The Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development is pleased to announce its new director, Dr. John Kostelnick, effective July 1. Kostelnick has been with the Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment at Illinois State for 17 years and served as acting chair of the department during one of the most challenging times of recent memory, from 2020-21.
Appears InHis research is at the intersection of geographic information science (GIScience) and human geography. This work has focused on a range of societal and community issues through a geographic lens, including crisis/hazard mapping, access to public transportation, functional needs and wellness assets mapping, and rural broadband access. His knowledge and scholarship regarding modern geographical challenges to communities complement the aspirations of Stevenson Fellows intending to go out and meet those and other challenges in the field.
“I look forward to working with the Stevenson Center staff, students, and affiliated faculty and partners to advance the important mission of public service in our local communities and around the globe.”
—Dr. John Kostelnick
Associate Vice Provost of Research and Graduate studies, Dr. Craig McLauchlan, is looking forward to working with Kostelnick in his new role, noting, “He is an accomplished, interdisciplinary scholar who brings his past leadership experience to help build on the existing strengths of the center.”
Dr. Frank Beck, the current director of the Stevenson Center, slated to retire in June, envisions a bright future with Kostelnick as his successor. “John is a great teacher, a great scholar and civically engaged,” Beck said. “The amazing students the center draws to Illinois State University will be further drawn to John’s intellect and passion for applied research.”
