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PEOPLE OF EIU

 
 

CONNECTING THE PANTHER COMMUNITY

 
   
 
 

As we enter the month of February, I am filled with gratitude for each and every one of you who make Eastern Illinois University such a vibrant and welcoming community. Our commitment to excellence in education and our dedication to fostering a supportive environment continue to shine through in all that we do.

I would like to extend a warm invitation to our upcoming Admitted Student Day on Monday. This is an exciting opportunity for us to welcome our Future Panthers and their families to campus, and I encourage everyone to wear their EIU blue. Let's show our guests the warmth and inclusivity that define the Eastern experience.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to our university. Together, we will continue to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.

With appreciation,

 
 
  
 
 

Jay Gatrell
President, Eastern Illinois University

 
 
 
 
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PEOPLE OF EIU ARCHIVE
 
 
 
 

People of EIU: February 2024

 
 
 

Natalee Black

Director of Internal Auditing

 
 
  
 
 

Natalee Black is EIU’s newest Director of Internal Auditing, spending her workdays in Old Main providing assurance that EIU meets industry standards for compliance. Natalee was raised in the state of Washington until she was 14 before moving to Florida and graduating from Rutherford High School in Panama City with an International Baccalaureate diploma. From there, she went straight on to college, earning a B.A. in Human Geography and Environmental Science & Policy from the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg. After studying abroad in Western Australia for a semester, she earned an MBA with Accountancy Concentration from EIU. Upon completing graduate school, she also earned her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license from the State of Illinois. Ten years later, Natalee returned to EIU in her newest role in the Internal Auditing office. She enjoys crocheting/fusion quilting, volunteer activities, and journaling/planning (which she describes as “normal planning, but hyped up with stickers and other coordinated layouts”). She is married with three children, ages 18, 16, and 10. When she’s not in Old Main going over numbers and regulatory details, she enjoys walking around campus to enjoy EIU’s beautiful and diverse flora and fauna. “EIU provides the technical skills needed to be successful in the career of your choice,” Natalee added, “and I’m thankful to be proof of that.”

 
 
 
 
 

Catie Witt-Danner

Complex Director, University Housing & Dining

 
 
  
 
 

Catie Witt-Danner is EIU’s Complex Director in the University Housing & Dining Office. She oversees Lincoln, Stevenson, and Powell-Norton Halls, as well as Greek Court. She also serves as EIU’s Housing & Dining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Chair and Chapter Advisor for Alpha Gamma Delta. Hailing from Carlinville, Ill., Catie said one of her favorite memories at EIU was Homecoming 2016, when she was crowned Homecoming Queen and celebrated with her whole family, who came and spent that weekend at the parade and game. She enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, getting lunch with students and co-workers in the dining halls, going to Lake Charleston or getting coffee at Jackson Avenue, traveling, and watching horror films. “Just like Disney or Hogwarts, this place is magical,” Catie shared. “EIU always has people to help guide the way when you feel lost. Whether it is an RA who is sharing resources across campus, a professor you get direct help from on a project, or friends you meet through involvement in a club or organization, there is someone always here to help you inside and outside of the classroom.”

 
 

Leon Mire

Communications Coordinator, Enrollment Management 

 
 
  
 
 

Leon Mire is EIU’s Communications Coordinator. From his base on the second floor of Old Main, Leon helps the Admissions Office craft poignant and strategic messaging for prospective and current students that facilitate a smooth and helpful EIU experience. Originally from Mattoon, Leon has especially fond memories of a Study Abroad trip to Belize in Central America that he took with Dr. Daniel Johnson and several other students in the Biology department to explore jungles, a coral reef, and ancient Mayan caves. In his spare time, Leon enjoys reading (mostly philosophy, history, and science), language learning (especially through music), running on the Panther Trail and around campus, tennis, and chess. His favorite places to be on campus include the quiet nooks and crannies of the library, the garden near the Biology building, and South Quad when enjoying a nice meal with coworkers. Before EIU, Leon said he was very independent and introverted but didn’t adjust well at another university. When he decided to finish his degree at Eastern years later, he realized that EIU provided exactly the kind of academic and social support he needed, and he's perpetually thankful for professors and staff who really put in the effort to help him succeed. “Even if you're not a social butterfly, it's important to be at a place where you feel like part of the community. For me, Eastern continues to be that place.”

