The following story was reported by WMAY radio on Dec. 18, 2023.
"The University of Illinois Springfield has enhanced its Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program to better meet the needs of adult learners who aspire to complete their college degree.
These updates will make it easier for adult learners, particularly those with some previously earned college credit but no degree, to realize their educational and career aspirations."
Man wrongfully convicted of murdering 6-year-old boy in Illinois is free after 35 years in prison
The following story was published by CNN on Dec. 13, 2023.
"A man wrongfully convicted in the 1988 murder of a 6-year-old boy in Illinois is free after 35 years behind bars, the Cook County State’s Attorney Office said.
Brian Beals, who was a college athlete studying to be a police officer when he was arrested, was released after a Cook County court granted a petition to vacate the conviction, according to a statement from the state’s attorney’s office.
UIS men's soccer coaches gets big award
The story was published by The State Journal-Register on Dec. 6, 2023.
"The University of Illinois Springfield men's soccer team earned the NCAA D-II Midwest Staff of the Year award, the United Soccer Coaches announced on Monday.
The Prairie Stars, led by Adam Hall in his eighth season as head coach, won the Great Lakes Valley Conference regular season title in 2023. Hall was named the GLVC's Coach of the Year for that effort, which culminated in the third straight NCAA D-II tournament appearance for UIS."
UIS offers resources to students facing food insecurity
The following column was written by Jill Hawkins-Wright, director of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center. It was published on Nov. 21, 2023.
"On the campus of the University of Illinois Springfield lies a repurposed conference room full of refrigerators, shopping baskets, canned goods and bookcases stocked with bread.
UIS program helping to create national best practices for child protection training
The following column was written by Betsy Goulet and Amy Wheeler. It was published by The State Journal-Register on Nov. 17.
"A child protection investigator and detective approach the front door of a small house with limited information on the situation they are about to face. This multidisciplinary team is responding to a report that a young child is at risk of harm. However, on this particular occasion, the family members that the team will encounter are actors and the small house is actually the University of Illinois Springfield’s Residential Simulation Lab.
UIS awarded federal grant to develop tolerance, diversity, and anti-bias training for law enforcement
The following story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on Nov. 9, 2023.
"The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) Alliance for Experiential Problem-Based Learning has been awarded a $699,190 federal grant to develop tolerance, diversity, and anti-bias training for law enforcement.
The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) with support from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin."
UIS students placing ribbons to pay tribute to Veterans
The following story was reported by WCIA-TV on Nov. 2, 2023.
"As part of an annual tradition, students at the University of Illinois Springfield will be placing yellow ribbons on campus trees to honor Veterans.
The tradition began in 2012 when a UIS student started tying yellow ribbons on trees campus-wide to celebrate Veterans. The UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center took it from there, and continue to rally student volunteers around Veterans Day to tie hundreds of ribbons."
UIS celebrates a year of achievement in enrollment, innovation, and facility projects
The following column was written by UIS Chancellor Janet Gooch. The State Journal-Register published it on Dec. 28, 2023.
"There’s an ancient proverb associated with the Native American Hopi Tribe, known to be one of the oldest living cultures in history, that captures the power of collaboration in the simplest of terms:
'One finger cannot lift a pebble.'
Harnessing AI Tools to Improve Academic Integrity
The following story was published by Evollution.com on Oct. 24, 2023. It was written by Layne Morsch, UIS interim associate provost of online, professional and engaged learning; Michele Gribbins, director of the UIS Center for Online Learning, Research and Service; and Emily Boles, eLearning specialist.
UIS Performing Arts Center certified Sensory Inclusive venue
The following story was published by WICS-TV 20 on Oct. 23, 2023.
"KultureCity has partnered with the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) Performing Arts Center to make this location and all its programs and events Sensory Inclusive.
This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with a sensory issue, no matter their age or ability.

