Michelle Kibby is fascinated with the intricacies of how the human brain functions, and as a professor of child clinical psychology and neuropsychology, she’s devoted to research and teaching to unlock the mysteries of the developing brain.

As a faculty member and researcher with dual appointments at SIU Carbondale and the SIU School of Medicine, Justin McDaniel wears multiple hats – teaching and researching as associate professor of public health in the School of Human Sciences and in the Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer’s Research and trEatment (CARE) in the SIU School of Medicine.

As assistant director of TRiO Student Support Services, Victoria Taylor goes out of the way to make sure students have everything they need to succeed and reach their full potential, colleagues say. 

As the senior business manager for SIU’s Extended Campus, Sharon Hagene gives new meaning to the term multitasking, handling a variety of jobs very capably while creating a pleasant work environment, her colleagues say.

While much of the work Jackie Welch does as conference coordinator for Conference and Scheduling Services is behind the scenes, the scope of her efforts reaches well beyond the campus, and she handles her duties so effectively that events large and small run smoothly, according to her co-workers and clients.

Ivanovich “Ivan” Vargas gives his all as an academic adviser for the College of Business and Analytics, colleagues say, uplifting and engaging them and empowering them to succeed.

Elaine Conrad, is a second “mom” to hundreds of students from all over the world, helping them in myriad ways as they adapt to their home away from home at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. And she does it quite well, her colleagues say.