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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has announced 10 inductees to the 2026 Alumni Hall of Fame. The SIUE Alumni Association Hall of Fame honors distinguished alumni who have made exceptional contributions in their careers, communities and to the University. This year’s Alumni Association honorees are Lindy Noel, Kyle Anderson, Andy Manar, Scott Thoma, Ken Tilashalski, DMD, Sandy Montgomery, Ryan Freeman, Verna Hendricks-Ferguson, PhD, RN, FAAN, FPCN, Jerrica Ampadu, PhD, RN and Casey Reed, PharmD.

The SIUE Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards Ceremony is set to take place Friday, November 13 in the Meridian Ballroom of the Morris University Center.

“The SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame was established to recognize alumni whose accomplishments bring distinction to the University and inspire future generations of students,” said Cathy Taylor, ’15, Associate Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Executive Director of Alumni and Donor Relations.

“The 2026 inductees showcase the diversity of talent within our alumni community. Their achievements, leadership, and commitment to serving others demonstrate the many ways SIUE alumni are shaping industries, strengthening communities, and making a positive impact across the nation.”

Learn more about our 2026 Hall of Fame honorees and purchase tickets online at siue.edu/hof.

INTRODUCING THE 2026 SIUE ALUMNI HALL OF FAME HONOREES 

College of Arts and Sciences

Kyle Anderson 
BS Political Science ’00

Kyle Anderson serves as executive director and CEO of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, where he champions economic growth and regional collaboration. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles in government, public policy, and economic development, helping advance major infrastructure initiatives and community projects across Illinois. Anderson is also recognized for his civic leadership, including efforts supporting military families and advancing opportunities for SIUE student-athletes.

Andy Manar 
BS History ’97

Andy Manar serves as Illinois Deputy Governor for Budget and Economy and has built a distinguished career in public service. A Golden Apple Scholar and former educator, his service has included roles as Bunker Hill City Council member, Mayor, Macoupin County Board Chair, Illinois State Senator, and Chief of Staff to Illinois Senate President John Cullerton. As a state senator, he led passage of Illinois’ landmark Evidence-Based Funding formula for public schools, and today oversees state budget, workforce, and economic initiatives as Deputy Governor.

Lindy Noel 
BS Speech Communication ’11, MPA ’14

Lindy Noel is a corporate communications specialist for the Columbus Blue Jackets, where she leads strategic communications and media relations initiatives that elevate the organization’s brand and storytelling efforts. Previously, she held communications leadership roles with the St. Louis Blues and the Alzheimer’s Association. A dedicated community advocate and former SIUE Alumni Association Board member, Noel was nationally recognized in 2024 for becoming a living kidney donor and was honored with a Stan Musial Award for her extraordinary generosity. 
 
School of Business

Scott Thoma 
BS Business Administration/Economics & Finance ’98, MS Economics & Finance ’00

Scott Thoma recently concluded a 26-year career with Edward Jones, where he helped transform the firm into a nationally recognized leader in financial planning and advisory services. During his tenure, he served in multiple senior leadership roles, including co-chair of the firm’s Investment Policy Committee and leader of its financial planning strategy team. Thoma also championed philanthropic efforts, helping raise millions of dollars through Edward Jones’ United Way campaigns. 
 
School of Dental Medicine

Ken Tilashalski, DMD 
Doctor of Dental Medicine ’91

Dr. Ken Tilashalski is dean of the College of Dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on dental education, research, and expanding access to care across Tennessee. Prior to joining UTHSC, he spent nearly three decades on the faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, including more than 12 years as associate dean for academic affairs. A respected clinician, educator, and national leader in dental education, Tilashalski has earned numerous honors for his contributions to teaching and the profession. 
 
School of Education, Health and Human Behavior

Sandy Montgomery 
BS Physical Education ’86, MSEd Physical Education ’88

Sandy Montgomery is co-owner of The Goddard School and a Realtor with 360 Prime Realty Group. A former SIUE administrator and legendary softball coach, she earned more than 1,000 career victories, led the Cougars to a national championship, and remains one of the most accomplished coaches in university history. Montgomery continues to support education, youth development, and the Edwardsville community through business leadership, volunteerism, and civic engagement. 
 
School of Engineering

Ryan Freeman 
BS Mechanical Engineering ’01

Ryan Freeman is president of PayneCrest Electric, where he has led the company’s growth into a nationally recognized electrical contracting firm. Throughout his career, he has overseen major construction projects across the St. Louis region, including the St. Louis Aquarium, Washington University’s East End project, and the Gateway Arch Museum. Freeman was recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and continues to lead PayneCrest following its acquisition by Primoris, one of the nation’s largest specialty contractors. 
 
School of Nursing

Verna Hendricks-Ferguson, PhD, RN, FAAN, FPCN 
BS Nursing ’78, MS Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health ’85 

Dr. Verna Hendricks-Ferguson is the Irene Riddle Endowed Chair of Nursing Research and professor at Saint Louis University’s Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing. An internationally recognized nurse scientist, her NIH-funded research has advanced pediatric palliative and hospice care for children with cancer and their families. A Fellow of both the American Academy of Nursing and Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing, Hendricks-Ferguson has received numerous national honors for her groundbreaking contributions to nursing research. 
 
School of Pharmacy

Casey Reed, PharmD 
Doctor of Pharmacy ’12

Dr. Casey Reed serves as head of strategic solutions for Sanofi North America, where she leads initiatives involving healthcare innovation, business development, policy engagement, and artificial intelligence. Since graduating from SIUE, she has built a distinguished career across pharmacy practice, managed care, outcomes research, and the pharmaceutical industry while earning multiple advanced degrees and professional certifications. In 2025, Reed was inducted as a Fellow of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy in recognition of her contributions to the profession. 
 
Graduate School

Jerrica Ampadu, PhD, RN 
BS Nursing ’97, MS Nursing/Medical-Surgical Nursing ’02

Dr. Jerrica Ampadu is an associate professor at SIUE and a nationally recognized leader in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in nursing education. She serves in leadership roles with several national organizations and has received numerous honors for her commitment to educational excellence and community impact. Her recent recognitions include Distinguished Fellow of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing and the YWCA Southwestern Illinois Woman of Distinction Award. 
 
PHOTOS: 2026 SIUE Alumni Association Hall of Fame Inductees (first row) Jerrica Ampadu, PhD, RN, Kyle Anderson, Verna Hendricks Ferguson, PhD, RN, FAAN, FPCN, Ryan Freeman, Andy Manar (second row) Sandy Montgomery, Lindy Noel, Casey Reed, PharmD, Scott Thoma, Ken Tilashalski, DMD