Faculty Excellence
April 2026
McKendree University psychology students Kelsey Lyles (Psychology ’26), Cooper Quintero,
(Psychology ’28), and Georgia Cox (Psychology ’27) presented two research posters
at the annual convention of the Midwestern Psychological Association, held April 17-18
in Chicago, Illinois. The students collaborated with their research supervisor, Dr. Guy Boysen, as part of a research practicum course in psychology.
The first poster, Trends in Social Distancing of Schizophrenia Over Time, examined
long-term patterns of stigma toward mental illness using large, nationally representative
datasets from the United States and United Kingdom. By reanalyzing prior studies with
consistent statistical methods, the researchers found that public willingness to engage
socially with individuals with schizophrenia has remained largely stable over time,
even as stigma toward other conditions—such as depression—has declined. This research
is also in press at the journal Stigma and Health.
The second poster, Faculty Perceptions of Taboo and Scientifically Controversial Topics
in Psychology, explored how psychology faculty approach teaching sensitive or controversial
topics. Surveying U.S. faculty, the study found that while many instructors perceive
certain subjects—such as race, gender, and group differences—as politically sensitive,
they generally maintain strong confidence in the scientific evidence underlying these
topics and report little reluctance to teach them.
Conference: https://midwesternpsych.org/
Dr. Julie A. Tonsing-Meyer, Professor of Education, was invited to join an elite panel at ASU+GSV alongside leaders from Google and ISTE+ASCD.
The ASU+GSV Summit, co-founded by Michael Moe and Deborah Quazzo, began in 2010 with a collaboration between Global Silicon Valley (GSV) and Arizona State University (ASU). The Summit connects leading minds around digital learning and workforce skills to ensure a new era in which ALL people have equal access to the future.
The panel "Educators-in-the-Lead: Empowerment through AI professional learning" discussed topics that aligned with Google's recent announcement to provide access to professional learning to all US educators hoping to explore intentional use of AI in their classrooms. Dr. Tonsing-Meyer's contribution advances thoughtful, human‑centered AI adoption in classrooms nationwide.
Dr. Shelly Lemons, History, recently traveled to Nashville, Tennessee for the Southwestern Social Sciences Association
Annual Meeting. While there, the conference attendees elected Lemons as the 2027 Vice
President of the Executive Council. Lemons shared, “I’ve been participating in SSSA
since 1997 as a graduate student. I have served the history affiliate as President
in three different terms. I am excited and proud to be in this new role.”
According to the SSSA website, sssaonline.org, “The Southwestern Social Science Association (SSSA), founded in 1919, is the oldest interdisciplinary social-science association in the United States. By way of studying the present and the past, and through pondering possible futures, the social sciences together have a vital mission: promoting knowledge and understanding amid the complexities and transient aspects of today’s world. Propelling that mission, the SSSA brings together professional scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates from across the country and the world in the spirit of intellectual growth, collaboration, and collegiality. It features affiliate associations in Economics, History, International Studies, Political Science, Social Work, Sociology, and Women’s and Gender Studies, as well as participants from Anthropology and Psychology.”
Lemons will serve as Vice President in 2027, President-Elect in 2028, and President of the Association in 2029. Lemons beamed, “My peers trust me to lead them—does it get any better than that?”
Saturday, April 11, the School of Education hosted its inaugural Spring into Teaching Conference, a day dedicated to supporting
and inspiring educators as they navigate teaching with purpose in a changing world.
The conference opened with a welcome from President Dobbins, followed by a keynote
presentation, The Power of Positive Leadership, delivered by Dr. Kelly Stewart. Attendees
then participated in a full schedule of engaging breakout sessions led by faculty
and guest presenters, including Dr. Jen Barr-Starms, Dr. Jennie Winters, Dr. Amanda
Downard, Dr. Jennie Fowler-Williams, Dr. Niki Owens, Dr. Jay Goble, Dr. Julie Brown,
Sam Speers, and Kelly Kendrick. The conference was also honored to welcome local author
Shelley Kenow, who led several sessions on campus.
Breakout session topics addressed a wide range of timely and practical educational
issues, including IEP mastery, meaningful data use for student success, AI and technology
in education, the parent perspective and partnerships, word-problem solving, dealing
with difficult people, literacy practices, kinetic music experiences, building parent
relationships, behavior management, and licensure assistance.
The event had 71 attendees, representing undergraduate students, online Paraprofessionals,
MAT and Ed.S students, as well as teachers from area schools. The day concluded with
an educator panel with School of Education Chair, Dr. Katie Alford as the moderator.
The panel offered valuable perspectives from across the profession. Student teachers
Korea Harris and Nicole Bland shared insights from their student teaching experiences.
