Dean's Message

As always, EIU continues to be an exciting campus and I know that you join me in feeling that it is a special place where we all learned so much, came to know more about ourselves, and discovered the paths that have led to great careers. Last October, EIU kicked off their first major capital campaign with the goal of raising $50 million. I am happy to report that, to date, we have raised 88% of the goal amount. Increasing donations is a major positive outcome of the capital campaign. But another has been visiting with College of Sciences’ friends and alumni who have so many touching stories about how their lives were changed by their EIU experiences, by faculty who cared enough to provide special attention, by student organizations that provided leadership opportunities, and by the high quality education they received here.

For the campaign, the College of Sciences identified some projects that we hope to fund through gifts from alumni and friends. One of our projects was the EIU Autism Center, a center that would provide clinical and consultation services for persons with autism and their families, provide outreach and in-service to education agencies, and enhance the clinical training of EIU graduates. I know that Dr. Richard would be most happy to provide you with more details about the Center and ways that your contribution can make our plans a reality! To learn more about the campaign, check out this Web page: http://iameiu.com/. You will enjoy the video segment that you will find there.

2011 marks my 30th year at EIU and my 11th year as the Dean. It is true…time really does fly when you are having fun! Last summer I decided that this year would be my last. As I went about my activities this year, I thought of this as the last time I would organize a meeting, attend student banquets and award ceremonies, chair committees, or shake the graduates’ hands. Leaving is difficult but the memories I have acquired…as a faculty member, clinic director, department chair, and as dean are so sweet!

Last July 1, Dr. Godson Obia who has served as associate dean with me since 2000 took over as Interim Dean of the College of Sciences and a permanent dean will be selected after a national search which should begin in August, 2011.

My career at EIU has is a constellation of many experiences and all of you are the stars of that constellation! And as always, I wish you and yours all the best.  

Dean Mary Anne Hanner

Mary Anne Hanner, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Sciences
Professor, Communication Disorders and Sciences