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Class of 2002
Class of 2003
Class of 2004
Class of 2005
Class of 2006
Class of 2007

Class of 2002


Shown, from left to right, are: Front Row -- Cindy Starwalt, Julie Benedict, Joy Craft
Back row: Margaret Messer, Melissa Gordon, Mike Carter, Jr., Phyllis Stewart, Carol Strode, Sandy Bowman, Coordinator.
(Not Pictured: John Henderson, Gary Reed)

Julie Benedict, Personnel Assistant III, Training & Development
Julie has been at EIU since 1995. She started in the Business Office and was a supervisor for 4 years. Julie is from the State of Kansas.

Mike Carter, Jr., Roofer Foreman, Facilities Planning and Management
Mike has been at EIU for 13 years. He started as a roofer and has been a foreman for 3 years. He also will begin teaching First Aid and CPR for employees in January. Mike is from Mattoon.

Joy Craft, Personnel Officer IV, Assistant Director, Human Resources
Joy started at EIU in 1975 as clerical extra help in the VPAA office. She moved to the testing area in 1975 and became the Employment/Examinations Manager in 1994. In 2001, she also became the Assistant Director of Human Resources. She was the employee of the year in 1990

Melissa Gordon, Office Systems Specialist II, School of Business
Melissa has been with the University for 6 years. She started as a cashier in the Business Office. She also worked in ROTC for one year.

John Henderson, User Services Director, ITS
John began at EIU in 1998. He left for about 7 months in 2001 but returned. He has also worked in Maine and Florida, but prefers Eastern Illinois. He says the faculty and staff are great here at EIU and easy to work with.

Margaret Messer, Associate Director, Honors Program
Margaret has been with the Honors Program since 1992, and also spent 13 years in a social services grant program. Margaret is originally from West Virginia.

Gary Reed, Superintendent of Utilities, Facilities Planning and Management
Gary has been at EIU since May 1989. Originally from Effingham, he has also served Eastern as a Mechanical Engineer. He graduated from the University of Illinois.

Cindy Starwalt, Financial Aid Advisor, Financial Aid
Cindy has been at EIU since 1994. She spent one year in the Business Office and has been a supervisor for 3 years. Cindy is originally from Greenup.

Phyllis Stewart, Account Technician III, Business Office
Phyllis has been at EIU since August 1984 (“too long”). She is from the Charleston area and has been a supervisor for 3 years.

Carol Strode, Acting Director, Facilities Planning and Management
Carol started at EIU in 1967 as a secretary in the counseling center. She has been a supervisor for the last five years. Carol earned her BA BOG from EIU in 1987.



Class of 2003


Shown, from left to right, are: Front Row -- Peggy Brown, Susan Smith, Joyce Hampsten, Cathy Gray and Teresa Sims;
Second Row -- Heidi Hawkins, Clay Hopkins, Rick Bagwell, Chris Sims, Jan Dowland, Julie Griffin, and Sandy Bowman (training coordinator);
Third Row -- Tom Rennels, University President Lou Hencken, Gary Hanebrink, John Looby, John Bailey, Steve Pearcy and Eric Davidson.
Not pictured is Charles Phillips.

Rick D. Bagwell, Pipe Fitter Foreman
Rick came to EIU in April of 1988 and has been a supervisor in the Environmental Control Shop for about 8 years. He was raised in the Champaign area and before coming to EIU, he worked for Local 157 (Pipe fitters Local, Terre Haute) as a construction pipe fitter/welder.

John E. Bailey, Carpenter Foreman
John has worked at EIU since November 1983 and was a temp until 1988. He has been a supervisor for ten years. He is from Mattoon and is the seventh of twelve children. He has been married to his wife, Jean for 24 years and they have two children.

Peggy A. Brown, Office Systems Specialist II
Peggy moved here four years ago from Seattle, WA. She worked at Academic Assessment and Testing for a year and a half and has been in the Business Office sine June 2002. She is currently taking courses in the BOT program and expects to graduate in May.

Eric S. Davidson, Assistant Director, EIU Health Service
Eric is originally from Neoga. He earned his MA in Clinical Psychology in 1999 and also earned BA’s in Psychology, Human Services Option and also in Speech Communication, Interpersonal Organizational & Public Relations – both in 1994. Before coming to Eastern, Eric was employed by Central East Alcoholism & Drug Council & Heartland Human Services. He enjoys reading books on Management and Leadership.

