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On Oct. 1, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville welcomed Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emanuel “Chris” Welch and State Rep. Katie Stuart (Edwardsville, 112th District) on campus for a showcase of SIUE’s innovative programs, community partnerships, and research facilities.[HJ1]  They were joined by SIU System President Dan Mahony, PhD, SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, as well as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD, for a comprehensive tour highlighting student success initiatives and groundbreaking research.

The visit began at the Student Success Center where guests were welcomed by President Mahony and Chancellor Minor, who each expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from state leaders and emphasized how investments in higher education have fueled record enrollment and retention at SIUE.

“Our enrollment growth is possible in part because people feel good about education here in Illinois,” said Mahony. “The support we receive from the state makes a massive difference in what we can offer our students and our communities.”

The centerpiece of the Student Success Center visit was a presentation by Jessica DeSpain, PhD, director of the Community-Oriented Digital Engagement Scholars (CODES) program, and four participating students. CODES integrates general education coursework with community engagement and digital storytelling. The program allows students to tackle real-world problems and create lasting solutions to better the community.

“We’re working with middle school students to raise awareness about water equity and environmental justice,” said sophomore Payton Plummer, a business administration major from Collinsville. “It’s rewarding to see our work have a real impact in our community.”

As he listened to the students’ presentations, Speaker Welch commended their work and spoke about the importance of belonging and support in higher education.

“Know that you’re not alone,” Welch told the CODES students. “There are people like Representative Stuart and I pushing for programs like this. What’s happening here at SIUE makes me proud, not just as a legislator, but as an Illinoisan.”

After engaging with the CODES students, the guests met students in the Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR) program. SOAR offers first-year students academic and professional support through student advising, coordinating academic programs, and identifying campus resources.

The group then toured the Cougar Cupboard, the Health Sciences Complex (home to SIUE’s Schools of Nursing and Pharmacy), and the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) in University Park.

Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb shared updates on Southwestern Illinois Center for Justice and Workforce Development programs that extend SIUE’s reach beyond campus, including the Freedom School initiative, which supports literacy and learning opportunities for youth across Alton, East St. Louis, and Edwardsville.

“Educational equity is the path to community justice,” said Cobb. “We’re building relationships with families so that they can see SIUE as a place where their children belong.”

Rep. Stuart (’05), an SIUE alumna and former instructor, echoed those sentiments, reflecting on her own experience teaching at the University.

“When I taught here, I had to send students all over campus to find resources,” said Stuart. “Now those supports are unified in one place, and that makes all the difference. Every student who wants to go to college should have the opportunity and the support to succeed.”

At NCERC, Interim Director Yanhong Zhang, PhD, and her team showcased the Center’s national leadership in biofuel and bioproduct research, emphasizing its economic and workforce impact. Founded in 2003, the facility serves as a bridge between laboratory research and commercialization, helping companies to scale up new technologies to make biofuels or bioproducts in sustainable energy.

“Every bioethanol facility in the country uses at least one technology developed right here at SIUE,” noted Zhang. “We’re proud to lead research that drives innovation and creates jobs.”

Minor underscored NCERC’s growing national reputation and potential for future expansion.

“In 20 years, NCERC has built an extraordinary reputation,” said Minor. “Now is the time to reinvest and expand this capacity to meet the needs of the next generation of biotechnology.”

As the visit concluded, Speaker Welch praised SIUE’s ongoing commitment to student success, innovation, and inclusion.

“Programs like CODES are what make Illinois’ higher education system strong,” Welch said. “They help students see that they belong here and that they can make a difference.”

President Mahony and Chancellor Minor both expressed optimism about SIUE’s trajectory, crediting state partnerships, faculty innovation, and student dedication for the University’s success.

“Our partnerships with the state help us create opportunities that truly change lives,” said Minor. “Together, we’re building a future where every student belongs and succeeds.”



PHOTOS: (left to right) SIU System President Dan Mahony, PhD, Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emanuel “Chris” Welch, State Rep. Katie Stuart (Edwardsville, 112th District), and SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor. PhD; (left to right) Jessica DeSpain, PhD, director of the Community-Oriented Digital Engagement Scholars (CODES) program, CODES students including: Jasmine Davis, Spencer Steele, Payton Plummer and Keith Hawkins; State Representative Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville, 112th District), Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emanuel “Chris” Welch, SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, SIU System President Dan Mahony, and Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb.