Current Location: Bolingbrook, IL

Hometown: Lawrenceville, IL

Current Position: Executive Director at the Illinois Economic Policy Institute

What was your overall UIS experience like?

My time at UIS was a life changing experience for me. My two degrees from UIS gave me a foundation of knowledge in economic theory and policy, political science, and the legislative process.

In celebration of the University’s upcoming 55th anniversary, we are very excited to partner with Publishing Concepts (PCI) to conduct Storied – The 55th, A UIS Alumni Oral History Project, the full-scale alumni oral history program which will provide an opportunity for all 45,000+ living alumni to share their story, in their words.

It's Giving Tuesday! How will you make a difference today?

This Giving Tuesday, we are calling on our community to come together and support students at UIS. Your gift today has the power to change lives – by providing scholarships, funding research and enhancing the overall student experience.

As UIS, we are dedicated to developing the leaders of tomorrow. Whether students are conducting innovative research or preparing to enter the workforce, your support makes these opportunities possible.

Current Location: Wheaton, IL

Hometown: West Lafayette, IN

Current Position: Self-employed, Author and role-playing game developer

Current Location/Hometown: Jacksonville, IL

Current Position: Regional Specialist, BAT (Behavior Assessment Training) Project @ SIUC STEM Education Research Center 

Current Location: Grand Junction, Colorado

Hometown: Peoria, Illinois

Current Position: Co-Director at The Water Desk at the University of Colorado Center for Environmental Journalism

We are pleased to announce our new Promising Prairie Star Recognition Program!

The Promising Prairie Star Recognition Program honors outstanding graduates under the age of forty or those who have graduated within the previous 5 years. Honorees are selected for their emerging and unique innovation, creativity and success in their chosen career and/or life's work. Established by the UIS Young Alumni Committee in 2024, the inaugural class of honorees will be selected and recognized in the Spring of 2025. 

Krystal Geist is the associate director of alumni and donor engagement.

What do you like about your job?

Working in advancement, I get the opportunity to meet many alumni and community members who are passionate about UIS. My favorite part of my job is getting to know all the wonderful people who support our university. Everyone has a unique story, and it’s very inspiring to see how UIS has impacted so many lives. It makes me proud to work for such a great university.