Western Illinois University Theatre Professor Emeritus Jeannie Woods was recently presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who. Woods retired from WIU in May 2018, after serving as an actor, stage director and theatre historian and chair of WIU’s Department of Theatre and Dance for more than a decade. “Of course, it is wonderful to be so honored, but I must say that the support and encouragement from my husband, Dan Woods, and my colleagues in theatre and education were essential ingredients in my success,” said Woods. “I... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – When Western Illinois University graduate student Tom Reagan began taking classes for his second semester in the University’s College Student Personnel (CSP) program, he wanted to develop a program to help student veterans make informed decisions about where to attend college. Reagan, a retired captain from the East Moline Police Department and a Marine veteran, is now the coordinator of veterans’ services at Black Hawk College in East Moline, IL. He began taking classes in WIU’s CSP program in Summer 2020. This semester, as a student in Assistant Professor... Read More

During a period of time when the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting virtually every activity nationwide, faculty and students in Western Illinois University’s Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA) are finding a variety of ways to reach the populations they are learning to serve. RPTA Instructor Julie Eggleston is working with students in her classes to create programming for the McDonough County Special Recreation Association (MCSRA) and residents at Macomb’s Bickford Cottage. The MCSRA, housed in the Macomb Park District, provides recreational experiences, including... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – After a year-long promotion process, Western Illinois University Veterans Resource Center Director Ron Pettigrew was promoted to the military rank of captain (0-6). His new rank was pinned on his uniform this summer. This branch of service is a familiar one to Pettigrew’s family. “My dad served in the Navy for 22 years. When he got out, he worked in civil service in the same field,” he said. “I traded my dependent military identification card for one of my own. I grew up in military towns, with Navy role models, and families who cared about me and impacted... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL — Western Illinois University has merged five undergraduate majors, three master’s degrees and one post-baccalaureate certificate to form the School of Accounting, Finance, Economics and Decision Sciences (AFED). The new school, located within the College of Business and Technology, will allow curricular synergies between the multiple disciplines. This merger will serve as an opportunity to strengthen the curriculum, encourage collaboration between the students and faculty across the disciplines and benefit WIU overall. “Although each of the four primary academic... Read More

An alumna of Western Illinois University Sport Management graduate program was promoted to associate director of athletics and compliance, business and internal operations for the Prairie Fire athletics programs at Knox College. Lexie Vernon received her master’s degree in sport management from WIU in 2015. She joined the Prairie Fire staff in 2010 as a graduate assistant athletic trainer and has served as an assistant athletic trainer, assistant softball coach, assistant director of athletics and interim co-director of athletics at Knox College. Vernon is also the athletic department’s... Read More

Western Illinois University Professor Eric C. Sheffield has been named director of the WIU School of Education, according to College of Education and Human Services Dean Francis Godwyll. He has served as interim director since November 2019. “Professor Eric Sheffield came to us after 14 years of service in the state of Missouri higher education system, and an additional 14 years in the P-12 system,” said Godwyll. “He came into the position at a very challenging time. He hit the ground running and has been a pillar around which the new School of Education has been formed. He has... Read More

The Western Illinois University student delegation was recently recognized while attending the Great Lakes Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (GLACURH) conference. The delegation was made up of Téa Wheat (NRHH-CC), a senior elementary education major, from Brookfield, IL; Sarah Kallbrier (IHC NCC), a senior recreation, park and tourism administration (RPTA), of Carlinville, IL; Brooke Barnes, a junior nursing major, from Plainfield, IL; Jazzy Hennessee, a freshman music major, of Rochelle, IL; Jon’a Levi, a freshman communication major, of Bettendorf, IA; Katlynn Davis,... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – A peer-based program that helps Western Illinois University students in the classroom has been altered during the COVID-19 pandemic for continued use by several professors. The Learning Assistant (LA) program originated at the University of Colorado more than a decade ago, but was brought to Western’s Quad Cities campus by James Rabchuk, assistant dean of the WIU College of Arts and Sciences, about four years ago and use began on the Macomb campus about one year ago. The program brings peer students into the classroom for lectures, to help steer discussions and problem-solving... Read More

The Western Illinois University School of Global Education and Outreach has transitioned to become the Center for Global Studies. The Bachelor of General Studies degree program has moved from within the department under the umbrella of University Libraries. “We plan to bring some exotic and exciting culture, some charisma, and some energy to the campus by broadening our outreach to become truly global,” said Center Executive Director Randy Glean. The office provides services to international students, as well as hosts unique cultural activities and educational learning experiences.... Read More