The following story was published by NPR Illinois on June 10, 2026.

A new nationwide study led by a University of Illinois Springfield faculty member finds that people in lower-income communities and communities of color are more likely to live near sites where industries dispose of cancer-causing chemicals. The research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute.

The following story was published by the Illinios Times on June 3, 2026.

Chancellor Janet L. Gooch: A few weeks ago, I stood on the stage of the Bank of Springfield Center, shaking the hands of more than 1,000 University of Illinois Springfield students who earned their degrees this year.

Each graduate represents a story of perseverance, growth and achievement. It is a privilege to celebrate those journeys and to see the impact a UIS education has on students and their families.

The following story was published by the Springfield Business Journal on May 27, 2026.

Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine have partnered to expand access to specialized research and innovation space in Springfield, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups and small organizations across central Illinois.

The following story was published by NPR Illinois on May 21, 2026.

The University of Illinois Springfield, in partnership with Springfield’s City Water, Light and Power (CWLP), has installed four electric vehicle charging ports on campus.

UIS’ first charging stations are in Lot I North near The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) with four reserved parking spots. Each has a 240-volt Level 2 charger that delivers 25–35 miles of range per hour. Charging costs will be set by CWLP.

The following story was published by NPR Illinois on May 11, 2026.

The following story was published by NPR Illinois on May 12, 2026.

The Illinois Springfield baseball team earned the No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region and will host one of two NCAA Division II Midwest Regional sites this week at the UIS Baseball Field.

The Prairie Stars enter the postseason with a 34-18 record and return to NCAA Regional play after missing the tournament in 2024 and 2025. UIS is making its sixth NCAA postseason appearance in program history and will host this round for the first time since 2023.

The following story was published by The State Journal-Register on May 15, 2026.

University of Illinois Springfield students can expect a new space for studying, career development and academic support in the coming years.

Construction on the $42.6 million building, Library Commons, is still on track to be finished on time, according to a community announcement. The facility will offer conference rooms, study spaces, tutoring, advising, career development and classrooms.

The following story was published by The State Journal-Register on May 1, 2026.

Even auditoriums get second acts.

After being closed for over a year, Sangamon Auditorium, which is managed by the UIS Performing Arts Center, plans to re-open in October with new seats, carpeting and lighting, as part of a $1.25 million refurbishment of the 45-year-old theatre space.

The following story was published by WAND-TV on April 21, 2026.

The City of Springfield is working with UIS researchers to create a policing partnership advisory board.

Researchers will take data from several round table meetings that were held with dozens of local organizations and nonprofits.

The data will be used to develop bylaws and an outline of priorities for the advisory board.

The following story was published by NPR Illinois on April 6, 2026.

The Sangamon Experience at the University of Illinois Springfield has announced a collaborative summer program designed to preserve, share and bring to life the rich local histories of communities across central Illinois.

Titled “Beyond City Limits,” the initiative invites local historical societies and K-12 educators to partner in a unique, place-based project that connects community history with classroom learning.