 
 
 
 
 

Amberlyn H. Holman 

Graduate Student, College Student Affairs

 
 
  
 
 

Amberlyn H. Holman is a second-year graduate student in the College Student Affairs program. She currently works as a Graduate Assistant for University Housing and Dining Services as the Associate Resident Director of McKinney Hall. Additionally, she serves as President of the College Student Personnel Association. Amberlyn graduated in 2017 from Moore County High School in Lynchburg, Tennessee, then from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville with a B.S. in Psychology in December 2021. “EIU instantly felt like home,” she said. Her favorite memories of EIU are going to the top of the Old Main, winning Neighborhood Week 2023, winning the “Most Spirited” hall in student staff training this semester, and getting to know so many people across campus. In her spare time, she enjoys anything that has to do with her dog Phoebe, watching true crime documentaries, finding a new book to read, traveling to new places, collecting lapel pins & shot glasses, and going to World of Outlaws or Lucas Oil Late Model races with her dad. Her EIU advice? “Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone—you won’t regret it.”

 
 
 
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Shoutouts - January 2024

 
 

Mallorie Fonseca

Mallorie is AMAZING and always helpful! Thank you for assisting us with our scholarships - greatly appreciate you and all you do to help our students, staff and faculty. EIU is lucky to have you!

Julie Dietz

I've known for years that Julie Dietz is committed to making EIU a fantastic place for students, faculty and staff, but each time I have the opportunity to collaborate with her I am invigorated by her passion, knowledge and ideas. These opportunities remind me why working at EIU can be such a wonderful experience.

Vicki Phillips

Vicki is always a helpful resource, but I am very excited to work with her as a committee member. In our first meeting she was able to contribute ideas that I haven't thought of, and helped us all work toward developing something that could have a very positive impact on our students. Collaborating on these types of projects reminds me how much I love EIU and my peers.

Paula Parker

Huge shout out to Paula for making the Public Health and Nutrition office a fun and welcoming place for students and staff! Her love for EIU even exceeds her love for orange tootsie popsI We're lucky to have her!

Diana Taylor

I'm always impressed with the work Bobbi Kingery and John Marr do, and now with the addition of Diana Taylor, Career Services has become an even better resource for students! My students report that Diana really listens to them and helps them recognize career options they've never considered.

Makayla McPhedran

Thank you for helping me out in a pinch, especially at the end of the day. You have done this more than once now and I really do appreciate it. The Procurement Dept. is lucky to have you.

David Bell

David is trying on a lot of new hats this semester! From stepping into the role of Acting Head of Research, Engagement and Scholarship, to chairing the library's programming for this year's NEA Big Read, assisting with First Year Experience events, and all his regular duties as a research librarian, David is demonstrating his expertise in new ways almost daily. Way to go, David! We appreciate you!

Anna Nelson

Anna, you're doing a phenomenal job juggling all the myriad responsibilities of the library's Marketing Director! We appreciate your fresh perspective on Booth Library's endless publicity opportunities. You're organized, methodical and collaborative, and you help Booth Library put our best foot forward. Thank you for your excellent service to Booth Library!

Jody Stone

We really hit the semester running and I appreciate all your help and support. Thank you for always looking out for the students, your staff, and all of us outside of the Dean of Students Office as well. At times, this has been a wild Academic Year, but you have shown that you are willing and able to tackle some of these difficult situations. Thanks for all you do!

David Brubaker

Was a pleasure to deal with my first week on the job. He was a big help making sure all of my new paperwork was submitted properly and on time.

Becky Shew

We've worked with Becky on a number of projects, and she always goes out of her way to be extra helpful. Today we initiated our new Teams Voice, and I had a lot of concerns about it being able to accommodate some of our more specific needs, but Becky deeply understood what we needed and seamlessly facilitated its rollout. Not a single bump in the road, and Becky's attentiveness and friendliness is the cherry on top. We are so lucky to have her here at EIU!

Robert Zerbst

Rob has done a fantastic job with the fleet vehicles and really has done a great job in taking care of our department! Thank you Rob for all you do!

Christie Otis

Christie's energy, enthusiasm and organizational skills made the reallocation of the library's Technology Checkout services a smooth and painless process. She's persistent, positive, and provides excellent service to students who visit the library's 4000 level. Thanks, Christie, for your optimism and can-do attitude!

Amy Odwarka

Amy astounds me with her high energy and great ideas! She's always generating new ways to reach our students and introduce them to Booth Library. I'm so excited to see how everyone reacts to the cool library events she's got lined up for the next couple of weeks! Amy, we appreciate the positive representation you bring to Booth Library. Thank you!