Brooke Zitta, a first-year teacher and recent graduate, reflected on her transition
into the classroom, while veteran teacher Nikki Brown provided seasoned insight. Dr.
Jay Goble and Dr. Julie Brown, McKendree graduate faculty and former administrators,
represented higher education and school leadership on the panel.
Overall, the conference was rated a success. Survey feedback indicated a strong consensus
that the event was well-organized, informative, and highly beneficial. With a successful
first year completed, the School of Education plans to host the Spring into Teaching
Conference annually, continuing to support educators at all stages of their careers.
Furman University has expanded its alumni programs by creating virtual panels of
alumni, the aim of which is to showcase the variety of ca
reer paths majors can take. Dr. J. Alan Alewine was invited to serve on a panel, called “Where Are They Now?,” of mathematics graduates at Furman University on Thursday, April 9, 2026. He said it was the most fun he ever had virtually on a Thursday at 4:30 p.m., except for faculty meetings.
March 2026
Dr. Alexandra (Niki) Owens, Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs in McKendree University’s
School of Education, recently partnered with the St. Clair County Regional Office
of Education to deliver a five-part professional development series for K–12 teachers.
The ICLP and Writing series explored practical strategies for teaching writing using
Joan Sedita’s Writing Rope framework and the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan.
The work also reflects McKendree University’s involvement in the Illinois State Board
of Education Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Pilot, which focuses on ensuring teacher
candidates are prepared to design and deliver high-quality, evidence-based literacy
instruction. Through partnerships like this, McKendree faculty continue to support
regional educators while strengthening literacy preparation for future teachers.
Drs. Tami Eggleston and Jennifer Miller, representing McKendree University, were selected to participate in the Alliance for Strategic Innovation Career Services Design Workshop that was held in Chicago, IL on March 5–7, 2026. The workshop discussed the importance of career readiness, and we were all required to read "The Small College Imperative" by Mary B. Marcy.
Dr. Jen Moder-Bell was selected as an "Inspiring Story in St. Louis" with Voyage STL Magazine. The heart of Inspiring Story in St. Louis' mission is to "find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities." Read the article about Dr. Moder-Bell here.
We’re excited to announce that McKendree University is one of 129 campuses that has been awarded the 2026 Highly Established Action Plan Seal by @ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge!
Our campus action plan has been recognized among the best in the country for building
and fostering nonpartisan civic engagement. Thank you to team #AllInToVote for this
recognition!
Learn more about Highly Established Action Plans: allin.vote/HEAP
McKendree University sent its first delegation to Springfield to participate in Model Illinois Government, March 5-8. Faculty advisor Dr. Ann Collins and five students attended the simulation: Conner Bennett, Anna Rose Sheehan, Shane Richardson-Veil, Tyson Thompson, and Dow White.
Bennett and Sheehan served as Democrats in the House of Representatives; Richardson-Veil
served as a Republican in the House of Representatives; Thompson served as a Republican
in the Senate; White served as a photographer as part of the press corp; and Collins
served on the Election Commission.
Richardson-Veil earned the Outstanding Whip award in the House. Richardson-Veil and
Thompson were elected by the full delegation to serve on next year's Executive Board,
Thompson as Secretary of State and Richardson-Veil as Comptroller.
The 2026 simulation marked the 48th year for the organization. This was McKendree's
first year to participate in the program. In all, 18 colleges and universities sent
delegations.
Dr. Tami Eggleston and President Dan Dobbins attended the Associated Colleges of Illinois workshop entitled, "Innovating Under Constraint: Stuck in Growth Gridlock" held at Lewis University.
February 2026
On February 23, Dr. Martha Patterson, Professor of English, will give a talk on her new book, The Harlem Renaissance Weekly: Reading the New Negro Movement in 1920s Black Newspapers, at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University.
In her writings, Dr. Patterson uncovers a popular Harlem Renaissance deeply committed
to political and social issues: the fight against lynching, segregation, and anti-miscegenation
laws and to the challenges posed by urban vice, infidelity, and family separation
during the Great Migration.
As a Kahoot! Ambassador, Dr. Julie Tonsing-Meyer traveled to London, UK to share her perspective, insights, and ideas to inspire other educators and school-based staff to cultivate engaging, effective, and powerful play in their own classrooms and communities.
At BETT 2026, Dr. Tonsing-Meyer showcased innovative applications of AI and active gamification within higher education. Representing the forefront of educational technology, the presentation underscored the conference’s mission to utilize AI and SEND-specific solutions to improve educational outcomes worldwide.
Dr. Kelly Stewart was the recipient of the 2025 Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools Area V Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Schools of the State of Illinois.
