In The News: SIUE Showcases Leadership in Community Engagement, Inclusive Athletics, Arts, and Innovation

In The News: SIUE Showcases Leadership in Community Engagement, Inclusive Athletics, Arts, and Innovation

Here are some of the recently published stories featuring Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students, alumni, faculty and broader initiatives showcasing SIUE's regional impact:

1. KSDK Archives Highlight Muhammad Ali's 1971 Visit to SIUE
   
   Muhammad Ali at SIUE
   
   KSDK News revisited a historic moment from June 1, 1971, when boxing legend Muhammad Ali spoke at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. In the archival footage, Ali delivers his speech, "The Intoxication of Life," and discusses his upcoming rematch with "Smokin' Joe" Frazier in an interview with reporter Chris Condon.
   
   Watch the clip on: KSDK News
   
   PHOTO: Muhammad Ali speaking at SIUE in 1971
   
   
2. Chancellor Minor Featured on University of Illinois Education Podcast
   
   James T. Minor, PhD
   
   The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Education featured SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor on its podcast episode titled "Effective Data Use for Holistic Advising."
   
   Hosted by OiYan Poon, PhD, and produced by Sal Nudo of the Office of Community College Research and Leadership, the discussion explores how data-driven strategies can advance student success and equity in higher education.
   
   The episode is part of the College Admissions Futures Collaborative series highlighting innovative leadership and educational transformation.
   
   Listen to the podcast on Libsyn
   
   PHOTO: SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD
   
   
3. SIUE Engineering Students Featured on ABC7 Chicago's "Shipwrecks: Sunken History"
   
   Chenyuhang Zhou and Shihao Zhao
   
   ABC7 Chicago featured SIUE School of Engineering students Chenyuhang Zhou and Shihao Zhao in its environmental series "Shipwrecks: Sunken History." The segment followed the students-both certified scuba divers-during a Lake Michigan expedition with the Chicago Undersea Explorers Society, where they explored two historic shipwrecks: the 1929 Material Service Barge and Nicole's Mystery Wreck.
   
   Zhou, a mechanical engineering graduate student, and Zhao, a PhD candidate in engineering science, combined their passion for diving and engineering to help highlight the preservation of Great Lakes maritime history.
   
   Watch the segment on ABC7 Chicago and read more on Facebook.
   
   PHOTO: SIUE engineering students Chenyuhang Zhou and Shihao Zhao during their Lake Michigan dive expedition
   
   
4. SIUE History Professor to Present on Lincoln-Douglas Debate in Elsah
   
   Erik Alexander, PhD
   
   Advantage News reported that Erik Alexander, PhD, and associate professor of history at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, will deliver a presentation on the historic Lincoln-Douglas Debate in Alton as part of the Hosmer-Williams Lecture Series in Elsah. The event will take place Thursday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. in Farley Music Hall.
   
   Alexander, an expert in 19th-century U.S. history and party politics leading to the Civil War, will explore how debates of that era differed from today's political discourse. The lecture is free and open to the public.
   
   Read the article on Advantage News.
   
   PHOTO: Erik Alexander, PhD,SIUE associate professor of history will present on the Lincoln-Douglas Debate
   
   
   
5. Metro East Priest Meets Pope Leo XIV, Receives Blessing for Future SIUE Newman Center
   
   Father Rob Johnson
   
   KSDK News,FOX 2 News St. Louis and First Alert 4 reported that Father Rob Johnson, chaplain of SIUE's Newman Catholic Community and pastor of Mother of Perpetual Help in Maryville, met Pope Leo XIV during a pilgrimage to Rome. During the audience, the Pope blessed a cornerstone plaque that is planned for a future Newman Center at SIUE.
   
   Johnson shared that the blessing symbolizes faith and growth among SIUE's Catholic community, who currently gather for weekly Mass in the Morris University Center. The plaque is inscribed with the message: "Do Not Be Afraid."
   
   Watch the story on: KSDK News, FOX 2 St. Louis and First Alert 4 (KMOV)
   
   PHOTO: Father Rob Johnson with Pope Leo XIV blessing the SIUE Newman Center plaque, Father Rob Johnson in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City
   
   
6. SIUE Alumnus Tyler Sneed Promoted to Senior Project Engineer at Tarlton Corp.
   
   Tyler Sneed
   
   ConstructForSTL and REjournals.com reported that Tarlton Corporation has promoted SIUE graduate Tyler Sneed ( '20)to Senior Project Engineer on its Health Care Team. Sneed, who earned a bachelor's degree in construction management from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, joined Tarlton in 2021 and has contributed to major projects for Washington University School of Medicine, SSM Health, and BJC Healthcare.
   
