Welcome to our third installment of People of EIU for the 2025-26 academic year! We’re at the midpoint of the semester, and I hope you all had a chance to enjoy this year’s Homecoming festivities. Several alums made it back to campus to celebrate with our community, employees and students, and overall, it was a wonderful day to celebrate EIU with our fellow Panthers.

There are also great things happening across campus. Our new First-Gen Hub opens November 7, our Freshman Connection program is gaining national attention, and EIU earned the 2025 Campus Prevention Network Seal of Prevention for our efforts to uphold and enhance student safety and well-being. I applaud all of the phenomenal work done by so many of EIU’s talented people.

As a special element this month, our student feature focuses on former Panther student-athlete Will Klein, who just etched his name into the annals of baseball history with his clutch performance in the World Series last night in relief work. After 18 innings—tying the longest game by innings in World Series history—Will became an unexpected hero who kept Los Angeles alive long enough for Freddie Freeman to walk it off with a home run that will echo through October lore. The full write-up on his performance is available here.

At any time, please visit either the EIU Newsletter Page or the EIU Calendar of Events to learn about what’s happening across campus. We look forward to featuring more of our EIU Family in future issues of People of EIU—feel free to nominate an EIU colleague or student to be featured in an upcoming issue here, or submit a Shout Out to recognize their efforts! People of EIU will be back next month for one more issue before the winter break! 

Ngozi Onuora

Ngozi has such a lovely way about her - she has provided some order to the TLF department at the same time she has made collegiality a priority! I feel so very lucky we have her as our department chair!

Westley Wright

Wes is such a great addition to the COE and Buzzard Hall, we are very lucky that he is working with us this Fall! Thank you for helping us procure good supplies for our TLF Department, (So that we can win the Department Decoration contest for Homecoming), Wes. The competition is brutal in Buzzard Hall!

Kennedi Wilbon

Thank you for working for TLF and being a great role model for other students in Buzzard Hall and showing a good work ethic. Many thanks for all your help, Kennedi!

Ngozi Onuora

I could not be more grateful and lucky to work with and for Ngozi! She is a positive, inspirational, and excellent role model for Students, Faculty and staff alike. We are so blessed to have her working at EIU and helping to inspire new teachers to go out into the world with the same core values that she demonstrates every day. A Big Thank you to, Ngozi! It has been long overdue.

Catherine Polydore

Thank you, Catherine, for always working hard and being an inspiration to others. So grateful; to know and work with you here at EIU. You are a positive role model for students and students of life like me! Thank you!

Kassidy Prebstle

Thank you a million, Kassidy for filling in for me today! It was greatly appreciated, and I certainly thank you for taking the time to help me out.

Nicholas Fonseca

Many thanks for all you do for me and our TLF Department. I am so grateful for you, Nick! Thank you!

Michelle Rhine

Thank you so much, Michelle, for always making the time to help me learn new things. You are so kind and helpful to me, and I certainly appreciate all you do for our TLF department. You are a dependable and quiet hero for us up here in TLF. Thank you a million!

Josh Norman

Thank you, Josh, for all that you do for the Freshman/Transfer Connection program. Your leadership has made a meaningful and lasting impact—not only on the mentoring team but on the students whose lives are shaped by your vision and dedication.

You lead with a rare combination of compassion, drive, and clarity of purpose. Your ability to inspire others while staying grounded in student success is something we deeply admire and respect. Under your guidance, the program has grown stronger, more inclusive, and more responsive to the real needs of our students.

The mentoring team is incredibly fortunate to have you at the helm. Your steady support and thoughtful leadership have created a space where mentors feel valued, students feel seen, and everyone is encouraged to grow.

Because of your commitment, both the students and the broader EIU community are better, stronger, and more connected. Your work doesn't go unnoticed, and your impact extends far beyond what words can fully capture.

We truly appreciate you—and all the energy, heart, and wisdom you bring to this important work.