Nominated by Regional Office of Education #3 in Vandalia, the award honors Dr. Stewart’s leadership in training five cohorts of
Instructional Coaches across the region.
January 2026
McKendree University psychology students Kelsey D. Lyles (Psychology ’26), Mia M.
Wylie (Psychology ’25), and Divine Favour C. Ozomma (Biopsychology ’26) have coauthored
a peer‑reviewed article critically examining the scientific evidence underlying a
prominent educational framework. The article, “A Review of Neurological Support for
Universal Design for Learning,” appears in Policy Futures in Education and was published
online in December 2025.
The article was written in collaboration with Dr. Guy A. Boysen, professor of psychology, and systematically reviewed the neuroscientific research
behind universal design for learning (UDL) – an educational approach widely promoted
for increasing accessibility and learning for diverse learners. In previous research,
Dr. Boysen demonstrated that universal design for learning shares many troubling similarities
with the educational neuromyth that people have unique learning styles.
The newly published review identified 1,442 unique sources cited by CAST (the organization
that developed UDL guidelines) as supporting the neuroscientific basis of their UDL
guidelines, but only 1% of those sources represented neuroscience research. In many
cases, the neuroscience sources cited simply showed that the brain was active during
tasks rather than providing clear evidence linking specific neural processes to universal
design for learning principles. Overall, CAST cited no neuroscientific evidence cited
for three‑quarters of the UDL guidelines.
The authors conclude that neuroscientific claims about universal design for learning
are unsupported by existing evidence, and they recommend that educators and policymakers
exercise caution when making neuroscience‑based claims about the framework.
Article link: https://doi.org/10.1177/14782103251412473
Journal link: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/PFE
December 2025
Members of the Division of Nursing, Kendra Taylor, Angela Gilbreth, Danielle Shubert, and Misty Dickey, attended Memorial Hospital's 17th Annual Nursing Research Symposium on Friday, November 21st, at McKendree University’s Hettenhausen Center for the Arts. This event shares research from a variety of healthcare organizations and is attended by colleagues from numerous healthcare institutions. At the symposium, there were 106 registered attendees. This is the largest attendance since the pre-pandemic years. Continuing education credits were provided to all attendees who completed the symposium. Subject matter was vast including reflective journaling, journal clubs, managing withdrawal symptoms, and sources of overdose. The event also included poster presentations for additional dissemination of research.
For over a decade, McKendree has been a sponsor of the UMSL Focus on Teaching and
Technology Conference. Many faculty and staff attend and present. This year in October,
2025, Dr. Tami Eggleston led two Award Winning Faculty and Effective Teaching Panels.
Dr. Shelly Lemons, Professor of History, and HIS 265: Introduction to Public History students are proud to invite you to view their latest exhibit, "A Whole New U," currently on display on the first floor of Holman Library.
Building from a box of donated "Into the Streets" t-shirts and their semester-long activities in the McKendree University Special Collections and University Archives, students designed an exhibit to explore what it means to become a Bearcat. They considered the R.E.A.L. Mission, the purpose of New Student Orientation, and the lasting impact of "Into the Streets," community, and service.
Dr. Lemons stated, "I am very proud of the work they have done! Their exhibit tells a story—one with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Those who view the exhibit are reminded of unpacking boxes when they first arrived on campus. They are invited to reflect on their own "Into the Streets" service project. And finally, the audience can reminisce (yearbook-style!) about their own adventures in becoming a Bearcat."
The exhibit is free for viewing in Holman Library. Stop in and check it out!
Photos from the exhibit can be found here.
November 2025
Dr. Shelly Lemons, Professor of History, took students from HIS 265: Introduction to Public History on a field trip to the St. Clair County Historical Society on November 13, 2025. Students toured the Victorian House Museum and the Daphne Sumner History Discovery Center. They learned about the power of local history and the work of curation from Dr. Will Shannon, Executive Director. The tour concluded with a look at a rare artifact--the original surveyor equipment (circa 1797) used by John Messinger to determine the border between Illinois and Wisconsin, and as a result, define the Midwest.
(standing) Heidi Adams, Kennadi Hebel, Coleman Cummins, and Aiden Colbert listen as Dr. Will Shannon explains the Messigner survey equipment.
Dr. Eric Abrams' class, Economics of Pizza and Other Victuals, recently visited Peel Pizza in O'Fallon, IL, to hear from the owner Patrick Thirion's experiences and strategies with the three establishments.
October 2025
Dr. Shelly Lemons and students in HIS 265: Intro to Public History ventured to Springfield, Illinois
in October to explore the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. After viewing the exhibits,
the group explored Springfield before returning to the Metro East via Amtrak. Dr.
