Embedded Files
Reflection from The President
Reflection from The President
"When we identify a student need, it becomes a project."
~Dawn Sterning
My listening tours this week were incredible, to say the least. I am enjoying learning about the challenges, opportunities, and possibilities of our PSC community. The faculty, staff, and managers I met with this week were so honest and open with me, sharing their personal stories, how they spend their time, and what they thought we need to be focused on right now.
Dawn Sterning, Library Services Manager, is responsible for the quote you see above as she described how she and those in the library think about supporting students. It is so simple, yet so profound, and it stuck with me. When a student comes to the library with a concern, problem, or question, the library team sees that as an opportunity to take a deep dive with that student. They think about what other needs the student may have. Needs that perhaps the student is not sharing. They think about the other students who may have similar problems or concerns, but have not voiced them. They think about how to improve their operations based on what they are learning from student interactions.
This is the very essence of the attitude and posture we need to embrace in this new world. It told me everything I needed to know about Dawn, and the library, as it relates to how they care for our students. They admit they don't always get it right, but they start with a desire to serve the student in ways the student doesn't even realize they need.
What a gift we have in our library, and in the people who work there. What other gifts are out there? What practices, ways of thinking, attitudes, and beliefs are driving your work that we need to embrace? I look forward to hearing all about it.
Lunch with the President:
Lunch with the President had its biggest success last week and should continue to grow. Students came to grab a bite to eat and chat with the President about their own needs and the happenings of PSC. Encourage your students to sign up for a session.
Lunch with the President:
Lunch with the President had its biggest success last week and should continue to grow. Students came to grab a bite to eat and chat with the President about their own needs and the happenings of PSC. Encourage your students to sign up for a session.
Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests Now Available:
Every household in the United States is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests. A link to order is below. Also, please remember to check prairiestate.edu/covid19 for all the latest updates for the College.
Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests Now Available:
Every household in the United States is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests. A link to order is below. Also, please remember to check prairiestate.edu/covid19 for all the latest updates for the College.
Student Spotlight:
Student Spotlight:
On February 26-27, 2022, the Prairie State College Speech Team competed virtually at the Mt. San Antonio College Tournament in Walnut, California.
Fiel Wilson (Homewood) picked up a win for the Pioneers in Novice Poetry Interpretation. Wilson's teammates Natalia Ojeda (Homewood) and Suzanne Parker (Thornton) also shined for PSC. Parker finished fourth in both Novice Poetry Interpretation and Novice Persuasive Speaking. Ojeda finished fourth in Novice Prose Interpretation.
We wish the speech team luck for the remainder of its season.
#WeArePSC #StartNearGoFar
Faculty/Staff Spotlight:
Faculty/Staff Spotlight:
The Board of Trustees approved the tenure recommendation for Shawna Miller, assistant professor of nursing during its February 2022 meeting.
Miller began her time at Prairie State as the nursing lab coordinator in 2014 and began teaching at the College in 2019. Before coming to PSC, she was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was a medical services specialist for four years. Miller also earned a M.S. in Nursing Education from Capella University and a B.S. in nursing from George Mason University (Fairfax, Va.). She has over 20 years of clinical experience in many nursing areas including surgical nursing, cardiac telemetry and triage. Miller is currently the chairperson for the search committee for the open nursing lab assistant position and was on the committee to redesign the nursing simulation lab. Miller was also active in the reaccreditation of the PSC nursing program in Sept. 2021 for the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Miller also serves as an academic advisor to nursing students.
“I am honored to have received tenure at Prairie State College. This opportunity has been a learning process that has taught me so much about being the nursing professor I aspire to be,” Miller said. “I am thankful for all the colleagues who have helped me along the way and encouraged me. I look forward to a long career here at the PSC.”
Faculty/Staff Spotlight:
Faculty/Staff Spotlight:
Valerie Moore is the Outright and Engagement Librarian and an assistant professor at Prairie State College. She has been making a significant impact at PSC since August 2020.
