Rita Medina has had various roles since arriving on campus seven years ago, and her ability to “connect with students and dedication to being there through every step in their college journey is impressive,” notes Taylor Bennett, assistant director of communications with undergraduate admissions. Medina, an academic adviser in the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology and Mathematics since September 2021, said she “enjoys the opportunity to interact more with students one-on-one and hear about their personal experiences at SIU.”

As a three-degree SIU Carbondale alumna who is working on a fourth degree, Rachel Frazier, interim director, Office of the Registrar, strives to relay those same positive experiences in working with undergraduate students and university staff.

As an academic adviser for four majors and 16 specializations within the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences, Kathy Elson takes on many roles. She is a “life coach, mentor, and great listener” for the students, said Susan Graham, senior business manager within the college.

Students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale have the opportunity to learn — and interact daily — with internationally recognized faculty who not only are gifted instructors but also talented artists such as Pirooz Kalayeh.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale students and community members have an opportunity this June to learn about ancient history in interdisciplinary, team-taught, hands-on excursions to Greece and Turkey or Egypt and explore life’s great questions such as democracy and the afterlife.

As an SIU Carbondale alumna and academic adviser in the College of Arts and Media, Carol Westerman-Jones knows a great deal about the university. But “her warmth, her patience, her…

A recent Leading, Empowering, Advocating and Developing (L.E.A.D.) selection, Cara Doerr has been with the university in a variety of roles over her 11 years on campus, allowing her to…

Jan Thompson, director and professor of the School of Journalism and a professor in the College of Arts and Media, was recently nominated for a Chicago/Midwest Emmy in the Outstanding Achievement for Special Event category for her directing of “La Hija de Rappaccini,” a livestream Chicago Opera Theater production performed April 24 at the Chicago Field Museum.

Whether planning events, helping to mold future lawyers or identifying issues and seeing they are addressed before they become problematic, Kristy White makes sure the SIU School of Law puts “their best foot forward” whether it is something for faculty, students or guests. Judi Ray, the law school’s assistant dean for administration, notes law school students often go to White for assistance because of her institutional knowledge about the law school. “We know that she will take care of making sure everything is completed in a timely manner but that she will take the time to ask for clarification if she needs it,” Ray said.