Leading the Pack

Before Julie Davis was a student herself and later associate professor and director of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program, she had the unique opportunity to consider program faculty a part of her family.

Jennifer Meyer’s eyes light up and her own smile grows when she talks about a program that helps children in the region who do not have regular access to dental care. For Meyer, an assistant instructor in the School of Allied Health’s dental hygiene program, a smile and good dental health – particularly for a child – mean everything.

When students finally receive their diploma, they usually reflect on the amazing support from their parents, friends, classmates and professors. They often do not think about the many people in the background making their graduation possible. Yet, for Rachel Frazier, seeing those smiles at the end of commencement is all the thanks she needs for her part in the process.

Thirty years is a long time to do anything. For Jenise Wilson, however, those three decades at SIU have been an evolving experience with one constant at their center: students, and the university’s relationship with them.

After working in undergraduate admissions for over 15 years, Amanda Sutton knows a little bit about solving behind the scenes problems.

Growing up, Jacob Juntunen didn’t know exactly where life would take him, but academia was not on the top of his list. That is, until he stumbled upon the world of playwriting and suddenly found his calling.