   The promotion highlights his leadership, adaptability and dedication to advancing health care construction innovation across the St. Louis region.
   
   Read the articles on ConstructForSTL and REjournals.com
   
   PHOTO: Tyler Sneed (left) and Ben Schad (right), newly promoted Senior Project Engineers at Tarlton Corp.
   
   
7. SIUE Alumna Named First CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Irmo
   
   Nicole Woods
   
   Who's On The Move reported that SIUE alumna Nicole Woods ('97) has been appointed the first market chief executive officer of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Irmo in South Carolina. Woods, who earned her bachelor's degree in speech pathology and audiology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, will oversee operations for both the new Irmo hospital and Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Columbia, where she has served as CEO since 2021.
   
   With more than 20 years of hospital management experience, Woods is recognized for her leadership in workforce development, patient outcomes, and community engagement.
   
   Read the article on Who's On The Move
   
   PHOTO: Nicole Woods, Market CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospitals of Irmo and Columbia
   
   
8. Illinois Film and TV Workforce Training Program Launched at SIUE
   
   SIUE Department of Mass Communications
   
   RiverBender.com reported that Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has launched a Film and TV Workforce Training Program to prepare the next generation of media professionals for Illinois' growing entertainment industry. Supported by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the program offers paid, hands-on training inside SIUE's newly renovated TV studio and control room.
   
   Open to Illinois residents 18 and older, the program provides 80-hour sessions in production and set operations, helping participants gain technical skills and industry connections.
   
   Read the article on the RiverBender.
   
   PHOTO: SIUE's newly renovated TV studio and control room
   
   
9. The Wedge Innovation Center Welcomes Two New SIUE Graduate Assistants
   
   Jolene Sherman and Gifty Acheampomaa
   
   RiverBender.com announced that The Wedge Innovation Center, powered by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has welcomed two new Graduate Assistants - Jolene Sherman and Gifty Acheampomaa - to support its mission of fostering innovation and community revitalization in Alton.
   
   Sherman, an Alton native and SIUE MBA student, will serve as Director of Sales and Sponsorship, while Acheampomaa, pursuing a master's in applied communication at SIUE, joins as Assistant Community Manager. Together, they bring local insight, global perspective, and a shared passion for empowering the Riverbend region.
   
   Read the article on RiverBender.
   
   PHOTO: SIUE Graduate Assistants Jolene Sherman and Gifty Acheampomaa at The Wedge Innovation Center
   
   
10. SIUE Alumnus Larry Lexow Builds Business Legacy and Community Impact
    
    Larry Lexow
    
    The Edwardsville Intelligencer profiled Larry Lexow, president of Lexow Financial Group and BCL Financial Management Consultants, Inc., for his unique career path from audio engineering to financial advising and business incubation.
    
    An SIUE mass communications graduate, Lexow has served clients in the Metro East for more than 30 years, offering investment and retirement planning services while supporting local entrepreneurs through small business office space and mentorship.
    
    A former member of the SIUE Alumni and University Foundation Boards, Lexow also co-hosts "The Financial Café" on WSIE 88.7 FM, providing financial education to the community.
    
    Read the article on The Edwardsville Intelligencer.
    
    PHOTO: SIUE alumnus Larry Lexow, president of Lexow Financial Group and community business leader
    
    
11. Edwardsville Honors SIUE Students During City Council Meeting
    
    First-Generation College Student Celebration
    
    The Edwardsville Intelligencer reported that during the Nov. 4 City Council meeting, Mayor Art Risavy recognized Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students in honor of First-Generation College Student Celebration Day. The mayor issued an official proclamation declaring November 8 as the city's day of recognition, celebrating SIUE's commitment to educational access and student success.
    
    The meeting also included approval of a joint agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation to extend Route 66 Trail through downtown Edwardsville, further enhancing community connectivity.
    
    Read the article on: The Edwardsville Intelligencer.
    
    PHOTO: Edwardsville Mayor Art Risavy with SIUE students at the Nov. 4 City Council meeting