College of Arts and Sciences, Illinois State University

06/05/2026

We are of the work being done by the Permanency Enhancement Project (PEP), a collaboration between Illinois DCFS and four state universities, including Illinois State and representatives from School of Social Work at Illinois State University and its Center for Child Welfare and Adoption Studies! ❤️🤍

Get the latest on the work of one of its action teams! ⬇️

The Cook Region Permanency Enhancement Project presented at the Black Educational Advocacy Coalition 5th Annual Equity Conference on April 24, 2026. Kimberly Haynes, Chairperson for the National Provider Network (LAN 53), Toni Dunlap, Co-Chairperson for the Progressive Partners Action Team (LAN 79),...

06/03/2026

Hosting QuaSy-Con IV, a National Science Foundation (NSF)-supported conference on quantum symmetries, is what CAS is all about! 🙌

Hosted by the Department of Mathematics, the conference brought together participants from across the Midwest and beyond for two days of mathematics, collaboration, mentoring, and community-building centered around quantum symmetries! 🤝

Illinois State University hosted QuaSy-Con IV, an NSF-supported conference that brought together mathematicians, physicists, and students to share research and build collaborations in Quantum Symmetries.

06/02/2026

We're of Dr. Michelle H. Martin, Ph.D. ’97!

The CAS Hall of Famer and Department of English at Illinois State University alum is a nationally recognized literacy advocate and author, co-founder and executive director of literacy nonprofit Camp Read-a-Rama, and a champion of diversity in children's literature. 📚

Inspired by her own experience and legends like Beverly Cleary—Dr. Martin became the Beverly Cleary Endowed Professor for Children and Youth Services in the Information School at the University of Washington in 2016—Martin brings books to life for young readers!

Check out her story and her Top 🖐 children's picture books in the latest edition of State magazine!

From Illinois State to creating her own children's literacy program, Camp Read-a-Rama, Dr. Michelle H. Martin, Ph.D. ’97, highlights the pivotal influence of children’s books.

05/22/2026

to see this story from WGLT amplified to a national audience during Climate Solutions Week! 🌎

This is what WGLT does best—taking on a global story with a hyper local focus. And this is why we are to have WGLT as part of the College of Arts and Sciences! ❤️🤍

As part of NPR's Climate Solutions Week, you'll learn about efforts to make sustainability and recycling easier for college students in Illinois. Because one student’s trash is another’s treasure come the next semester.

05/21/2026

We're of CAS alum and U.S. Army veteran Joseph Zolper ’15! 🫡

The Illinois State University Department of History alum advocates for his fellow veterans and connects them with mental health resources through his work with the Road Home Program. ❤️🤍

Learn more about him and the work he is doing! ⬇️

Army veteran Joseph Zolper '15 is connecting service members across the country with mental health resources through the Road Home Program.

05/20/2026

A group of students receives mentorship and opportunities in the College of Arts and Sciences—all in the name of legendary faculty member Jim Skibo! 🫡

The Skibo Scholars program, administered by the Illinois State University Department of Sociology and Anthropology, honors the legacy of Dr. Skibo. Learn more and support the program! ⬇️

The legacy of a legendary faculty member lives on through a scholarship established to preserve his commitment to public education and the sense of belonging derived from community.

05/20/2026

Jacquie Bork was one of 10 CAS faculty members to earn a General Education Teaching Innovation (GETI) grant this spring! 🙌

Her course titled “Mathematics for Everyday Life,” like other successful proposals, delivers on student interest and need while aligning with Illinois State's new gen ed program. ❤️🤍

Jacquie Bork is one of 10 faculty members in the College of Arts and Sciences to earn a General Education Teaching Innovation (GETI) grant.

05/19/2026

We are of our partnership with the Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development and the ACED Fellows! 🤝

Students enrolled in SOC 477: Community Project Design and Management focused efforts this spring on supporting Comlara Park in rural McLean County! 🌲🌊

Their work was recognized last week by the McLean County Board, which applauded the group's effort with a resolution of congratulations! Pictured with Chair of Illinois State University Department of Sociology and Anthropology Joan Brehm are students Mugi Cutsimpumu and Keara Gray! 👏

05/18/2026

A group of Illinois State faculty came together for what's become an annual tradition last week at Timber Point Outdoor Center at Lake Bloomington! ✍️🏕️

Attendees of the annual writing camp wrote grant proposals and advanced manuscripts without any distractions beyond nature! This marked the eighth year of the camp! ❤️🤍

CAS attendees included: Sunil Cebolu and Fuxia Cheng (Department of Mathematics); Ela Przybylo, Derek Sparby, and Lisya Seloni (Department of English at Illinois State University); Reecia Orzeck and Lisa Tranel (Illinois State University Geography); and Blessing Okafor (School of Communication at Illinois State University).

05/15/2026

Meet Dr. Caitlin Mercier, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Illinois State, ISU Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studiess, and African American Studies, our May faculty spotlight in ! 👋

Learn about Dr. Mercier's research, her favorite thing about the College of Arts and Sciences, and what makes her ! ❤️🤍

Meet Dr. Caitlin M. Mercier, assistant professorin the Department of Psychology; Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program; and African American Studies Program