Moore was instrumental in several of the College's Black History Month events including the Read-In and Book Club Meeting on The Hate U Give. Moore will lead the way for the next book club meeting which will take place sometime in April on the book Music is History.
"Students are slowly coming back into the library to get their work done. That's been a really positive change," Moore said about PSC. " Just getting to know the campus community and colleagues instead of being Brady Bunch titles on the computer has been a really positive change. I really enjoy working with our students and cool research projects. I'm really impressed with the topics they come up with."
College Updates:
College Updates:
Vouchers for Spring 2022:
Vouchers for Spring 2022:
Prairie State College will continue its free textbook voucher program for the spring 2022 semester. Students who register for spring classes will receive up to $200 towards their textbooks. This initiative was funded through the CARES act grant and has been well received by the students. These, and other initiatives, such as the BookSHARE program through the PSC Foundation and the Technology Loaner initiative, provide students with the resources they need to succeed.
Planning, Quality and Improvement (PQI) Needs Your Input:
Prairie State College will continue its free textbook voucher program for the spring 2022 semester. Students who register for spring classes will receive up to $200 towards their textbooks. This initiative was funded through the CARES act grant and has been well received by the students. These, and other initiatives, such as the BookSHARE program through the PSC Foundation and the Technology Loaner initiative, provide students with the resources they need to succeed.
Planning, Quality and Improvement (PQI) Needs Your Input:
In support of strategic goal number three, Cultivate Community Engagement, the Planning, Quality and Improvement (PQI) Committee is requesting your input. Please tell us which community organizations we should consider engaging with to promote Prairie State College. Also, tell us which organizations you are currently affiliated with, as a representative of Prairie State College. Use this form to provide your information.
In support of strategic goal number three, Cultivate Community Engagement, the Planning, Quality and Improvement (PQI) Committee is requesting your input. Please tell us which community organizations we should consider engaging with to promote Prairie State College. Also, tell us which organizations you are currently affiliated with, as a representative of Prairie State College. Use this form to provide your information.
Additionally, if you have been attending community organization meetings within the current fiscal year (starting July 1, 2021), please complete this form in order for the Committee to track PSC's outreach efforts.
Spring Registration Continues:
Additionally, if you have been attending community organization meetings within the current fiscal year (starting July 1, 2021), please complete this form in order for the Committee to track PSC's outreach efforts.
Spring Registration Continues:
Spring registration continues at Prairie State College, with in-person, on-campus, hybrid, and online classes available. One late-start sessions remain with classes starting on Mar. 21. The college also offers professional development classes and certificate programs. Please encourage students to register!
Spring registration continues at Prairie State College, with in-person, on-campus, hybrid, and online classes available. One late-start sessions remain with classes starting on Mar. 21. The college also offers professional development classes and certificate programs. Please encourage students to register!
Ruffalo Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI)
Ruffalo Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI)
We’re currently administering the Ruffalo Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI) survey to all students enrolled in credit and developmental courses. Students received an email from President Anthony with a link to the survey.
Please encourage students to check their email and take the survey. Stress that this is their opportunity to provide feedback and have their voice heard.
CARES Act Funds Available
Please encourage students to check their email and take the survey. Stress that this is their opportunity to provide feedback and have their voice heard.
CARES Act Funds Available
Students enrolled at PSC for spring 2022 and experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 are now able to apply for emergency funds through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act . Visit https://prairiestate.edu/covid19.aspx and select the CARES Act tab. Please encourage your students to apply. The deadline is March 24, 2022.
Christopher Art Gallery presents Combination/Relation
The Christopher Art Gallery presents Combination/Relation, works of art by Laura Ann Cloud, Sarah Barnhart Fields, and d’Ann de Simone.
This exhibition features works that combine unexpected images and materials to reflect these artists’ concerns. These artists build their ideas through integration of various sources and media.
Prairie State College Fitness Center is Open:
Prairie State College Fitness Center is Open:
The PSC Fitness Center is back and bigger! Now located in T-130, the center is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Locker rooms, showers, and towels are available, and certified personal trainers will be on hand to help guide you towards your fitness goals. Hours will be extended in March, and new equipment will be added throughout the next few semesters as well. Email Devon Lindsay (dlindsay@prairiestate.edu) your ideas for fitness classes, class times, and maybe any equipment you would love to see added to the facility.
