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“What matters most are the people who walk through our doors. We can offer social mobility with programming offered from cradle to career. That is truly significant, and a powerful position that demands our attention and support." 

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, shared those words following visits with educators, mentors, staff and students at the SIUE East St. Louis Center (ESLC) this week. 

“At SIUE, we realize the potential in all humans and stand ready to transform lives,” Minor said. “I have been thoroughly impressed with the impact our East St. Louis Center programming makes in helping students at a very early age, as well as rising and experienced adults, realize their potential and strive for greatness.” 

Minor’s listening sessions were spread over three days as he learned about the ESLC’s needs, successes and growth opportunities.  

ESLC programs prepare more than 2,000 youth in grades pre-kindergarten through 12 each year for successful futures. It operates programs funded through federal, state and local grants, and delivers a multi-generational approach to educational programming and services. 

In meeting with ESLC leaders, Minor focused on the pathway for SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) and SIUE Upward Bound (UB) students to the University, and how much exposure they receive. He requested a blueprint on how to strengthen the pipeline of ESLC students to SIUE. “I want our students to feel a sense of belonging, and I want them on our Edwardsville campus,” said Minor. “We strive to provide access and opportunity for all individuals. Every SIUE student, regardless of their background, race, or family income has an opportunity to transform their life by earning a high-quality college degree. We want these rising, talented and dedicated CHS and UB students to find their home at SIUE.” 

On Monday, the chancellor had lunch with selected CHS students to hear their college and career plans. In attendance were seniors Jaymz Young, Sydney Williams, Evan Bonner and Kyla Anderson (also all UB students); and juniors Charles Shaw, Kiante Luster, Dorian Atkins and Makel Wells.  

“I am grateful to have been part of the lunch meeting today,” said Anderson. “I felt honored that the chancellor took time to meet with us.”  “I will always personally understand the importance of educators and the role we all play in the educational trajectories of young people,” Minor shared. “One interaction, one conversation, one query can make a difference in the life of a young person.”  “Along my educational journey, numerous individuals took the time to invest in me,” he added. “Their guidance combined with my personal drive and scholarly development made it possible for me to be in this position to give back.” 

On Wednesday, Minor also visited some of the ESLC’s littlest learners at the Jackie Joyner Kersee Head Start Center He learned of the Head Start/Early Head Start program’s need to increase the recruitment and retention of educators and influencers. 

“It was such a joy for me to engage with our littlest Cougars,” Minor said. “I even received my first piece of artwork for my office from Zion, a pre-kindergarten student!” 

“I also enjoyed meeting the hard-working individuals who make such an incredible difference in these children’s lives,” he noted. “Their developmental impact on not only the children, but also guardians and family members is monumental. I will continue to underscore that these difference makers are among those who will help us define our future and rise as an institution as we support individuals from cradle to career. We must all see these pre-kindergarten students as college graduates and community leaders.” 

For more information on Chancellor James T. Minor, visit siue.edu/chancellor. Engage with Minor on Instagram (@JT_Minor10), Twitter (@JT_Minor) and LinkedIn. 

Photos: During lunch with CHS students, Minor shakes hands with Kayla Anderson (left) and listens to Makel Wells. 

(L-R) Explaining the needs of their programs are Carolyn Jason, interim SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start program director, and Keith Ware, EdD, program director for Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science.  

Minor and CHS Director Gina Jeffries, EdD, (both seated) are shown with CHS students who attended the luncheon during the chancellor’s listening tour at the SIUE East St. Louis Center. In attendance were (Front L-R) Sydney Williams, Kyla Anderson, Jaymz Young and Makel Wells, and (Back L-R) Charles Shaw, Kiante Luster, Dorian Akins and Evan Bonner. 

SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, observed robotics designed by SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School students Patrick Washington (left) and Nathaniel Brewster (right).