Jan Dowland, Administrative Aide/Records Manager.
Jan has been in her current position since July 2002. She has been employed at EIU since 1981 and started in the Planning & Budget office, moved to Central Stores in 1984 and moved to Facilities Planning & Management in 1987. She has three grown children and three grandchildren, which are the light of her life. Jan says she “loves my job and all the people at EIU and can't imagine working anywhere else; however, retirement is looking better every day!!”

Cathy Gray, Office Systems Specialist II
Cathy has worked at Eastern in the Facilities Planning and Management area since 1986.

Julie B. Griffin, Office Systems Specialist III
Julie has been with the University and in the Vice President for Business Affairs’ Office for nine years. She has been a supervisor for five years. Before coming to Eastern, she worked for an insurance company in Casey for eight years.

Joyce Hampsten, Assistant Director of Purchases
Joyce supervises nine employees that she describes as “an absolutely wonderful group of people to spend my day with.” She began working in Purchasing back in 1973 as a clerk-typist. She has also worked for Housing, Payroll and Facilities, Planning and Management. While working at EIU, she earned a BOT degree with a Business Minor. She has two children, three wonderful granddaughters and a grandson that is to make his appearance in May.

Gary W. Hanebrink, Safety Officer
Gary has worked at EIU since 1990 and held positions in Academic Affairs as well as Business Affairs. He has his BA from SIU and his MA from EIU. He is a Certified Safety Professional and is also State Certified in Environmental, Health Areas.

Heidi L. Hawkins, Accountant II
Heidi worked as student help in the Business office for four years until she graduated from EIU in 1993 with her Bachelors in Accounting. She has worked full time at Eastern since November 1999 as a supervisor in Facilities.

Clay Hopkins, Director, Administrative Services Office
Clay has been employed at EIU for 8.5 years. He worked in the telephone industry for 20 years prior to that. He has his BS in Business from EIU. He is married to Sandy and they have one child – Alison age 20. He enjoys gardening, golf, travel.

John C. Looby, Chief Instructional Media Systems Engineer
John has worked at Eastern for eighteen years and has been a supervisor since 1986. He has his BS and MS in Technology Education from EIU. Originally from Missouri, he has two children – Kimberly and Kevin. Kimberly will be an exchange student this August, with Rotary.

Steve Pearcy, Paint Foreman
Steve has worked in the Paint Shop for 21 years and has been a supervisor for the last 13 years. He served two years with the 82nd Airborne. He was a painting contractor for ten years and has completed APPA certification. He was raised in Charleston, has been married for 32 years and has one son.

Charles L. Phillips Sr., Director of Human Resources
Chuck is one of seven children and was raised in East Texas. He has been a supervisor for approximately 33 years with the City of Decatur, Illinois and also the City of Muskegon Heights, Michigan, in addition to EIU as the Director of Human Resources for the past 6 ½ years. He earned his BS in Biology from Prairie View A&M University in Texas and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Michigan.

Tom Rennels, Plumber Foreman
Tom has worked at EIU for over 16 years and has been supervising for 9 years. Originally from this area, he and his wife of 29 years have two children and one grandchild. (Tom likes to say he has his PHD – Plumbing and Heating Degree.)

Chris Sims, Budget Analyst
Chris is originally from Chicago. She has her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from EIU in Teaching and Student Personnel. She has worked in the Budget office for the last 15 years and considers herself the “luckiest person in Charleston.” She has been married to Ken for 32+ years and has two children and one grandchild.

Teresa Sims, Account Technician III
Teresa has worked at EIU for 18 years and currently as a supervisor in Accounts Payable in the Business Office. She has been a supervisor for 1 ½ years. Teresa is married, and has 1 son that is 12 years old, and 1 daughter that is 13 ½ years old. She is active in non-profit organizations. She was on the board of the Mid-Illinois Big Brother-Big Sisters organization, and even though she is not currently on the board, she is still very involved. She has also served as the captain for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser for the past 2 years.

Susan Smith, Assistant Director, Campus Card
Susan has worked at EIU in the Campus Card/ Telecommunications office since May 1999. She is also a 1990 graduate of Eastern Illinois University, majoring in Finance. She plans to work on her MBA in the very near future. She was married this past summer to Jack, a “great guy!!” according to her. She has two children: Haley – 22 and Luke – 20 and one adorable grandson: Alex – 15 months.

Class of 2004


Shown, from left to right, are: Front Row -- Kay McElwee, Rodd Boyken, Allan Rathe, Travis Magee, Adam Due
Second row: Katie Rice, Jan Spraker, Jan Hinkle, Mai Dao, Patti Bailey, , Karen Johnson, Sandy Black
Back row: Denise Love, Linda Holloway, Laura Gesell, Jenny Hagerstrom, Tina Leonard, Rosemary Harris

Patti Bailey, Staff Clerk, Financial Aid
works in the Financial Aid office and is responsible for Scholarships and Grants. She has been at Eastern for 10 years. She has two children, both in the military. She recently opened a tanning salon in Charleston.

Sandy Black, Assistant Director of Housing, Food Court
has worked for EIU since 1991. She started out as a cook in the Dining Centers and was then promoted to Assistant Food Production Manager and then to Assistant Director of the Food Court for Panther Dining. She enjoys working in a fast pace environment, and looks forward to working at the Food Court each day. She has been married for 24 years to Randy, and has a son Ben-23 and a daughter Emily-17 in Martinsville. They are involved in their church. She enjoys each of the dedicated workers at the Food Court, and is thankful for all the support that she gets from the Housing and Dining Administrators.

Rodd Boyken, Producer/Director, WEIU
is sports and public affairs producer/director at WEIU TV. He also teaches a television production course for the Communications Studies department here at Eastern. He has been at EIU a little over 3 years and has over 11 years experience in the television production field, having worked in commercial production, live event production and for public television. He is originally from Austin, MN, but enjoys the mild winters here in Charleston. He lives with his wife Monica, and two daughters, Bryn and Reagan.

Mai Dao, Budget Analyst, Budget Office
has been with EIU for almost seven years. Her hobbies are walking and playing tennis.

Adam Due, Chief Public Safety Officer, University Police
started out as an intern with the University Police in 1986. He has worked as a deputy in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago, until hired by Eastern in 1989. He has held the ranks of patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain (assistant chief), and served as acting chief from 2001 until selected as chief in 2003. He and his wife, Karen, live in Charleston with their children, Josh (20) (a sophomore here at EIU, Andy (15), Aaron (12), and Rachel (5). He received his B.S. in Law Enforcement Administration from WIU, and an M.S. Ed from EIU. He is a graduate of the Police Training Institute at the U of I, the FBI National Academy, Northwestern's School of Police Staff and Command, and is scheduled to attend the Southern Police Institute's Administrative Officer's Course in 2006.

Laura Gesell, Collections Specialist III, Student Accounts
has been employed at Eastern for 16 years. She received an associate's degree form Lake Land College in Management. She and her husband, Mark, live in Mattoon with their children, Kyle (11) and Shelby (6).

Jenny Hagerstrom, Medical Technologist II, Health Services
has been a supervisor at Health Services for a little over 12 years. Originally from Paris, IL., she graduated with an MS in Zoology from EIU in a little over 4 years. She spent a year at Decatur Memorial Hospital, where she got her MT (ASCP) certification. She worked at SBLHC for about 2 years, and at Link Clinic in Mattoon for 9 years before coming to EIU. In her spare time she quilts, reads, sews, and sings in the choir at church. She and her husband have 3 sons, Calvin, who is married and lives in Effingham, Josh, who is a Jr at U of I, and Tyler, a high school junior at Neoga High School. Her husband is the Superintendent of Public Works at Neoga.

Rosemary Harris, Assistant to the Dean, College of Education and Professional Studies
started at EIU in 1965 as a student, graduating with a B.S. in Ed. in 1969 and an M.S. in Zoology in 1971. She taught one year in the public schools before starting her career at EIU in 1972. She has one son, Bryan, and one grandson, Taylor. She is active in raising funds for the American Cancer Society and her hobbies include reading, walking, and spending time with her son and grandson.

