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From construction to programs, SIUE sees progress on many fronts

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p12 Pembrook    The following is from Randall Pembrook, chancellor of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

    After one year as SIUE’s chancellor, I can honestly say that this time has been one of the most exciting of my life because of the vitality of the institution, which is even more dynamic and progressive than it was during my years as a student. It has been energizing to be a part of the momentum.
    The 2016-2017 academic year was one of collaboration and relationship-building as SIUE connected in more significant ways to local and regional governmental agencies and added to an already impressive list of corporate partnerships that yielded creative and responsive programming. For example, SIUE has enhanced its relationships with leaders at Scott Air Force Base — especially exciting during this year as the base celebrates its centennial — and maintains its designation as a military friendly university. This is just one of several mutually beneficial collaborations that will continue to be a focus in the coming years.
    With these critical partnerships with our local and regional constituents, SIUE has the chance to gain valuable input on what we offer and to enhance our programming and facilities. For example, SIUE is currently expanding the Engineering Building with the second phase now in fundraising mode, underlining the importance of investing in the quality education of engineers who will then go on to develop innovative solutions to complex societal challenges. All of this bears witness to the fact that, despite the budgetary logjam at the state level, SIUE is very much in motion.
    Here are some additional and exciting updates from recent months:

  •     SIUE received Top 10 recognition in several areas:
  •     Corporate partnerships are expanding with recent additions including BJC HealthCare and Anderson Hospital
  •     The School of Dental Medicine opened a new Edwardsville clinic in University Park in February
  •     Work continues on the Science East Building. The Science Complex is perhaps the most impactful construction on campus since SIUE’s residence halls. Almost all of the renovations should be completed by Fall 2018

    ➢  The School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s School Psychology program ranked among the Top 10 nationally for scholarly productivity
    ➢ The School of Nursing online master’s in Healthcare Informatics is ranked sixth in the nation by affordablecolleges.com
    ➢ The School of Business graduate program for Economics and Finance is ranked seventh nationally by The Financial Engineer Times

  •     SIUE continues to be among the Top 25 Safest College Towns in America, according to the Safewise Report
  •     SIUE is 80th nationally for the “Best Risk-Reward for College Students” at public institutions, according to Lendedu.com
  •     Collegechoice.com listed the School of Nursing as the most affordable nursing degree in Illinois
  •     For the last 11 straight years, spanning 22 consecutive semesters, SIUE student-athletes have finished with a departmental grade point average of better than 3.0. SIUE’s post-season Division I success is also very impressive with the University ranked at 94th out of a field of 351 eligible Division I institutions, nationwide, in the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings.

    Through sound fiscal management, enrollment growth, and deliberate program development, SIUE is in a stabile fiscal position and is maximizing that opportunity by investing in the future of our region.
    Please join us for the 12th annual SIUE Community Day celebration to be held Thursday, Oct. 12, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the School of Engineering’s new Student Design Center.

Posted in Higher Education In Southwestern Illinois

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