In The News: SIUE Faculty, Students and Programs Garner Regional and National Attention

In The News: SIUE Faculty, Students and Programs Garner Regional and National Attention

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty, students and programs continue to receive regional and national media coverage for their expertise, innovation and community engagement. Recent stories highlight SIUE's presence in major news outlets, student-led initiatives, and applied learning with real-world impact.

1. SIUE faculty expertise cited by The New York Times and River Radius Podcast
   
   Adriana Martinez, PhD, associate professor of political science, was cited in a New York Times article examining border policy and the U.S.-Mexico border along the Rio Grande, contributing expert perspective to a national discussion on immigration and infrastructure.
   
   Read the New York Times article by Pooja Salhotra.
   
   Martinez also appeared as a guest on "The River Radius" podcast discussing her work on rivers and border policy.
   
   Listen to Martinez' episode on the River Radius Podcast.
   
   PHOTO: Adriana Martinez
   
   
2. KMOV Interviews SIUE Student Deja Johnston after Discovering Endangered Turtles on Nearby Conservation Land
   
   A First Alert 4 report highlights efforts by SIUE students and conservation partners to protect a population of endangered ornate box turtles discovered near campus at the Knoll Family Wildlife Sanctuary.
   
   SIUE student Deja Johnson helped identify and track 19 turtles living in the rare sand prairie habitat using radiotelemetry equipment. The report also details how illegal dumping in the area poses ongoing risks to the turtles and surrounding ecosystem, prompting cleanup efforts by Heartlands Conservancy and local volunteers, including the installation of donated fencing and gates to deter further dumping.
   
   Read Avery Martinez's article on FirstAlert4.com.
   
   PHOTO: Ornate Box Turtle held by Deja Johnson
   
   
3. Andrew Gavin and 66'ers featured on FOX 2
   
   SIUE Athletics' Route 66 alternate identities were featured on FOX 2, highlighting the University's regional identity and branding initiatives through athletics.
   
   Director of Athletics Andrew Gavin was interviewed.
   
   While SIUE will still be the Cougars, SIUE will occasionally compete as the 66'ers.
   
   Warch the story on KTVI FOX 2.
   
   PHOTO: Andrew Gavin on FOX2
   
   
4. SIUE engineering seniors aid Edwardsville Fire Department (Illinois Business Journal)
   
   Senior mechanical engineering students designed and built a drill-powered hose-reel system for the Edwardsville Fire Department as part of their capstone project, improving efficiency and reducing physical strain for firefighters.
   
   The students began work last year on a redesign that would meet the needs of the Edwardsville community and beyond.
   
   Read the article on the Illinois Business Journal.
   
   PHOTO: Mechanical engineering capstone students with Edwardsville Fire Department. Courtesy of the City of Edwardsville.
   
   
5. 'Humans of SIUE' initiative highlighted by The Alestle
   
   An English Composition I assignment has grown into "Humans of SIUE," a student-led storytelling initiative inspired by "Humans of New York."
   Led by instructor Keith Edwards, the project fosters campus connection and will launch as a club supported by the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub in January.
   
   Read Opinion Editor Brandi Spann's article in the Alestle.
   
   PHOTO: Jazmin Moore, one of the featured 'Humans of SIUE' in Edwards project
   
   
6. WalletHub features Jie Ying as expert source
   
   Jie Ying, PhD, professor in the Department of Economics and Finance, was featured as an expert source by WalletHub, offering insight on SR-22 insurance and financial decision-making.
   
   The feature reflects SIUE faculty's ongoing role in translating complex financial topics into accessible guidance for broad public audiences.
   
   Read the full article on WalletHub.
   
   PHOTO: Jie Ying, PhD
   
   
7. St. Louis Post-Dispatch highlights SIUE Athletics graduation rates
   
   SIUE Athletics was featured on the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and STlToday examining graduation rates among collegiate athletic programs, underscoring the University's commitment to student-athlete academic success.
   
   The coverage features a video from men's basketball coach Brian Barone speaking about the team from an Ohio Valley Conference media day.
   
   Read the story on stltoday.com.
   