Jan Hinkle, Assistant Payroll Manager, Human Resources
has been with EIU in the Payroll Unit of Human Resources since 1983. She was promoted to Payroll Manager in November, 2003. She previously held the position of Assistant Manager and other positions within the office throughout her 21 years of service. Jan is in her junior year as a part-time student in the Board of Trustees Degree. She has served on the Civil Service Council, and is a member of Business Affairs Managers team. She and her husband, Terry, reside in Charleston and together have 5 children and 6 grandchildren. In her spare time, Jan likes to play golf, walk for exercise and read.

Linda Holloway, Assistant Director, Payroll and Benefits
began her career at EIU on April 1, 2004 as Assistant Director of Payroll and Benefits. Linda manages the Payroll and Benefits area to provide essential information to Eastern employees. Prior to joining EIU, she worked in various capacities at Consolidated Communications in Mattoon, Illinois. Linda graduated from EIU with a Bachelor of Science in Business with concentrations in Human Resource Management and Administrative Management.

Karen Johnson, Administrative Aide, VP Academic Affairs
is an Administrative Aide for the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. She has been with the university for 15 years. Originally from Charleston, and having moved away a few times, she now resides in rural Mattoon with her husband, Boyd and son, Alex. Karen loves boating, Harley’s, good friends, country living and fond memories.

Tina Leonard, Counselor, Financial Aid
graduated from Eastern with her B.A. in Speech Communication in 1981 and M.S. in Educational Psychology and Guidance in 1982(now known as Counseling and student development). She has two wonderful children a son age 17 and daughter 13. My joy in life is being a Mom and I am my kids biggest FAN!!! I feel that my life's journey is to help others which is rewarding.

Denise Love, Training Assistant, Safety Programs
has been with Eastern for over eight years. She is an Assistant Program Coordinator for the Illinois Child Passenger Safety Resource Center. She has also worked at Textbook Rental. Before coming to Eastern, she worked for Rockwell International in the telecommunications field utilizing computers and training employees. She has her Associate Degree in Business/ Microcomputer Science from Joliet Junior College and both her Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Master of Science degree while working for the university. I plan to continue for a Doctorate degree in Counseling at Indiana State University. She has two children that are students at Eastern University. Nick is a senior and Jamie is a junior. Her husband Jim works for Charles Industries as a Quality Manager and Engineer. Her hobbies are walking, exercise, music, angels and reading, as well as variety of other activities.

Travis Magee, Building Service Foreman, Building Operations
has been at Eastern for five years. He graduated from Mattoon High School in 1995 and served two years in the Navy. He will graduate from Lake Land in the spring with a degree in Business Management. He resides in Toledo with his wife and two children.

Kay McElwee, Purchasing Officer, Purchasing Office
has worked at the University for 18 years with eight of those years being in the Purchasing Office.

Allan Rathe, Recycling Coordinator, Grounds
has been at EIU for 21 years starting as a grounds worker. He is active in his community as a Board member- Greenup-Cumberland County Fair Board, and a member of the Greenup American Legion Post 566, Liberty Hill Community Center, and Mt Zion “Block” Church. He is married to Judy Rathe and they have two children, Juli, and Theodore and four grandchildren.

Katie Rice, Staff Clerk, Continuing Education
has been in Continuing Education since 1995. Previously she worked in the Business Office, Purchasing, and ITS. She has four children and two grandchildren and keeps busy with her children and all their activities such as church, sports, and music. She likes to knit and crochet and is rarely without a project in my hands.

Janice Spraker, Account Technician II, Facilities Planning
has worked at EIU for 27 years. She graduated cum lauda from EIU in 2001and continues to attend classes for professional growth. She serves on the EIU Staff Senate and has held an officer position for the past three years and served on Tuition and Fee Committee, and the Faculty/Staff Senate Relations Committee. She volunteers at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Guest Relations. Her first son graduated from Lake Land College magna cum lauda and is currently attending EIU, her second son graduated from Charleston High School with honors. She and her husband have been married for 25 years. She also belongs to a Red Hat Society.

