| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | |
|---|---|
| Established | 1957[1] |
| Type | Public[1] |
| Chancellor | Vaughn Vandergrift |
| Admin. staff | 2,451[1] |
| Students | 16,263[1] |
| Undergraduates | 11,305[1] |
| Postgraduates | 2,828[1][2] |
| Doctoral students | 517[1][3] |
| Location | Edwardsville, Illinois, United States |
| Campus | Suburban, 2,660 acres (1,076.5 ha) |
| Colors | Red and white |
| Nickname | SIU Edwardsville, SIUE |
| Mascot | Eddie the Cougar |
| Website | www.siue.edu |
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, commonly abbreviated SIUE, is a four-year coed public university in Edwardsville, Illinois, United States about 20 miles (32 km) from St. Louis, Missouri. SIUE was established in 1957 as an extension of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and is the younger of the two largest institutions of Southern Illinois University. The University offers graduate programs through its Graduate School.
In fiscal year 2010, SIUE faculty and staff received more than $28.7 million in grants and contracts for research, teaching and service initiatives. During the same period, the East St. Louis Center received $14 million in grants awards and applied those funds toward comprehensive programs, services and training for community residents.
Offering comprehensive programs, services and training to more than 6,000 people annually, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals in East St. Louis and surrounding urban communities.
Contents |
During the Post–World War II economic expansion, a void of public higher education was noticeable in the growing Metro-East area.[4] Organizations from across the area took it upon themselves to fill such a void. Southern Illinois University, over 100 miles (160 km) to the region's south, set up a residence center in 1949 in Belleville.[5] In 1955, the Edwardsville Chamber of Commerce founded the Southwestern Illinois Council for Higher Education, tasked with creating a more permanent solution.[6] SWICHE and the SIU Board of Trustees met and stated agreement in goals in 1956, and, that same year, an Executive Committee from the Board of Education in Alton invited Dr. Alonzo Myers, Chairman of the Department of Higher Education for Higher Education at New York University, to perform a study of the need for higher education present in the Metro-East.[6]
Dr. Myers's 1957 report, The Extent and the Nature of Needs for Higher Education in Madison and St. Clair Counties, outlined such a need[7]: the 1950 census showed that students in the region in question were half as likely as others in the nation to finish a four-year degree program (owing specifically to the lack of a closer university and the financial infeasibility of going to school away from home in other state universities).[8] Businesses in the area were in need of college-trained employees, but were forced to opt for hiring outside of the area,[9] especially in the fields of business administration, nursing, education, and industrial technology.[10] Myers concluded that, rather than more residence centers, private schools, or junior colleges, a branch of a four-year public university would best serve the needs of the area.[11] He recommended SIU, the closest large public university, as the best candidate.[12]
Acting on the report, SIU purchased both a former high school building of East St. Louis High School and the campus of Shurtleff College in Alton as temporary facilities in 1957. Officials planned on about 800 students; 1900 enrolled, and enrollment doubled within two years.[13]
The dual campus solution was temporary mostly because of lack of room for expansion: both facilities were in urban areas with little breathing room even at the time of purchase. Land for the current campus was purchased in 1960, almost 2,660-acre (1,076.5 ha) of what was farmland; money for the purchase came from contributions from individuals, businesses, corporations, civic organizations, labor unions, corporations, industries, and PTAs; from loans from 14 Metro-East banks; and from allocated state funding.[14] The location, west of Edwardsville, was chosen due to its accessibility by major roads, its usability as an educational campus, and its proximity to major urban areas in the Metro-East.[15]
A bond issue was voted upon by the citizens of Illinois in 1960: the measure passed by more than 100,000 votes.[16] A conference entitled Environmental Planning-Edwardsville Campus (EPEC) took place in 1961, highlighting the architectural and spatial design of the future campus.[17] The campus was designed by architects Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum. Ground broke in 1963[18] and, with the first two buildings completed, classes in the Edwardsville campus started in fall 1965.[19] A series of dedication ceremonies from 1966 to 1967 highlighted the constant construction and growth of the campus.[20]
Soon, the school became increasingly independent of its parent school in Carbondale. In 1971, the SIU Board of Trustees made official the campus's name as Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.[21]
Total enrollment in fall 2010 was 14,133 (undergraduate and graduate), the largest overall enrollment in the University's history; the new freshman class of 2,065 is up from 1,748 in 2005, representing the largest group of new freshmen in SIUE’s history. The average ACT Score for SIUE’s fall 2010 freshman class was 22.5; the national average freshman ACT score is 21.0. There are more than 80,000 living alumni. The international student population approaches 400. The top five countries represented on campus are India, Kenya, Nepal, China and Turkey.[1]
In spring 2009, the SIUE School of Pharmacy received full accreditation status from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). In May 2009, the School graduated its first Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree class.