Danny Gourley Fischer

Shout out to Danny for being such an amazing leader for the Academic Advising Center. He goes above and beyond every day, not just for his own office, but for EIU! He champions every day for our students and we are all lucky to have him on our campus :)

Brianne Eads

Brianne gives selflessly to her students, colleagues and the department. She is always willing to step into any role that will benefit and have the greatest impact on the students and the greater good for the learning community. Brianne always brings a cheerful smile and a positive attitude with everything she does. We are blessed to have her on staff in the department of Teaching, Learning and Foundations.

Angie Cawthon

Always more than willing to assist with advising related issues. Thanks for all that you do for the CLAS Angie.

Marlaina Harper

Thanks for always being a smiling and friendly face when I come through the Housing Office!

Gail Bahney

Thanks for helping out the IDS program and our recruitment outreach! Your attention and diligence to finding replacements for our events has been truly amazing! We are very appreciative of you!

Jeffrey Downey

Jeff was working in Triad(Weller, McKinney, and Ford) lobbies to patch and paint where old cameras had been removed. While there he noticed the surround walls needed painted and took it upon himself to go ahead and fix and paint those walls as well. That type of initiate and forward thinking is something we all should strive for. Thank you Jeff for going the extra step to improve the looks of our lobbies in Triad!

Marlaina Harper

Marlaina always has a smile on her face, works well with students and staff, and makes working in the Housing & Dining office fun. Thank you for all you do!

Stacey Hickox

Thank you Stacey for all you do at the ITS Help Desk. Always willing to help with a good attitude and you keep it light. I would be lost without you!

Lucas Lower

Lucas has been exceptional through the Graduate School's revamp of the graduate assistantship process. No matter the question (or how many ways it is asked!), Lucas is patient, affable and knowledgeable! Thanks, Lucas!

Shari McKinney

Shari is a great person to work with. She is thorough, organized, and always there when you need her. She is friendly, helpful and patient when explaining procedures required to complete a job. She works well with students and staff. EIU is lucky to have her!

Kari Dailey

Kari help me out tremendously with a challenging advising issue!

Laurel Fuqua

Thank you for everything that you do! You work so hard to make sure everything runs smoothly in the Student Activity Center!

Ceci Brinker

Thank you for all that you do!

Patty Watson

Patty is incredible in dealing with faculty, students, administrators and on occasion a cranky chair. The School of Business runs smoothly because of her and she is greatly appreciated by all. Thank you!

Westley Wright

Thank you for the many hours you have put into helping us with our computer changes and issues! You are always so quick to respond to our calls for help!

Kaitlyn Standerfer

Kaitlyn is always eager to help out and always with a big smile! It is great to have her in our department!

Doyle Terrell

Shout out to Doyle Terrell for being proactive and a team player! When the Coleman Auditorium was unusable at the start of the semester, Doyle alerted the proper people to ensure that the classes scheduled for the auditorium for the first week of class could still meet! Thanks for caring and for taking the time to let department chairs know there was an issue that could impact classes.

Nathan Brown

Thank you for coordinating the moving of tables, chairs, and trees in Old Main for us throughout the holiday season. We appreciate you!

Rachel Ballinger

Thank you for all that you do! You always make it easier for me to do my job! You are awesome!!

Darren Donaldson

Thank you for the countless steps you took on the ladder to set up and tear down the holiday trees in Old Main. We appreciate you!

Jarrod Jones

Thank you for all the moving you do to provide tables, chairs, holiday trees, etc. when we ask for them in Old Main. We appreciate you!

Kenneth Keyser

Thank you for all the moving you do to provide tables, chairs, holiday trees, etc. when we ask for them in Old Main. We appreciate you!

Michelle Wayne

Thank you! The trees in Old Main shined brightly this holiday season. We appreciate you!

Lynnette Barringer

Thank you! The trees in Old Main shined brightly this holiday season. We appreciate you!

Teresa Jones

Teresa is always helpful and patient in answering my student employment questions. We're fortunate to have a lot of great student help because of her coordinating efforts.

Breanne Pedigo

Thank you Breanne for your outstanding work within the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations. Your knowledge has assisted the office through its transition of Directors. Even though you are now in the History department, your expertise and willingness to assist has been quite helpful. We appreciate you!

Jay Gatrell

I would like to give a shout-out to President Gatrell for the gift days during the holiday season. I have worked here for over twenty years and those extra days provided much-needed and appreciated time away for family.

Ryan Osborne

In the short time since you joined the Financial Aid team, you have made such an impression! You (and your exceptional attention to detail) are valued more than you know. Keep up the great work!

Lynze Greenwood

In the short time since you joined the Financial Aid team, you have made such an impression! You (and your outstanding customer service skills) are valued more than you know. Keep up the great work!

 
 
 
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Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Ave.
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