Class of 2005

Audrey A. Bachelder – Academic Advisor – Bachelors in General Studies Degree Program
Audrey was hired as the Publicity/Promotions Specialist for WEIU-TV in July 1996. In December of 2000, she became an academic advisor for the Bachelors in General Studies Degree Program (formerly the Board of Trustees BA Degree Program). Audrey received both her BA and MS degrees from Eastern.

Merribeth D. Bruning - Department Chair for Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle Level Education
Merribeth has been at EIU since August of 2002 and received tenure in 2005. Her doctoral degree is in elementary education with cognates in early childhood and music.

Missy Carey - Human Resource Administrator & Systems Administrator - Military Science Department
Missy has worked for the Military Science Department since 1981. She is an Eastern Illinois University alumnus and is currently completing her dissertation at Oral Roberts University , Tulsa , OK in Educational Leadership. Missy has worked with H & R Block for past 30 years as an enrolled agent with IRS.

Margaret J. Clapp – Administrative Secretary – Health Services
Margaret has been at Health Services for 16 years. She began as a Clerk-Typist II in 1989. In 1991 she was promoted to Medical Records Technician, 1995 Staff Secretary Trans., and 1997 Administrative Secretary. Margaret has been a supervisor for 10 years.

Ellen G. Coultas - Office Systems Specialist III – Vice President for Business Affairs
Ellen has been with the Vice President for Business Affairs Office at Eastern since May 1998. Before coming to Eastern she co-managed the Sullivan Marina and Campground for three years. She previously worked at Western Illinois University in the Housing and Public Safety Departments and as Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools at Red Hill School District in Bridgeport , Illinois .

Amy L. Edwards - Assistant Director - Planning & Institutional Studies
Amy came to Eastern from Anna-Jonesboro in 1990 as a first-time freshman and worked in the Budget Office during her undergraduate studies. She earned a BSB in Computer Management from Eastern in 1993 and a Masters in Business Administration from Eastern in 1997. Amy has worked in Planning & Institutional Studies since 1993.

William J. Elliott – Director International Admissions – International Admissions
Bill has worked in international education for the past eight years, and has served as Director of International Admissions at EIU since 2003.

Judy Gorrell – Executive Secretary - President's Office
Judy has worked as Executive Secretary to the President since August 1993. Prior to that time, she worked in the Business Office, Student Legal Services, and in the School of Technology . Judy appreciated the opportunity to take classes at Eastern, and she earned her BOT degree in the spring of 2004.

Mary K. Harris – Office Systems Specialist II – Military Science Department
Mary joined the Eastern Illinois University staff in October 2000 with the Housing and Dining Department. In January 2001, she joined the Military Science Department as Office Systems Specialist I. Mary was then promoted to Office Specialist II in 2003. She enjoys working with the faculty and staff of EIU. Mary has enjoyed the challenges the group has experienced through the "Leading Edge" and encourages others to commit to completing this course.

Lennie K. Heddins - Medical Insurance Specialist IV - Student Health Insurance.
Lennie began her employment with EIU in 1983 with the Housing Office as a residence hall secretary. In 1985, she accepted a position in the Admissions Office where she worked until taking a leave from EIU in 1989. In 1991 she returned to EIU and began working in the Financial Aid Office which led to her employment in the Student Health Insurance area. Lennie was promoted to the Specialist IV position September 2005 and now supervises 2 full time employees.

Rex A. Hilligoss - Architect - Project Manager - Facilities Planning & Management
Rex has been with EIU for five years. His work involves working with architects and engineers, Capitol Development Board (CDB), and contractors on major construction projects on campus. He also assists Facilities Planning & Management's Renovations and Alterations (R&A) group on internal construction/remodeling projects.

Phil L. Lang – Lieutenant - University Police.
Phil has been with EIU Police since January of 1989. Prior to Eastern, Phil worked for the City of Charleston , the Coles County Sheriffs Department and the United States Air Force. In his 17 years at Eastern Police Department he has held the rank of patrol officer, sergeant and lieutenant. He received an Associates in Criminology from LCC, a B.A. in Sociology from EIU and a M.S. Ed. from EIU.

Valerie Leonard - BSW Supervisor - Building Operations Housing & Dining Services
Valerie started at EIU on Jan. 4, 1982 as a Clerk I in the Business Office. She was promoted to Clerk II nine months later but before she could assume those duties, Valerie interviewed and was hired as a Collection Specialist. Five years later she became a BSW, then a BSW Sub-foreman and was hired in her current position in February 2005. She considers herself so fortunate to have been a part of this University for the past 24 years.

