Pete Rosenbery

When considering the impact that Kenneth Stikkers, a professor of philosophy and affiliated faculty in Africana and Multicultural Studies has on former students, understanding Stikkers’ selection for a prestigious mentorship award from the Caribbean Philosophical Association is easy.

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.

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 recent Leading, Empowering, Advocating and Developing (L.E.A.D.) selection, Cara Doerr has been with the university in a…