In the News: SIUE Expertise, Music, and Community Impact Featured Across Regional and National Media
February 26, 2026, 2:40 PM
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty, students and programs continue to gain regional and national media coverage for their expertise, innovation and community engagement. Recent coverage highlights faculty thought leadership, alumni achievement, student opportunity and the University’s growing role as a civic and cultural anchor across the region.
- East St. Louis Alumni Panel Inspires Class of 2026
Riverbender highlighted an SIUE alumni panel held at East St. Louis Senior High School, where graduates shared career journeys and encouragement with the Class of 2026. The event connected SIUE alumni success with current student aspirations and regional educational pathways.
Read Dan Brannan’s article on Riverbender.
PHOTO: East St. Louis alumni panel - Vadlani Named Executive Director of NCERC
Energy AgWired and Feed & Grain reported on the appointment of Vijay Singh Vadlani, PhD, executive director of the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at SIUE. Vadlani brings extensive experience in biofuels research and commercialization leadership to the nationally recognized center.
Read more on Energy AgWired.
Read more on Feed & Grain.
PHOTO: Vijay Vadlani, PhD - SIUE Wind Symphony Performance Broadcast on DC Metro Station Classical Delmarva
Classical Delmarva 89.5 in Salisbury, Maryland aired a performance featuring John Raymond Bell, EdD, professor emeritus, conducting the SIUE Wind Symphony in David Gillingham’s Second Symphony.
The performance aired on January 11 at 5:02 p.m.
Listen to the broadcast.
PHOTO: John Bell, EdD, Professor Emeritus - Mass Communications Film Workshops Featured on KTVI FOX 2
FOX 2 News highlighted hands-on film workshops led by SIUE Mass Communications faculty that provide students with practical production experience. The segment emphasized career-focused training and industry preparation within the program.
Watch the segment on FOX 2.
PHOTO: Courtesy of KTVI FOX 2 - Jersey High Band Students Selected for SIUE Bi-State Event
Riverbender reported that students from Jersey Community High School were selected to participate in SIUE’s prestigious Bi-State Band event. The annual program brings together top regional high school musicians to perform under SIUE faculty direction.
Read Dan Brannan’s article on Riverbender.
PHOTO: Jersey Community High School Students Performing at SIUE. - Illinois Assistant Principal of the Year Connected to SIUE
Riverbender featured Ali Hiller, ’20, of Woodland Elementary School, named Illinois Assistant Principal of the Year. Hiller is an SIUE alumna whose leadership reflects the University’s impact in regional educational administration.
Read Dan Brannan’s article on Riverbender.
PHOTO: Ali Hiller, courtesy of Riverbender. - Intelligencer Reports on Upcoming Lincoln Laureate Ceremony with Gov. Pritzker
The Edwardsville Intelligencer reported that Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker will confer the state’s highest honor, the Order of Lincoln, during a ceremony hosted at SIUE. The event underscores the University’s role as a regional civic and ceremonial hub.
Read Abi Zajac’s article on the Intelligencer.
PHOTO: Flown flags at SIUE. Photo by Howard Ash.
- Paul Rose, PhD, Featured in WalletHub’s “Best Credit Cards for Restaurants”
SIUE finance professor Paul Rose, PhD, contributed expert commentary to WalletHub’s national guide on selecting credit cards for restaurant spending.
Rose provided insight on consumer decision-making and financial behavior.
Read John Kiernan’s article on WalletHub.
PHOTO: Paul Rose. Photo by Howard Ash. - KSDK Reports on MLK Luncheon
KSDK covered footage from SIUE’s 43rd annual MLK celebration. Students, staff and the public were invited to hear a keynote speech from Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, who is the daughter of civil rights leader Malcolm X.
Watch or listen to the video on KSDK.
PHOTO: Photo of KSDK Footage - Intelligencer Covers Rotary Club Empty Bowls Fundraiser Supporting Local Food Pantries Including Cougar Cupboard
The Edwardsville Intelligencer reported on the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser supporting local food pantries, including SIUE’s Cougar Cupboard. The community event raises awareness of food insecurity while generating donations for regional hunger-relief organizations serving area residents and students.
Read Abi Zajac’s article on the Intelligencer.
PHOTO: Attendees at the Rotary fundraiser. Photo by Abi Zajac. - The Wedge Powered by SIUE Featured in Riverbender
Riverbender features an article about the Wedge Powered by SIUE, exploring themes of perseverance, creativity and legacy through a “Van Gogh point of view.”
The article reflects on how artistic vision and determination can shape impact across disciplines, connecting these ideas to the work and influence of SIUE faculty and programs in the region.
Read Stephanie Schrage’s article on Riverbender.
PHOTO: The Wedge Powered by SIUE. Photo courtesy of Riverbender. - Tom Spudich Discusses Forensic Analysis Advances in Spectroscopy Online
Spectroscopy Online featured SIUE professor of analytical chemistry Tom Spudich, PhD, in an interview on the evolving landscape of forensic science ahead of the 2026 American Academy of Forensic Sciences conference.
Spudich discussed current challenges facing forensic analysts and highlighted his research.
Read the article by Will Wetzel on SepectroscopyOnline.com.
PHOTO: Tom Spudich
