. CARE stands for Communication, Action, Respect and Empathy, and the breakout sessions and keynote presentation at the retreat will touch on one or more of these important features of the framework.

1.12.26

1.9.26

Dear Faculty and Staff —

I am excited to share with you details about this year’s RISE Professional Development Retreat, scheduled for Feb. 6.

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.

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.

11.24.25

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

I hope you all find time this week to rest, recharge and enjoy a meal with friends, family or anyone who brings joy to your life. As we move into the final stretch of the semester, I’m grateful for the dedication and care you bring to our campus community each day. Wishing you a warm, relaxing and well-deserved holiday break.