Transfer Events Schedule:
Mar. 29 Tuesday Transfer 101, 2:30 p.m., Google Meet Link
Apr. 5 Tuesday Special University Programs, 2:30 p.m. Google Meet Link
PSC Alert:
Make sure you receive the most up-to-date information about urgent college-related matters by signing up for or renewing your account with PSC Alert! It takes less than five minutes. Sign up here.
PSC Alert:
Make sure you receive the most up-to-date information about urgent college-related matters by signing up for or renewing your account with PSC Alert! It takes less than five minutes. Sign up here.
A Token of Appreciation!
A Token of Appreciation!
Communications and marketing mailed over 100 students a thank you note and Meijer gift card as a token of appreciation for choosing PSC, and to encourage them to stay encouraged as they head into midterms.
Human Resources:
Human Resources:
COVID-19 Testing for Employees:
COVID-19 Testing for Employees:
Prairie State College has partnered with Shield Illinois for COVID-19 testing for employees ONLY.
Weekly testing is available Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8 to 11 a.m. More information here.
Testing has resumed as of Monday, Jan. 3, 2022. If you are an employee who is testing weekly, you must continue to test and upload your information to remain in compliance for the return to work.
Communications and Marketing:
Communications and Marketing:
Commercial on Comcast:
Commercial on Comcast:
Communications and Marketing released a commercial encouraging the community to register for classes this spring The commercial is currently running in English and Spanish, airing on 22 networks, including NBA games on ESPN and TNT, a Monday Night Football game on ESPN, NCAA Basketball games on ESPN, the NCAA Football National Championship game, and 100,000 Effectv Streaming impressions reaching both the South Suburban zone as well as the South Lake IN zone which is from Dyer to Merrillville and from Munster to Lowell. Gala and ESPN Deportes are also part of the campaign.
Faculty in Focus Videos:
Faculty in Focus Videos:
The Communications and Marketing team created a series of Faculty in Focus videos that showcase programs and faculty at the College.
If you are interested in promoting your program by way of Faculty in Focus, please reach out to Kristin Carrera, Marketing Manager at kcarrera@prairiestate.edu. Click the link below for All Communications and Marketing request forms.
PSC Radio Commercials
PSC Radio Commercials
Our spring radio commercial is currently airing on WGCI & WKSC, WBMX (104.3 Jams), WBBM-FM (B96).
The radio ad will reach Audacy OTA Listenership in the PSC District & Lake County, IN.
Equity & Inclusion
Equity & Inclusion
Office of Institutional Advancement and PSC Foundation:
Office of Institutional Advancement and PSC Foundation:
Featured Alumnae
Featured Alumnae
Prairie State College has nominated Marie Hansel, DNP, RN, for the ICCTA 2022 Distinguished Alumnus Award and Diana Flores, RN, for the ICCTA 2022 Pacesetter Award. The winners will be chosen based on: outstanding success and distinction in chosen field, humanitarian service that has proven greatly beneficial to society, continued interest in and support of education and community colleges, overcoming life's obstacles, and completion of a recognized program of instruction or attendance for at least 30 semesters hours at an ICCTA member college. The Pacesetter Award is specifically for a former student who studied at the college after June, 2011.
You can read the self-statements that describe how each nominee's life has been shaped by a community
college education. To read Dr. Hansel’s statement please click here, and to read Ms. Flores’ statement please click here.
Featured Student
Featured Student
Asked on the scholarship application what his career goals were, Jalen explained he wants to be a teacher:
Currently, I am in school to become a teacher. I’ve always had the inclination to help others even
as a child. But as I got older, I also wanted to help change the world as much as I could and a
teacher seemed like the perfect opportunity to do both of those things. My two main goals are to
be as impactful as an individual as I can. I don’t just want to educate students about school, I also
want to help them be the best people that they can be and even try to sprinkle in life lessons and bits of wisdom that they can use in their careers and in everyday practices. I also want to inspire others to work towards being more successful individuals in as many aspects of their lives as possible.