Nikhil Vangamudi

Thank you, Nikhil, for your hard work and valuable contributions to the School of Extended Learning. I greatly appreciated your technical expertise and will miss working with you. Wishing you continued success in all that you do!

Roberta Rennels

Thank you, Robin, for your dedication and meaningful contributions to the School of Extended Learning and Alpha Sigma Lambda. I truly appreciate the knowledge and expertise you've brought to SCE/SEL over the years. Wishing you all the best in your continued success!

Cat Shick

Thank you, Cat, for all your hard work and valuable contributions to the School of Extended Learning. I truly appreciated your strong organizational skills and eagerness to learn. I'll miss collaborating with you and wish you all the best in your continued success!

MD Sakib

Thank you, MD, for all your hard work and contributions to the School of Extended Learning. I truly appreciated your technical expertise and will miss collaborating with you. Wishing you all the best in your continued success!

Koty Gough

Thank you, Koty, for your continued support of EIU Lanes in these sometimes difficult times. I appreciate all you do for me!

Sonya Schuette

Thank your Sonya for your help with getting some new much needed bowling balls for EIU Lanes. It is very much appreciated! We love having your classes here.

Rusty Elliott

Thank you for keeping our floor cleaner than ever!

Kevin Bence

Kevin works hard to keep the lanes in the bowling alley running for classes, leagues, and the community. This week he brought back to life a lane that has been down for awhile -- a big win EIU Lanes! :)

Kimberly Ervin

Kim is an invaluable member of the FDIC team. She works tirelessly behind the scenes on things like OCDI, HyFlex, and faculty consultations. And she does so with such an upbeat, positive attitude. Thanks Kim!

Ashleigh Rutledge

Ashleigh, thank you so much for your help in fixing a situation. You remained kind and patient throughout the process, even though it meant extra work for you. Your support made a big difference, and I truly appreciate it!

Vicki Phillips

Vicki is an unsung hero on this campus. Thank you for all you do to bring our data needs to life! Your patience and grace are invaluable to so many at EIU.

Denise Adducci

Denise, Thank you so much for all of your support with Freshman/Transfer Connection. Your time and effort in tracking monthly meal card swipes and managing all the details that come with the process do not go unnoticed.

This program's success is truly a team effort, and we couldn't do it without your dedication. We are grateful to have you as part of our team and deeply appreciate all that you do.

Danielle Goehner

Danielle is so valuable to the HR team and to EIU overall. She is focused, pragmatic, and analytical in her approach to any task, and she is always willing to use those skills to help her coworkers. Her easy-going nature and compassion for everyone are huge assets to our department. Thank you for everything you do, Danielle!

Tony Spivey

Thank you for going above and beyond in assisting South Quad Dining during the register outage and all the WiFi troubleshooting. Your dedication is appreciated.

Jordan Jenkins

Thank you, Jordan, for going above and beyond this past weekend for our students by responding to emergencies and assisting them on 2nd shift!

Dianne Timm

Your assistance in locating a package was greatly appreciated

Michael Cowan

Thanks for helping me locate a delivery

Bonita Flynn

Thank you for stopping what you were doing and helping clean up coins. We really appreciate it! Hope you enjoyed the laugh!

Carrie Dale

Thank you, Dr. Dale, for your continued student engagement, support, and motivation for our IDS students! Thank you, also, for sharing the successes of our students!

Tiffany Swalls

Thank you, Tiffany! I know you are incredibly busy right now but you took the time to help me figure out an issue with a student's degree audit. I appreciate you more than you know!!

Tony Craven

Thank you Tony for going above and beyond and helping us out when we had a problem with a vehicle reservation. Catie & Julia

Jeffrey Sanders

The Department of Public Health and Nutrition appreciates you taking care of our area while our BSW was out. Everything was super clean every day. THANK YOU!!!

Cody Ethington

The Department of Public Health and Nutrition appreciates you taking care of our area while our BSW was out. Everything was super clean every day. THANK YOU!!!