Joni S. Lutz – Account Tech III – Business Office (Student Accounts) – Joni began working at EIU in Sept 2002 as an Account Tech III in the Business Office (Student Accounts). She Graduated from EIU in May 1977, with a BS degree in Business (Accountant). She also owned and operated her own sewing shop for 6 years.

Billie L. Rawlings – Office Systems Specialist III - Vice President Academic Affairs
Billie has been at Eastern Illinois University for 18 years in the Office of Academic Affairs working with budgetary matters, summer school, faculty development and contract administration.

Nita Shrader – Administrative Nurse III - Health Services
Nita Graduated from Decatur Memorial School of Nursing in 1968. She has been in leadership roles in Pediatrics, Home Health, Surgery and then as EIU as Staff I nurse in 1984. Nita became a Family Planning Nurse through extended study and then Administrative RN in 2001.

John Sims – Operations Support Service Specialist III – Business Office. John has been employed at EIU in the Business Office for 15 years. He works with the FRS system security and management and is involved in the planning for the new Banner System. John earned his B.A. in Political Science from EIU in 1974.

Delisa J. Standerfer - Purchasing Officer III – Purchasing Office
Lisa began her career at EIU as temporary extra help in Registration then hired full time in 1986 in the Business Office as a Data Entry Operator II. She moved to the Purchasing Office in 1991. The main departments she buys for are Housing & Dining Services. Lisa also is the co-administrator of the P-Card.

Front row - Patty Murphy, Jeanne Dau, Angie Campbell, Michelle Morgan, Kelli Davis
Back row - Maria Dust, Shelley James, L. Ellen Shupe, Harold Harris, Steve Lane, Cathy Frazier
Cathy Brachear, Steve Shrake

Class of 2006

Cathy Brachear – Micro-Computer Support Specialist I, School of Continuing Education - In 1983, Cathy began her career at EIU working in the Business Office for one year; then, continuing in the Geology/Geography Department for the next five years. After leaving for ten years to raise a family, she returned to EIU in 1999 working in Booth library; then, promoted to the School of Continuing Education in 2000. Cathy married Bob in January 1984 and they have two children.

Angie Campbell – Medical Insurance Specialist III, Financial Aid - Angie began her employment with EIU in 1999 as a Medical Records Technician with Health Service. In 2003, she accepted a position in Student Health Insurance within the Financial Aid Department. She was promoted to her current position, Medical Insurance Specialist III in September 2005. Angie and her husband Brad live in rural Westfield . She has 3 children, a daughter Erin, 18 and sons, Ian, 15 and Alex, 10.

Jeanne Dau – Director, Business & Technology Institute, Jeanne is the Director of the Business and Technology Institute for the Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences. She is involved in community outreach and plays the role of matchmaker – matching faculty expertise to help businesses and individuals in need of training, consulting, research and entrepreneurial assistance. Jeanne lives in Charleston with her husband Dean and her two children Claire, 16 and Ryan 13.

Kelli Davis – Office Systems Assistant III, President's Office - Kelli has been with the University for about 2 ½ years, and is employed in the President's Office. She is a graduate of EIU, with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Gerontology.

Maria Dust - Faculty Assistant, Chemistry Department - Maria has worked at EIU for five years and is responsible for preparing, monitoring, and maintaining laboratory experiments in the Chemistry laboratory classes. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Indiana State University and currently lives in Mattoon with her husband, Pat, and their children, John and Marianne.

Cathy Frazier - Account Technician III, Housing and Dining Services. Cathy started at Eastern in 1982 as an Accounting Clerk in the Business Office. After a few months she transferred to the Housing and Dining Service Office and has been supervising for the last ten years. She earned a bachelor degree from Eastern in 1998. She has two children, Tom and Beth and one granddaughter, Whitley. She enjoys scrap booking, gardening and racing.

Harold J. Harris – Lieutenant, University Police Department - Harold has been employed with the University for 18 years. Harold graduated from EIU, with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Management. He is currently enrolled at EIU in the School of Technology Masters of Science program.

Shelley James – Staff Clerk, Academic Advising -Shelley started at EIU in September 2003 as a Clerk at the Academic Advising Center . She is currently Staff Clerk at the Academic Advising Center . Shelley completed her Bachelors Degree at EIU in 2006 and is currently working on her Masters in Family and Consumer Science. She has been married for 33 years to Dennis. They have two children Jacob – 29 and Stephanie - 20

Steve Lane – Human Resource Assistant Manager - Steve has worked in Human Resources since February, 1986. Originally hired as the Classification Officer (Personnel Officer II), he was promoted to his current position in October, 1987. Steve is an EIU alumni; he received a Bachelor of Science (Marketing major) degree in May of 1978. He is also a Certified Compensation Professional, achieved by meeting the course requirements of the WorldAtWork professional association.

Michelle Morgan - Administrative Aide, School of Family and Consumer Sciences - Michelle has worked at EIU since 1995 all in the School of Family and Consumer Sciences. Prior to working at EIU she was a legal secretary for the Coles County State 's Attorneys office and for current Senator Rick Winkel. She has 2 children.

Patty Murphy - Administrative Clerk, Facilities Planning & Management, Building Services Department - Patty has been with EIU since July 2000. She resides in Oakland with her husband Mike. She has two sons, two stepsons, & a 2½ yr old grandson. The Leading Edge has been a great opportunity to learn more about EIU processes, leadership roles, & meet new people.

Steve Shrake – Architect III, Facilities Planning & Management - Steve has been employed at the University for twelve years. The first six years, he was an Architect/ADA Coordinator and the past six years as Manager of Design and Construction in Facilities Planning & Management. Steve coordinates the university's interest with the Capital Development Board (CDB), architects and engineers for major projects on campus. He also coordinates the work of in-house Renovation & Alteration (R&A) construction crews.

L. Ellen Shupe – Office Systems Specialist II, Student Teaching Department - Ellen came to EIU in 1983 and has worked here for 21 years. She has been an Office Systems Specialist II in the Student Teaching Department for seven years. Her Bachelor of Arts is from Blackburn College in Social Sciences with a concentration in Economics. Originally from Mattoon they have been Charleston residents since 1998.

Fron Row: Marla Belden, Beth Craig, Karla Drum, Brian Schneider, Renee Stroud, Amy Richardson
Back Row: Kay Carter, Chris Childress, Laura Sutton, Debra Black, Aaron Allison, KathySchmitz,
Maggie Burkhead, Kim Bagwell, Judy Young, Cathy Thomas, President William Perry, Judi Konrad

Class of 2007

Aaron Allison - IT Coordinator, Facilities Planning and Management -  Aaron started working for Facilities a year ago and helps them with anything information technology, from helping people at their desk, installing and managing application servers, creating and managing the FPM website, and finding ways for FPM to be more efficient using new Technology. 

Kim Bagwell – Business Manager, Intercollegiate Athletics - Kim has been with EIU since January, 2004 and has supervised the Athletic Business Office/Ticket Office since December, 2005.  She is a 1984 graduate of Oklahoma State University.  She received her CPA certificate in 1985.  Kim previously worked for a national CPA firm and for several major oil companies in Oklahoma.  She and Rick have one daughter, Katelyn, who is 10 years old.

Marla Belden - Benefits Counselor II, Benefit Services -
Marla is on her second phase of working at EIU.  She first worked on campus from 1987-1993 and has now been working for 5 years in various areas including VPER, Philanthropy and Human Resources.  She is also a proud alum of Eastern Illinois University, B.S. ’93 and
M.S.’94.

Deborah L. Black - Construction Project Coordinator, Facilities Planning and Management - Deb has been at Eastern since April of 1988, and has worked in Facilities the entire time, beginning as a Draftsman.  She graduated from Indiana Vocational Technical College (IVY Tech) in 1988, with an Associates degree in Architectural Drafting, and has been taking classes at Eastern, for many years, working towards completion of a Bachelor’s degree. 

Maggie Burkhead - Director, TRiO Student Support Services Program, Minority Affairs - Maggie has worked as Director of TRiO/SSS at EIU for two years.  She is a two-time graduate of EIU, having received her B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences: Family Services and her M.S. in Ed.  She has worked with the U.S. Department of Education’s TRiO Program’s for the past 15 years.