Register Now for the Economic Forecast Breakfast
Register Now for the Economic Forecast Breakfast
The Foundation is holding its annual Economic Forecast Breakfast in person this year on Friday, April 1 at Olympia Fields Country Club. Breakfast will begin at 7:15 a.m. and our speaker will once again be Mr. Charles L. Evans, President & CEO, of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. To attend, please go to https://give.classy.org/PSCEFB2022, or call Kathy Kane at (708) 709-3631. We do have extra tickets for students. If you would like to offer tickets to your students, please contact pscfoundation@prairiestate.edu.
CARES Aid Available
Students enrolled at PSC for spring 2022 and experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 can apply for funds through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Select the CARES Act tab at http://prairiestate.edu/covid19.aspx to apply. Please encourage your students to apply for aid. The deadline is Mar. 24.
29th Annual Scholarship Classic Golf Outing – Save the Date!
29th Annual Scholarship Classic Golf Outing – Save the Date!
The Foundation will hold its annual golf outing on Monday, June 6 at Idlewild Country Club in Flossmoor. Details coming soon!
Upcoming Dates:
Upcoming Dates:
Apr. 1 Friday Economic Forecast Breakfast featuring Mr. Charles L. Evans, President and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Olympia Fields Country Club, 7:30 a.m.
Apr. 13 Wednesday Executive Committee Meeting, 12:30 p.m. via Zoom
Apr. 21 Thursday Full Board Meeting, 5 p.m., location TBD
June 6 Monday 29th Annual Scholarship Classic Golf Outing, Idlewild Country Club, Flossmoor
June 14 Tuesday Executive Committee Meeting, 12:30 p.m. via Zoom
June 21 Tuesday Full Board Meeting, 5 p.m., location TBD
Sept. 1 Thursday Executive Committee Meeting, 12:30 p.m. via Zoom
Sept. 8 Thursday Annual Meeting, 5 p.m., location TBD
Sept. 16 Friday Reach for the Stars Gala in Celebration of the Presidential Investiture, 6 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner, Tinley Park Convention Center
Save the Date:
Save the Date:
Annual Golf Outing Date Set
Annual Golf Outing Date Set
The Foundation will hold its annual golf outing on Monday, June 6 at Idlewild Country Club in Flossmoor. Details coming soon!
Employee Updates:
Employee Updates:
New Employees!
New Employees!
Carol Woody, Administrative Assistant, Workforce Development & Community Education
Contact Information:
(708) 709-3580
Sandy Norfleet, Bursar
Contact Information:
pmurtagh@prairiestate.edu
(708) 709-7927
Congratulations to academic advisor and head soccer coach Carlos Reyes and wife Allison on the birth of their baby girl Luna Mae Reyes.
Congratulations to academic advisor and head soccer coach Carlos Reyes and wife Allison on the birth of their baby girl Luna Mae Reyes.
Board of Trustees:
Board of Trustees:
The Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Mar. X, 2022. To view information from the Board of Trustees, including meeting agendas, minutes and audio/video recordings, visit Board Meetings.
Request Intranet updates
Request Intranet updates
Please take a look at your page(s) on the intranet and complete the Intranet Request Form below. Once received, the communications team will review your request and follow-up.
If you have any questions, please contact
Allan Scarabello at ascarabello@prairiestate.edu.
Have an Announcement?
Have an Announcement?
We love good news! If you have an announcement you want to share, submit the form below, and we'll publish it in the upcoming Newsletter.
Request Website Updates
Request Website Updates
The college intranet and website fall under the Communications and Marketing Department. Please complete the Website Request Form below for updates, changes, or to request a new page on the PSC website.
Once submitted, Mike Saldaña, content/website specialist, will review your request and follow up. Small changes, such as grammatical errors, can be sent directly to msaldana4@prairiestate.edu.
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