Lemons said, "Students had a chance to see how the things we talk about in class are
actually used in the Lincoln Museum. They also had the chance to check out public
history via markers and monuments in the afternoon before we came back. It was a great
experience, and I am grateful for the chance to get my students out to see public
history sites in our state."
(L to R): Landree Erwin, Hunter James, Lacey Voss, Heidi Adams, Megan Matheny, Coleman Cummins, Kennadi Hebel, and Aidan Colbert.
Dr. Guy Boysen was honored with Fellow status by the American Psychological Association (APA). "Fellow
status is an honor bestowed upon APA members who have shown evidence of unusual and
outstanding contributions or performance in the field of psychology. Fellow status
requires that a person's work has had a national impact on the field of psychology
beyond a local, state or regional level."1 He was awarded through Division 2 of the APA, the Society for the Teaching of Psychology.
1https://www.apa.org/members/your-membership/fellows
Angela Gilbreth DNP, RN, EBP-C presented on Emotional Intelligence: The Power of Perceptual Position at the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders (IONL) annual conference in Chicago, Illinois. The presentation was attended by over 150 nurse leaders throughout the state of Illinois. Each year, IONL holds the conference to support sharing of scholarly research and in-depth professional discussion.
Dr. Brittany Dobill recently presented at the Marketing Management Association Fall Conference, held
in Las Vegas, Nevada, in September. She presented in a panel discussion on "Designing
Marketing Curriculum for Gen Z and Beyond," where she shared valuable insights on
adapting marketing education to meet the needs of current students and generations
to come. In addition to her presentation, Dr. Dobill contributed to the conference
by serving as a session chair and reviewing paper proceedings.
Dr. Amanda Downard and Dr. Alexandra (Niki) Owens were selected to present a four-part series titled Behavior Matters: Behavior is Communication at Perandoe Special Education District. Attendees at the professional development session include paraprofessionals, teachers, administrators, school social workers and psychologists, and related service personnel.
The four part series will run from September 2025 to March 2026.
Part 1: Behavior is Communication
Friday, September 26, 2025
Behavior is communication, and understanding helps us connect with our students on a deeper level. Our past experiences, present actions, and future intentions all shape our success as educators and the progress of our students. By embracing three key practices in our teaching, we open the door to making a meaningful difference every day.
Part 2: Behavior is Shaped by Environment
Friday, October 10, 2025
Behavior is shaped by the environment. How a classroom is arranged physically, how students interact socially, and the routines and procedures in place all affect how students behave. Small changes in these areas can help create a positive space where students can grow.
Part 3: Behavior is Reinforced
Friday, January 16, 2026
Behavior happens for a reason. Both positive and negative behaviors are influenced by what happens before and after them. Understanding these patterns
helps teachers encourage desirable behaviors and reduce problematic behaviors.
Part 4: Behavior is a Shared Responsibility
Friday, March 27, 2026
Behavior is a shared responsibility because it is influenced by many factors, what students are trying to communicate, the environment
around them, and what we reinforce. When teachers, staff, families, and students work together, we create clear, consistent support that helps everyone succeed.
September 2025
The late Dr. Frank Spreng's, Professor Emeritus, book collection was donated to Holman Library. Debbie Houk, Director of Holman Library, acknowledged "the book collection donation means a lot to Holman Library as Frank was a supporter of the library and he enjoyed coming here to look at our books, talk to us, and make book recommendations. We are very happy to help support the family by taking Frank's books and giving them a new life." Dr. Spreng's books will be shelved in the stacks of Holman Library.
Dr. Martha Patterson recently held a book talk and signing at Harvard University with co-editor Professor
Henry Louis Gates, Jr., award-winning filmmaker, literary scholar, and Alphonse Fletcher University Professor
and Director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard
University. The talk centered around their new book, The New Negro: A History in Documents, 1887-1937.
August 2025
Dr. Brian Frederking has published a chapter in a 2025 book called "Short Games and Active Learning in
Political Science," published by Taylor and Francis. The chapter explains a simulation
in which students in an American Politics course wrestle with free speech issues.
The students play the role of a campus speech code committee and must decide whether
to expel students who do and say a range of problematic things. After the simulation,
the professor discusses how the United States Supreme Court would rule on those examples,
leading to discussions about the differences, if any, between free speech in the larger
society and free speech on a college campus.
Dr. J. Alan Alewine, graduate of Furman University, has recently joined Furman Connect, a program that
pairs seniors and recent graduates with professionals who can answer questions about
career and industry trends, applying for graduate school, the job search process,
work-life balance, personal experiences, and transitioning to life outside of Furman.
He is excited to mentor his first student!