Kay Carter - Office Systems Specialist III, Business Office - Kay came to EIU as a part-time employee in Payroll in 2001.  She worked in the Mathematics and Computer Science department until August 2005.  In August 2005 she became secretary to the Director of Accounting and Finance.  Kay and her husband Rich have 5 children and 15 grandchildren.  Kay says that working at EIU has been a wonderful way to end her working career and hopes to retire in a year or so.

Chris Childress - Associate Director, Budget & Accounts, Facilities Planning & Management - Chris has been at EIU since 1990.  She transferred from the Business Office to Facilities Planning & Management in 2006.  Chris is a native of Charleston and graduated from EIU with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.  She lives in rural Ashmore with her husband Mark, two teenage sons, a golden retriever and a calico cat.

Bethany M. Craig - Coordinator of Program Development, School of Continuing Education - Beth has worked at EIU for almost two years as the Coordinator of Program Development for the School of Continuing Education.  She is responsible for overseeing marketing and promotional activities for the School as well as developing new programs.  Beth is happy to have had the opportunity to be a part of the Leading Edge.

Karla Drum - Food Service Area Supervisor, Panther Catering – Karla has worked for Eastern since January, 2001 in Panther Catering.  She helps people plan their menus for a wide variety of events.  She lives in Casey with her daughter Cailen.

 Judith H. Konrad - Assistant Manager, Union Bookstore - Judi received her BA with Teacher Certification and her MS in Education from EIU.  She started working in the Business Office in 1980 and left Eastern in 1984 to pursue a career in Retail Management.  Judi returned to EIU in 2000 as Assistant Manager of the Union Bookstore.  She likes the University atmosphere and helping EIU students become the next generation of effective and responsible leaders.

Amy Richardson - Amy has worked at Eastern since October 2000.  Amy resides in Hindsboro, with her husband Roger. They have a daughter, Kristy, son-in-law, James, grand-daughter Abby and another grandbaby due in the spring. Amy is also a part-time student at Eastern.

Kathy Schmitz - Director of the Student Center for Academic & Professional Development, School of Business - Kathy has been at Eastern since July, 2005.   She earned her Bachelors of Science in Accounting from Wilmington College and her MBA from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Her husband, Jim, also works for Eastern as the Head Baseball Coach.  Kathy and Jim have three daughters; Casey, Abbey, and Hannah.  They have lived in Charleston for thirteen years.

Brian Schneider - Assistant Director of Carmen Dining - Brian has been with EIU for 3 years.  Prior to accepting his position at Eastern he spent 5 years as a Food Service Administrator at Northern Illinois University.

John Sigler - Associate Director Support Services, Facilities Planning & Management - John has worked at Eastern since 1990. John is a graduate of EIU with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master of Science in Education (Student Personnel in Higher Education).  John lives in Charleston with his wife Linda. They have 3 daughters, Stephanie, Stacy, and Mercedes; and a son, Jacob.

Renee Stroud - Admissions and Internship Coordinator and Academic Advisor, School of Business - Renee has worked at the University since 1993.  An EIU alum with a Bachelor of Science in Business, Renee completed her MBA after retuning to Eastern as an employee.  She also teaches evening courses at Lake Land College in the Business Division.

Laura J. Sutton - Office Systems Specialist III, Business & Technology Institute - Laura started at EIU in 2005 as an Office Systems Specialist I in the School of Business.  She has two grown children, Seth and Jessica.  Laura is in the process of completing her Bachelor of Arts in General Studies through the Board of Trustees Degree Program.

Cathy Thomas - Assistant to the Director, Research and Sponsored Programs - Cathy has worked in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs since 1994. She earned a BS Degree in Business Education from EIU in 1987. Cathy resides in Charleston with her husband, Mark, and their two children, Laura and Brett.

Judy Young -Systems Programmer III, Information Technology Services - Judy is an EIU graduate holding a bachelor's degree in Computational Mathematics. She started at EIU in 1986 as a Systems Programmer I.  Before returning to Charleston, she was employed by Aetna Life & Casualty as a Commercial Fire Underwriter in Campbell, CA.