Samaryia Magee has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for July 2022. She has worked as a program/student advisor for the UIS Diversity Center since 2018.

Magee’s nominator calls her a “passionate advocate and mentor for students at UIS.” Magee coordinates a variety of programs, including those that specifically support first-generation college students.

Paul Pinneo has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for June 2022. He has worked as Web Specialist III for the UIS Office of Web Services since July 2019.

Pinneo’s nominator describes him as “a great team player, always helping the office/campus as a whole with his contributions outside of his day-to-day duties.”

Yokasty Owens has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for May 2022. She is a building service worker who has worked at UIS since 2019.

Her nominator said she always “brings a positive attitude to her job.” Her supervisor, Patty Meyer, adds she “goes above and beyond and is eager to assist when covering for others.”

Joint statement from the University of Illinois Springfield Administration and the UIS United Faculty: 

“The University of Illinois Springfield and UIS United Faculty have reached a tentative agreement on the terms of a four-year contract (Aug. 16, 2021-Aug. 15, 2025) for the UIS United Faculty collective bargaining unit, representing 134 tenure and tenure-track faculty. 

Eric Kuchar has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for April 2022. He is the assistant to the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Kuchar’s nominator says he “consistently demonstrates outstanding performance” and always goes “above and beyond” the tasks for his job to help out whenever needed.

“He is the first one coming in and the last one to leave the office,” said Lan Dong, his supervisor and interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will host a webinar panel discussion and Q&A with faculty experts discussing the economic consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for Ukraine, Russia and the world as well as the role of the international community in the conflict and potential aftermath of the conflict.

Allison Thornley has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for March 2022. She has worked for UIS Athletics since 2011 and currently serves as the associate athletic director for strategic planning and finance and the senior women's administrator.

Thomas Gebhardt has been named the University of Illinois Springfield Employee of the Month for February 2022. He is a building service worker who has worked at UIS since 2010.

Gebhardt’s nominator praised his efforts to keep the Visual and Performing Arts Building (VPA) clean and sanitized during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling his work “truly impressive.” VPA houses the Art, Music and Theatre Department.

Due to the inclement weather, UIS daytime and evening on-ground classes are canceled for Thursday, February 3. Online/Remote classes are not canceled. Blended classes which are not meeting on campus on Thursday, February 3, are not canceled. In addition, Liberal Leave Policy for employees is in effect for tomorrow.

It is important to note that even when classes are canceled the campus does NOT fully close.

Executive Director of Student Support Services Bethany Bilyeu has been named the 2021 Employee of the Year at the University of Illinois Springfield. She was honored during a virtual reception on Feb. 1, 2022.

Before announcing the winner, UIS Interim Chancellor Karen Whitney thanked the eleven Employees of the Month who were nominated for the award.