R.J. Vanderwerf

Thank you, RJ for helping our TLF team get a new email account set up today. We certainly appreciate all your help and for being so gracious to get it done quickly. Many thanks, RJ!

Tracy Hall

Thank you so much Tracy for giving me the steps to get through our website changes. You are so helpful, and I really appreciate your willingness to help out. We are so lucky you work in Marketing! Thank you so much ;)

Shelly Williams

Shelly is a truly remarkable colleague and friend to CHE. In the absence of an office manager, she has stepped up in extraordinary ways, generously giving her time, sharing her resources, and going above and beyond to support our team. From setting up for our faculty retreat, to reviewing and reaching out to student worker candidates, to guiding their orientation and onboarding, Shelly has been an essential part of keeping things running smoothly, and keeping me sane. :)

Her kindness, dedication, and beautiful spirit are a gift to the College of Education and to everyone in Buzzard Hall.

Keep shining your light, Shelly. We're so grateful for you!

Jason Jacobs

Thank you, Jason for just plain being awesome! We cannot believe how fast you got our request finished today, now that is service! Thank you a million, Jason for all you do here in TLF and at EIU! Keep being awesome.

Haley Wilson

Thank you very much, Haley! We appreciate you taking care of our requests with kindness and quickness in your department. You definitely deserve a shout out and probably a million more, thank you Haley!

Bradley Green

Brad is tireless in his pursuit of excellence here in Buzzard Hall, and I thank goodness for him being part of our team. Thank you, sincerely Brad for all you do to help me out here in TLF. You are a gem, and we are so lucky to work with you!

Michelle Burnside

Congratulations on your retirement! WE (AFSCME 981) are going to miss your dedication and straightforward answers. You have been a constant for so many years. Above all we are going to miss you as a friend and colleague. Enjoy your new home and keep traveling and enjoying life. Later my friend.

Catie Danner

I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Catie for her outstanding contributions to the Freshman/Transfer Connection Mentoring Program. Her efforts have been truly instrumental in helping the program grow and thrive.

Catie brings a remarkable blend of kindness, organization, and a strong student-centered focus to everything she does. She consistently goes above and beyond to support both students and colleagues, and her dedication does not go unnoticed. Her work truly reflects the spirit and values of EIU.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have Catie as part of our team. Her presence makes a meaningful difference, and we are all better for it.

Shannon Bell

Shannon Bell is a truly amazing individual who continually goes above and beyond in any role she is given and is always putting the entirety of EIU's success at the forefront! She is a true blessing to the University. Her continued support and guidance in all situations are all always extremely appreciated!!!

Christy Hooser

Dr. Hooser's experience, extreme knowledge, and dedication to Eastern Illinois University is fully evident as she continues to go above and beyond for students, faculty, staff, and the University in its entirety. I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work with her, learn from her, and be guided by her leadership. I greatly appreciate her compassion, transparency, and humor as we navigate through our current situation here at EIU. EIU is extremely fortunate to have Dr. Hooser!

Tiffany Swalls

Thank you for helping CHHS with the certification and some of the Assistant to the Dean roles associated with curriculum. We sincerely appreciate all that you are doing and the way you have stepped up in big and small ways!

Nikki Hillier

Thank you for volunteering to step up and take on extra roles with the CHHS Curriculum committee. We really appreciate your willingness and leadership!

Shane Rogers

Thank you so much Shane, for always being willing to help me out in TLF when I have a question. You are a blessing and I am truly grateful for all the help you give to me and our TLF department. You are awesome!

Gabriel Rauch

We appreciate you Gabe! Thank you for all you do to keep our computers and systems up and running. We see you and we thank you. From your friends in the Library.

Bradley Green

Thank you, Brad, for always being someone we can depend on here in TLF to answer questions and go above and beyond every day! Thank you, you are appreciated Brad!

Melissa Schmieder

Thank you, Melissa - for assisting me with my Payroll Questions & helped me recently - you Rock! You are appreciated.

