News

Here are some of the recently published stories featuring Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students, alumni, faculty and initiatives that highlight SIUE’s excellence and influence across the region and beyond: 

1. Friends of Art Annual Auction to Benefit SIUE Art & Design

RiverBender.com highlighted SIUE’s annual Friends of Art Auction, returning Nov. 14 in the Art & Design West Gallery. The event supports student scholarships, assistantships, and the visiting artist program. Works by artists including Salvador Dalí, Agnes Martin, and SIUE faculty, alumni, and students will be featured.  Read the article on: RiverBender

PHOTO: Art example from RiverBender  

2. Gospel Concert Supports SIUE’s Cougar Cupboard

The Edwardsville Intelligencer reported on a Maryville gospel concert that raised funds for the Metro Area Professional Organization, which donates to local nonprofits including SIUE’s Cougar Cupboard and the Oasis Women’s Center in Alton. The Oct. 4 event at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church featured soloist Aretha Clemons of Parks Chapel AME Church. 

Read the article on: The Intelligencer 

PHOTO: A day at the Cougar Cupboard  

3. SIUE Faculty Mentor Students in Opera Theatre’s Artist-in-Training Program

The Edwardsville Intelligencer highlighted four Edwardsville High School students selected for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ Artist-in-Training Program, which provides weekly vocal coaching from university faculty — including SIUE professor Marc Schapman. The program develops young talent through master classes, recitals, and professional mentorship. 

Read the article on: The Intelligencer 

Photo: SIUE professors Marc Schapman  

4. SIUE Alumnus Named Acting Superintendent of District 7

The Edwardsville Intelligencer highlighted Allen Duncan, EdD, an SIUE graduate, as the newly appointed acting superintendent of Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7. Duncan, who earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees in education from SIUE, brings decades of experience as a teacher, coach, and administrator and is recognized for his commitment to student success and community partnership.  

Read the article on: The Intelligencer 

Photo: Allen Duncan Jr., EdD.  

 5. How SIUE Balanced Its Budget and Positioned for Growth

The Chronicle of Higher Education highlighted SIUE as a national example of strong financial stewardship. Under Chancellor Minor’s leadership, SIUE closed a $18 million deficit through strategic cuts, operational efficiency, and enrollment growth, achieving its first balanced budget since 2017. 

Read the article on: The Chronicle of Higher Education 

6. Rising Above the Noise: How SIUE’s Chancellor is Transforming a University and Community

Diverse: Issues In Higher Education profiled Chancellor James T. Minor for his bold leadership and transformative vision for SIUE. The article highlights how he is advancing both academic innovation and community partnerships, reinforcing SIUE’s role as a model for public higher education. 

Read the article on: The EDU Ledger 

PHOTO: SIUE Chancellor Dr. James T. Minor featured on the September cover of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education 

7. Community Backing Fuels SIUE Athletics Momentum

The Edwardsville Intelligencer profiled SIUE Vice Chancellor and Athletics Director Andrew Gavin, who has led Cougar Athletics since 2023. Gavin pointed to men’s basketball’s 2025 NCAA Tournament run as a turning point that energized alumni, fans, and the Metro East community. 

He also emphasized SIUE’s academic strength, with student-athletes ranking No. 2 nationally among public universities in graduation rate and No. 1 in Illinois. Gavin pointed to new family-friendly initiatives like Eddieville, along with rising donor and ticket support, as clear signs of momentum.  

Promoted to vice chancellor/director of athletics in July 2025, he credited Chancellor James T. Minor’s strong backing and underscored that community support remains the foundation for SIUE’s continued success. 

Read the article on: The Intelligencer 

PHOTO: Andrew Gavin, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics 

8. Granite City Students Explore Nursing Careers with SIUE Expert

RiverBender.com reported on Granite City High School’s Career Exploration class, where students met with Alisa Richter of SIUE’s School of Nursing. Richter provided an overview of nursing roles, responsibilities, and career pathways, while also sharing details about SIUE’s nationally recognized nursing program and admissions process. 

Students engaged in an interactive demonstration using a baby simulator, experiencing firsthand how nurses monitor vital signs and respond to patient needs. The visit gave students a practical look at the profession and underscored SIUE’s commitment to preparing future healthcare leaders. 

Read the article on: RiverBender 

PHOTO: Alisa Richter Program Student Advisor/Enrollment Specialist 

9. Enrollment at SIUE Climbs to 12,800 Students

FOX 2 St. Louis reported that SIUE enrollment has grown to more than 12,800 students this fall, a 7.7% overall increase with undergraduate enrollment up 5.5%. Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, said the growth reflects the value of a degree and SIUE’s strong commitment to student success. 

Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Andy Benoit, EdD, credited purposeful outreach to schools and community colleges, improved student retention, and the visibility of SIUE’s first NCAA Tournament appearance as key drivers of momentum. Students also described the campus as welcoming and supportive, pointing to SIUE’s academic preparation for future careers. 

Watch the clip on: FOX 2 St. Louis 

PHOTO: SIUE Class of 2029 

10. SIUE’s Enrollment Growth and Balanced Budget Recognized in St. Louis Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Post-Dispatch featured SIUE’s surge in enrollment to more than 12,800 students alongside its return to a balanced budget, underscoring the University’s stability and momentum in a challenging higher education climate. The article highlights how SIUE’s financial discipline, enrollment management strategies, and community partnerships are strengthening its position as a leading regional public university. 

Read the article on: St. Louis Post-Dispatch 

11. WSIU and Black Magic Present “The Santana Experience”in Collinsville

FOX2 Studio STL spotlighted the final concert in the WSIE summer series. This event was held in partnership with Black Magic Communications. WSIE’s Robin Boyce gave a preview of “The Santana Experience,” a high-energy tribute to the music of Carlos Santana, which took place on Saturday, Sept. 27 in Collinsville, Ill. 

The performance group celebrated Santana’s signature fusion of Latin rhythms, rock, and soul, bringing a dynamic evening of live music to the Metro East.  

Watch the News Segment on: Fox 2 Now 

PHOTO: Black Magic, The Santana Experience 

12. Increased Enrollment and Program Realignment Help SIUE Achieve a Balanced Budget

St. Louis Public Radio reported that the SIU Board of Trustees unanimously approved a balanced $341.6 million FY2026 budget for SIUE. Chancellor James T. Minor credited rising enrollment (up 7.7%), record student retention, and smarter financial practices. 

The balanced budget reflects SIUE’s ability to make bold, data-driven decisions that align academic programs with today’s fastest-growing fields while continuing to invest in student success.  

Read the article on: St. Louis Public Radio 

PHOTO: SIUE students on campus 

These stories showcase SIUE’s dedication to academic excellence, financial responsibility, student success, and community partnership. Stay tuned for the next “In the News” update highlighting more ways SIUE is shaping the region and higher education nationally.