SIUE has been recognized by U.S.News & World Report among 68 schools nationwide as an “up-and-coming school firmly focused on improving the job they’re doing today.” Washington Monthly, a national political magazine, ranks SIUE among the Top 50 master’s granting private and public colleges and universities in the nation; SIUE is 14th among public institutions on that list. Ratings are based on institutions’ commitment to the public good in three broad categories: Social Mobility, Research and Service.
U.S.News & World Report Best Colleges 2011 edition recognizes SIUE for numerous achievements, including being cited for the second consecutive year by its peers and recognized as an “up and coming school;” listed as one of 68 national universities and one of only three Midwestern regional universities for recently making “innovative changes in the areas of faculty, student life, campus life or facilities;” being listed for the sixth consecutive year in the capstone experience category, among 15 universities – including Brown, Princeton and Stanford – for its comprehensive Senior Assignment program measuring the competency of graduating seniors; and being among the top 20 public universities in the best Regional Universities Midwest (master’s granting) category for the seventh consecutive year. The overall scores are based on the academic preparedness of students, graduation rates, faculty characteristics and the reputation of SIUE in higher education.
The nationally recognized online news magazine, The Daily Beast, ranks SIUE 21st in the nation among its Top 50 Safest Colleges. SIUE police officers are academy trained and engaged in a Community Policing program. Under the SIUE Campus Violence Prevention Plan, there are more than 80 emergency phones on campus.
GI Jobs Magazine, a comprehensive guide for people transitioning out of the U.S. military, named SIUE a Military Friendly School for 2011. This honor places SIUE in the top 15 percent of all schools nationwide in offering programs and support for veteran and active duty military personnel.
A total of 2,152 SIUE students engaged in 23,019 hours of community service through volunteer efforts during 2009. The students’ commitment earned them a spot on the 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.
SIUE's School of Business has been ranked as a Best 310 Business School in the 2010 edition of the Princeton Review.[22] SIUE is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Only 15 percent of business schools worldwide are accredited by the AACSB, which is considered to be the premier accrediting body for business education; SIUE is one of four schools in the St. Louis area to be accredited as such.
The university is also accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, the American Council for Construction Education, the American Dental Association, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council on Accreditation of Nursing Anesthesia Education Programs, the Council on Social Work Education, the National Association of Schools of Music, the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration, the National Association of Schools of Theatre, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. In addition, the American Art Therapy Association and American Chemical Society have formally reviewed and approved SIUE's programs as meeting their standards.[23]
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is located on 2,660 acres (1,076.5 ha) of beautiful trees and lakes (one of the largest campuses in the U.S. by land area). The campus is composed of several halls, multiple service facilities, and recreational areas.
Housing consists of several residence halls and Cougar Village, which are the university's on-campus apartments. All campus student accommodations are suite-style and furnished. Each contains social lounges and multiple service units such as computer labs and Learning Resource Centers.
| From 1969 to 1980, the campus hosted the Mississippi River Festival, a summer outdoor concert series that featured performances from high profile artists including The Who, Yes, Chicago, The Eagles, and The Grateful Dead.[29] |
The school newspaper, The Alestle, is named for the school's three campuses: Alton (the location of the dental school), East St. Louis and Edwardsville. The Alestle is a member of the Illinois College Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and UWIRE. The Alestle is published exclusively online on Tuesdays and in print on Thursdays during fall and spring semesters, and on Wednesdays during summer semesters.[31]
| Cougar Mascots SIUE once housed two live cougar mascots. From 1968 to 1985, the female cougar, Chimega (an Indian word for cougar), was the official mascot. On March 18, 1985, Chimaga died of old age. In July 1982, Kyna became the second official mascot of SIUE. After only five years at SIUE, Kyna was sent to a Wildlife Preserve in Southern Illinois near Metropolis. SIUE no longer houses live mascots.[32] |
As of 2007, the university is a member of the NCAA and competes at the Division I level in the Ohio Valley Conference (also competing in the Missouri Valley Conference for men's soccer). SIUE previously competed in Division II as a part of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).
The teams are nicknamed the Cougars. The mascot was Cory the Cougar, but in 2010, the school decided to get a new mascot, named Eddie. He debuted his new name, and a new jersey wearing the number 57 during a men's basketball game January 24 against UT Martin. The number 57 on Eddie's jersey is in honor of the university's founding date, in 1957.
The SIUE student government is a combined undergraduate and graduate student senate. The student government at SIUE is composed of two branches. The legislative branch consists of twelve senators elected by the student body every year. The Executive Board consists of the Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, and Student Trustee who are also elected by the student body. The Executive Board also consists of four officials: Financial Officer, Internal Affairs Officer, Organization Relations Officer, External Affairs Officer and School Spirit & Pride Chair. The officials of the Executive Board are appointed by the Student Body President which needs to be confirmed by the Senate. The primary function of the student senate is to serve as an advocate on student issues and voice students' concerns about campus issues.[33]
Greek Life allows students to make friends, enhance academic skills, develop leadership skills, and have fun. The Greek community at SIUE has 19 fraternities and sororities and four governing councils who have a rich tradition of campus leadership and community involvement.[34]
Volunteer programs through the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Kimmel Leadership Center’s Volunteer Services allow students to help others, while having a lasting, positive impact on their lives. Students at the University also can take part in the Student Leadership Development Program, which consists of 60 hours of volunteer service and attending a structured reflection session. Half of the volunteer hours must be completed in the community. Participants can receive credit toward a leadership transcript by documenting service hours and by providing an account of skills obtained and duties performed.[35]
The Student Leadership Development Program offers a wide variety of opportunities that complement the classroom experience. These opportunities can give you a competitive edge as you enter the work force, or apply for scholarships, or Graduate School. All enrolled SIUE students may participate in the program regardless of academic major or class standing.[36]
| Name | Class year | Notability | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fernando Aguirre | 1980 BS | President, Chiquita Brands International | [37] |
| Mike Banner | Central midfielder for the Chicago Fire in the MLS | [38] | |
| Jenny Bindon | goalkeeper for the New Zealand Women's Football Team at the 2007 Women's World Cup and 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing | ||
| Margaret Blackshere | 1965 BS | President, Illinois AFL-CIO | [37] |
| Pete Delkus | 1990 BS | Meteorologist, WFAA (Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex) | [37] |
| William L. Enyart | |||
| Ken Flach | 2-time Wimbledon and US-Open doubles winner, Olympic gold medalist, three-time NCAA Division II tennis singles champion | [39] | |
| Paul J. Galeski | 1983 BS | Chairman & CEO, Maverick Technologies | [37][40] |
| Dave Glover | 1987 BS | Radio talk show host, KFTK (Greater St. Louis) | [37] |
| Gavin Hamilton | 2005 | News Producer | [41] |
| Thomas Holbrook | 1971 BA | Illinois State Representative, 113th District | [37][42] |
| Ralph Korte | 1968 BS | Chairman and former president, The Korte Company | [37] |
| Walter Kross | 1974 MS | Retired General USAF, Former Commander of Scott Air Force Base | [37] |
| Gail Lininger | 1968 BS | Co-Founder, RE/MAX | [37] |
| Megan Lynch (Née Beljanski) | 1992 BS | Reporter, KMOX (Greater St. Louis) | [37] |
| Kathleen Madigan | 1988 BA | professional comedian | [37] |
| Peter Maer | 1970 BA | White House correspondent, CBS News in Washington | [37][43] |
| Ty Margenthaler | 1997 | assistant coach with the Wisconsin Badgers women's basketball team | [44] |
| Patricia Mercurio | 1972 BA | President, Bank of America, Missouri | [37] |
| Bill Plaschke | 1980 | sports writer for the LA Times and regular on ESPN's Around the Horn | [37] |
| Phillip J. Rarick III | 1965 BA | Former Justice, Supreme Court of Illinois (2002-2004) | [37] |
| Joe Reiniger | Retired St. Louis Steamers and Ambush Soccer Player | ||
| Gary Schroen | 1968 BA | Former CIA agent, who was stationed in Iran and Afghanistan. He was also assigned to capture Osama Bin Laden. Author of First In. | [37] |
| Robert Seguso | 2-time Wimbledon and US-Open doubles winner, Olympic gold medalist, NCAA Division I tennis doubles finalist | [45] | |
| John Shimkus | 1997 MBA | R-IL 19th District, U.S. House of Representatives | [37][46][47][48] |
| John Simmons | 1991 BS | Founder, SimmonsCooper | [37] |
| Dewayne Staats | television broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays | [37] | |
| Shelby Steele | 1971 MA | Author and Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University | [37] |
| Randall E. Thomas | Major General Ret. former Adjutant General Illinois | ||
| Jeff Tweedy | lead singer of the Chicago based band Wilco | ||
| Stephnie Weir | Comedian and Actress | [37] | |
| Dennis Werth | former Major League Baseball first baseman and outfielder | [49] | |
| Milton Wharton | 1969 BS | Circuit Court Judge, 20th Judicial District, Illinois | [37] |
| Paul Wight | professional wrestler known as "The Big Show" | [50] | |
| Clay Zavada | Major League Baseball Relief Pitcher and Robert Goulet Memorial Mustached American of the Year award from the American Mustache Institute | [51][52] |
|
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||