Travis Trimble

Thank you, Travis - for assisting me with my Payroll Questions & helped me recently - you Rock! You are appreciated.

Andrea Murphy

Thank you, Andrea - for assisting me with my Payroll Questions & helped me recently - you Rock! You are appreciated.

Laura Shute

Thank you, Laura, for always being willing to help and answer questions regarding the FSW program and how to get new help for our department. We appreciate you Laura, thank you very much for all you do!

Stacey Atteberry

Thank you so much, Stacey for your help regarding FSW questions. You are very kind to help and always do your best to find an answer. You are very much appreciated, thank you!

Kacie Lang

Wanted to say Thank you to Kacie for always making such good food. For always showing up for work even when she dosen't feel good. She works hard and is devoted to doing a great job. She is always helpful and will go out of her way to make sure that everyone is doing ok, she makes sure our events are carried out accordingly. You rock Kacie. THANK YOU.

Danita Starwalt

Thank you, Danita, for your hard work. I truly appreciate the great advice you've provided and your willingness to listen. Your support means a lot.

Michelle Morgan

Michelle consistently goes above and beyond for the College of Health and Human Services and EIU. She keeps everyone in line, has trained more colleagues in new positions than anyone I know, is always willing to help, and makes the office a fun place to work. Thank you, Michelle.

Alisa Gray

Thank you for all you do for students, the Department of Human Services, and the College of Health and Human Services. You are always precise and one step ahead of others; your work ethic, kindness, and passion for EIU does not go unnoticed.

Tiffany Swalls

Tiffany Swalls is amazing at her job and very much appreciated. She has taken on the role as a certification officer of two colleges; she is so intelligent, calm, and on top of things that most people do not notice all of the extra work she is doing. I just want her to know that someone does. Thank you, Tiffany.

Makayla McPhedran

MAKAYLA!!! Thank you SO much for all of the help you have been in getting vendors contracted and into the system for a requisition for EIU Squared! I appreciate your time and talents, we really could not have done this without you! :)

Ngozi Onuora

Dr. Ngozi Onuora is an absolutely amazing Department Chair! She truly goes above and beyond in all aspects. She is an absolute blessing to EIU. Her knowledge, positive attitude, and extreme dedication to not only her position but to all faculty, staff, and students shows constantly in all she does! We are extremely lucky to have her leadership, guidance, and infectious personality here at EIU!

Shelly Williams

Shelly continues to go above and beyond in both her amazing work ethic as well as her genuine kindness for all. She is such a positive addition to the TLF Department and is a true breath of fresh air! Thank you, Shelly, for all you do, it does not go unnoticed!!!

Brandon Kurzweg

You're doing an awesome job leading our Homecoming efforts! I'm excited to see how much our engagement efforts grow under your leadership!

Haylee Brickey

It's been awesome seeing you run with new ideas and try new things! I'm so proud of how hard you've worked! Your passion for EIU and its students show in everything you do!

Chad Franks

You've done so much for Advancement, especially with the Alumni Magazine and all of our Homecoming efforts! Thanks for all of your creativity and insight! And for tolerating so many changes along the way! We're lucky to have you as a partner!

Jonathan McKenzie

You've been a great help for learning the ins and outs of the Foundation, fund structures, gift agreements, and everything in-between! Thanks for loaning that expertise to others! You're very appreciated!

Amanda Repp

Amanda was extremely helpful today when I came into her office this morning. Very pleasant person and really went out of her way to help me. Thanks Amanda!

Deborah Conrad

Your commitment to the operation of the bookstore was greatly appreciated and will be missed. Good Luck on your new adventure.

Michael Wayne

Your help with the network drop for the football games was a great help for our mobile bookstore sales. Thanks for the fast turnaround for the cabling needed for our POS system.

Dominic Baima

Your help with the network drop for the football games was a great help for our mobile bookstore sales. It is great to work with people who are always ready to improve a process.