In The News: SIUE Showcases Leadership in Community Engagement, Inclusive Athletics, Arts, and Innovation
July 17, 2025, 2:20 PM
Here are some of the recently published stories featuring Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students, alumni, faculty, and broader initiatives showcasing SIUE’s regional impact:
- SIUE Alumna Dr. Tandra Taylor Profiled as a St. Louis Character
St. Louis Business Journal
SIUE’s own Tandra Taylor, PhD, historian and director of the Institute for Community Justice and Racial Equity, was featured as a "St. Louis Character" for her community-based scholarship and leadership. The article highlights her East St. Louis roots and her work preserving Black culinary history and social justice narratives.
Read the article on St. Louis Business Journal
Photo: Tandra Taylor - Blind Baseball World Series Coming to SIUE
The Alestle
SIUE will host the 2025 National Beep Baseball Association World Series from July 20–26, welcoming 19 teams of blind and visually impaired athletes from across the U.S. and Taiwan. Co-hosted by MindsEye, led by SIUE alum Jason Frazier, the event marks the first time the tournament is held in a non-major city in decades.
Read the article on Alestle Live
Photo: Jason Frazier - IEA Honors SIUE Professors for Leadership and Impact
IEA-NEA
SIUE professors Ed Navarre, PhD (chemistry), and Warren Richards, BS and MS (economics), were recognized by the Illinois Education Association for their contributions to student success, faculty advocacy, and community service. Navarre is known for championing academic freedom and student rights, while Richards is praised for teaching excellence and local economic leadership.
Read the article on IEA-NEA
Photos: Ed Navarre (left) and Warren Richards (right) -
SIUE Solar Car Team Competes in Electrek Sun Grand Prix
The Intelligencer
SIUE’s Solar Car Team competed in the Electrek Sun Grand Prix in Bowling Green, KY. Their performance highlights the School of Engineering’s emphasis on sustainability, renewable energy, and hands-on learning. The team continues to refine their solar vehicle for national competitions.
Read the article on The Intelligencer
Photo: SIUE's Solar Car Team
- Angel Dye Joins English Faculty as Assistant Professor of African American Literature
The Alestle
Angel Dye, PhD, a published poet and scholar of African American literature, will join SIUE’s Department of English this fall as an assistant professor. Her research spans the Harlem Renaissance, rent parties, Black women’s writing, and Afrofuturism. Dye brings a unique scholarly and creative voice to the department, expanding SIUE’s already robust African American literature program. Faculty praised her dynamic research, teaching approach, and commitment to mentoring first-generation students.
Read the article on AlestleLive
Photo: Angel Dye - SIUE Alumni and East St. Louis Native Returns to Present New Musical
The St. Louis American
SIUE Alumni Joel P.E. King returned home to present A Great Gospel Musical Volume One: The Book of Joel at the Grandel Theatre in St. Louis. The performance blends spiritual themes with personal storytelling and shows King’s commitment to sharing uplifting narratives rooted in his community and faith.
Read the article on St. Louis American or watch the recap on YouTube.
Read the article on St. Louis American or watch the recap on Fox 2 St. Louis YouTube.
Photo: Joel P.E. King 
SIUE Garden Trail Becomes Literacy Destination
The Intelligencer
SIUE partnered with St. Louis nonprofit Ready Readers to host a Storybook Walk featuring “Shhh! The Baby’s Asleep” by JaNay Brown-Wood. The interactive installation places pages of the book along a scenic trail in The Gardens at SIUE, combining literacy and nature to encourage family reading and play.
Read the article on The Intelligencer
Photo: The Gardens at SIUE and the new Storybook Walk
Moose Lodge Fundraiser Supports First Responders, Includes SIUE Police
MSN News
The Edwardsville Moose Lodge hosted a benefit event for first responders, including SIUE Police and local EMS. Activities included live music, cornhole, bounce houses, and vendors all aimed at supporting those who serve the region in emergency response.
Read the article on MSN
Photo: Scene from the Moose Lodge event- Music Comes Alive at SIUE’s East St. Louis Campus
The Alestle
SIUE’s East St. Louis campus hosted a vibrant summer music camp that brought together young local talent for weeks of musical training and collaboration. The program concluded with a live concert performance on July 11, showcasing student creativity and the University’s commitment to community arts engagement.
Read the article on AlestleLive
Photo: SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts
