EIU Media Relations

EIU Education, HHS scholars, students earn achievement recognitions 

2026-27 award recipients add to Eastern’s growing list of high achievers and outcomes as industry leaders, learners

(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University continues to build on its longstanding legacy of preparing skilled, compassionate and career-ready graduates through academic excellence, faculty leadership and student achievement across the education and health and human services fields.

Supporting EIU’s tradition and reputation as a world-class institution for future educators, Dr. Katie Havercroft was recently announced as the Midge McDowell Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for decades of dedicated service and volunteerism, particularly in her work with Special Olympics Illinois and individuals with developmental disabilities. The award was established to honor the late Midge McDowell, who served as the founding director of Special Olympics Area 9 in East Central Illinois. It is frequently presented at Eastern Illinois University during the opening ceremonies of the annual Special Olympics Spring Games and Family Festival.

"The relationship EIU and the Department of Special Education have with Special Olympics is extremely meaningful to EIU and our local community partners, including our students, faculty, staff, and community members" said Dr. Havercroft. "To be recognized with the Midge McDowell Lifetime Achievement Award is a great honor. It is also a testament to EIU's commitment to inclusive practices and community engagement. Our students and faculty strive to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities in a variety of ways every day.”

Havercroft is joined by several EIU Education students in earning distinctions. They include (hometowns included where possible): Steve Dahlkamp - Distinguished Graduate Student - MAT Elementary; Cassie Johnson - Distinguished Graduate Student - MAT Secondary; Emma Dilley - Distinguished Graduate Student - MSEd Curriculum & Instruction; Candace Green (Robinson, IL) - King-Mertz Research/Creative Activity College Award of Excellence; Errett & Mazie Warner Special Education Scholarship: Rebecca Feuerborn (Danville, IL), Maddy Fought (Decatur, IL), Kaylee Lugo (Shelbyville, IL); Stephen Wayne Kennard Scholarship: Jada Duncan (Effingham, IL), Daniel Robins (fall awards), Avery Postelmans (Chatham, IL), Jaidyn Julius (Pana, IL) (spring awards); Dr. Robert Zabka Special Education Scholarship — Ali Blievernicht (Mattoon, IL); and David Coon Memorial Scholarship - Nicole Perez (Grayslake, IL).

Several other students received EIU’s Wheeler Foundation Scholarship, which was awarded for 2026-2027 to the following students: Ali Blievernicht (Mattoon, IL), Rebecca Feuerborn (Danville, IL), Jessica Kearns (Urbana, IL), Shakia Middleton (Mattoon, IL), Jennifer McDonough (Seymour, IL), Ava Northen (Monmouth, IL), Lisa Poorman (Humboldt, IL), Jennifer Popis (Champaign, IL), and Chloe Squaire (Mattoon, IL).

Recent recognitions and milestones across EIU’s College of Health and Human Services also highlight the University’s continued impact on workforce development and student success throughout East Central Illinois region and the State.

Two EIU nursing faculty members, Dr. Andrew Kirkley and Dr. Richard Clapp, were selected for the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s FY26 Nursing Educator Fellowship, a competitive statewide program designed to strengthen nursing education and expand the pipeline of healthcare professionals across Illinois. The fellowship recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching and leadership while preparing the next generation of nurses for high-demand careers. EIU’s Gail and Richard Lumpkin School of Nursing was recognized recently for achieving a 100% NCLEX pass rate for the second consecutive year.

During the EIU School of Nursing’s recent pinning ceremony, several students and faculty members were recognized for outstanding achievement and commitment to the profession. Dr. Julie Beatty received the Dr. C. Suzanne Gosse Excellence in Teaching Award, while nursing student Olivia Jermolowicz (Channahon, Illinois) earned the Dr. C. Suzanne Gosse Senior Award for academic and clinical excellence. A social media announcement indicates Jermolowicz will be working at Barnes in St. Louis in the trauma department as a nurse.

Additional University honors further reflect EIU’s commitment to transformative teaching and student-centered learning. Dr. Aimee Janssen-Robinson received the Dale and Deb Wolf Outstanding Service Award, recognizing exceptional service and dedication within the college community. Dr. Nikki Hillier earned the Hanner Teaching Excellence Award for outstanding instruction and mentorship, while Megan Wise was named recipient of the Distinguished Honors Faculty Award for 2026-27 by the EIU Honors College.

EIU also reached an important milestone in expanding educational access and workforce preparation through its Bachelor of Social Work program, which recently received pre-candidacy status from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The department has strengthened the program’s leadership with the addition of a Program Director, building on the earlier hiring of a Field Director to support student learning and professional placement opportunities.

For more than 135 years, Eastern Illinois University has responded to the evolving educational, workforce and community needs of the region and State while maintaining a strong tradition of student achievement and graduate success. Today, EIU continues to provide an affordable, accessible and high-quality education that prepares graduates to lead in healthcare, education, public service and countless other professions.

Through nationally recognized faculty, personalized learning experiences and a strong focus on career outcomes, EIU remains a first-choice destination for students and families seeking a supportive university experience with lasting value.

EIU scholarship opportunities are available to explore through a searchable, online tool at eiu.academicworks.com, and help connect prospective and current EIU students with personalized scholarships at the University. Prospective students looking for EIU scholarship opportunities can search for scholarships by keyword, department, field of study, career interests, and more. Students who have already been admitted to the University or who are currently enrolled also can use their EIU Net IDs to log in to the online tool, where their EIU information will automatically pair them with the most useful or recommended scholarships available.

With a streamlined, no-cost application process and access to admissions counselors, prospective EIU students can quickly move from interest to enrollment while exploring scholarship opportunities and campus resources. Interested students can learn more about EIU’s admissions process at eiu.edu/admissions/apply.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.