In The News: SIUE Receives National Recognition for Student Achievement and Community Impact
Here are some of the recently published stories featuring Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students, alumni, faculty, and broader initiatives:
1. CNN Highlights SIUE’s Partnership with Illinois State Police on Cold Case Investigations; KMOX Radio Airs Coverage the Following Day
SIUE is receiving both regional and national attention for its innovative partnership with the Illinois State Police (ISP) to address unsolved homicides.
CNN featured the initiative on “CNN This Morning” on Sunday, August 3. ISP’s Major Abigail Keller and SIUE Professor Trish Oberweis, PhD, shared how the collaboration is helping investigators resolve decades-old murder cases in Madison and St. Clair counties.
The segment highlighted how SIUE criminal justice students, since early 2022, have reviewed approximately150 cold cases, helping identify victims and advancing investigations. The program provides valuable field experience while contributing directly to justice efforts.
PHOTO: SIUE students, faculty, administration and ISP Cold Case team at project’s news conference
2. SIUE Student Finalist in 2025 NPR Student Podcast Challenge
SIUE Mass Communications Senior Kaylee Bauchens was featured on Illinois Public Media’s “The 21st Show” for reaching the finalist stage in the 2025 NPR Student Podcast Challenge. Her podcast was praised for its narrative power and depth while reflecting SIUE’s growing presence in the national storytelling and media landscape.
Listen to the segment on Illinois Public Media.
PHOTO: Senior Kaylee Bauchens recording her podcast "Relief of Getting a Goodbye"
3. A Taste of the Dental Profession: SIUE Featured in St. Louis American
SIU SDM students helped lead a hands-on dental profession exploration event aimed at inspiring the next generation of oral health professionals. The feature emphasized the role of mentorship and early exposure to clinical settings, reflecting SIU SDM's commitment to community health outreach.
Read the article in The St. Louis American.
PHOTO: BESt student in hands-on training at SIU SDM clinic
4. SIUE Alumna Libby Ahlers Among First Pharmacy Residents at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital
Libby Ahlers, PharmD, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy graduate class of 25’ and Nashville, Ill. native, has been selected as one of the inaugural residents in the new Pharmacy Residency Program at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. The prestigious program, launching this July, offers immersive clinical training and professional development under the mentorship of seasoned pharmacists.
Read the article on X95 Radio.
PHOTO: Libby Ahlers, PharmD Class of ’25, photo courtesy of SSM Health
