Firefighters respond to fire at UIS campus housing
Springfield firefighters were dispatched to a residential hall at the University of Illinois Springfield at around 3:45 p.m. Monday in response to a reported fire.
When firefighters arrived at the location, they found an extinguished fire in a bathroom, with thick smoke throughout the second floor. They said the fire was extinguished by a university police officer with a dry-chemical extinguisher.
This story appeared on WCIA.com on Nov. 16, 2021.
New bill pushes for fewer tests to become a teacher
Illinois lawmakers are pushing once again for fewer tests to become a teacher.
Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, filed a new bill aimed at increasing the number of teachers by decreasing their testing requirements.
It would get rid of the teacher performance assessments, or "edTPAs."
Dr. Meghan Kessler teaches future teachers at the University of Illinois Springfield.
She says eliminating this test wouldn’t make it easier to become a teacher, but it would make it more accessible.
![]()
" />
Joseph McGee ‘15
Joseph McGee ‘15
As a freshman, Joseph McGee set a goal of becoming president of the Student Government Association at the University of Illinois Springfield by his senior year. Thanks to his hard work and the opportunities available to him at UIS, he achieved his goal in 2014. The political science and legal studies major was also involved in Model Illinois Government, College Democrats, and the Black Male Collegiate Society.
![]()
" />
Vanessa Pratt ‘17
Vanessa Pratt ‘17
As a freshman, Vanessa Pratt started the Mock Trial team at the University of Illinois Springfield. The team now competes against other universities throughout the state. On campus, Pratt is a member of the Capital Scholars Honors Program, Pre-Law Society, Model Illinois Government, the Christian Student Fellowship and works for UIS Admissions. Pratt chose UIS because her father and uncle are alumni. Following graduation, she plans to attend law school and hopes to become a prosecuting attorney.
![]()
" />
Briana Rodriguez '20
Briana Rodriguez ‘20
The University of Illinois Springfield has empowered Briana Rodriguez to become an advocate for issues she believes are important. The sophomore legal studies major recently participated a rally in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program at the Illinois State Capitol.