   PHOTO: SIUE wrestlers Caleb Tyus, left, and Caine Tyus show off their diplomas.
   
   
8. SIUE Student Lacey Weissenborn breaks barriers in accessible media for MindsEye Equal Access Reporting program
   
   Lacey Weissenborn, a first-year mass comm student at is gaining real-world sports journalism experience through Equal Access Reporting, a new initiative launched by MindsEye that creates reporting opportunities for blind and low-vision journalists.
   
   Through the program, Weissenborn has covered SIUE athletics and St. Louis City SC and is scheduled to report from St. Louis Blues games, building a professional portfolio while expanding inclusive representation in sports media. Her participation reflects a growing pathway for students with disabilities to access hands-on journalism experiences traditionally limited by physical barriers.
   
   Read about her journey from Scott Marion's article in the Intelligencer.
   
   PHOTO: Lacey Weissenborn showing her media credentials at a reporting booth in CITYPARK. Courtesy of Weissenborn.
   
   
9. Leclaire Elementary highlights community diversity with support from SIUE students
   The Intelligencer reported on Leclaire Elementary School's "All Are Welcome" night held Nov. 20, an event that invited students and families to celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions and identities represented within communities.
   
   SIUE volunteers from Kappa Delta Pi supported activities and engaged with families. Their participation reflects SIUE's ongoing commitment to community partnership and service learning beyond campus.
   
   Read Jason Koch's article about the Kappa Delta Pi volunteers in the Intelligencer.
   
   PHOTO: Juliet Watts sits at a "passport" station for LeClaire Elementary schoolchildren. Courtesy of the Intelligencer.
   
   
10. SIUE's Jeffrey Manuel featured in Ethanol Producer Magazine and podcast
    Jeffrey Manuel, PhD, professor of history, discusses several aspects of ethanol's history, particularly in the United States and its connections with Brazil on the podcast "Homegrown Fuels."
    
    Manuel partnered with Thomas Rogers of Emory University and podcast host Sue Retka Schill where they also discussed Schill's new book, "Ethanol-a Hemispheric History for the Future of Biofuels."
    
    Read the article from Ethanol Producer Magazine.
    
    Listen to Homegrown Fuels' Special podcast episode.
    
    PHOTO: Jeffrey Manuel
    
    
11. Chancellor Minor shares holiday traditions in Edwardsville Intelligencer feature
    
    The Edwardsville Intelligencer featured Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, in a holiday roundup highlighting local leaders and their holiday traditions, offering readers a personal glimpse into how community figures celebrate the season.
    
    Minor shared family traditions and emphasized connection and gratitude as guiding themes during the holidays, reflecting on the amazing year 2025 was for SIUE.
    
    The feature positioned Minor among regional leadership including Edwardsville Mayor Art Risavy and Glen Carbon Clerk Kathy Scaturro.
    
    Read the full article by Dominic Genetti in the Edwardsville Intelligencer.
    
    PHOTO: Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD
    
    
12. As Heard on KMOX: SIUE Mourns the loss of Professor Emeritus and Award-Winning Jazz Guitarist Rick Haydon
    
    KMOX was among the first to break the news that SIUE's own Rick Haydon died Sunday, Jan. 11. The renowned Jazz guitarist had more than a 30-year career as an instructor at SIUE and was beloved professor. Haydon developed many alumni who would go on to secure grammy nominations and wins.
    
    Funeral arrangements are still pending and obituary information will be made available on the SIUE Newsroom.
    
    Read the current tribute posted by KMOX.
    
    PHOTO: Rick Haydon
    
    
13. Thad Duhigg Sculpture Exhibition Reported on by The State Journal-Register
    
    Thad Duhigg, professor of art, has an exhibition showing at the Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery at Lincoln Land Community College. "the neophobic kingdom" feature Duhigg's work, which includes bronze casting.
    
    The gallery may be visited on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Thursday, Feb. 12.
    
    Read Janis Reeser's exploratory article on The State Journal-Register.
    
    PHOTO: Courtesy of The State Journal-Register and the Lincoln Land Community College