Unit: College of Arts and Sciences

RSVP now: Third Annual COBAS Workshop 

Dr. Howard Rambsy II to speak at Third Annual COBAS Workshop at Illinois State University 

Dr. Howard Rambsy, II - man wearing glasses and a gray blazer over a coral shirt stands in a room filled with bookshelves and historical posters, including an image of Frederick Douglass.

The Latin American and Latina/o Studies Program is thrilled to announce the Third Annual Community of Belonging and Success (COBAS) Workshop, focusing on the recruitment, retention, and degree completion of first-generation students. This year, the keynote speaker is Dr. Howard Rambsy II, a renowned research professor from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. His presentation, “Safe & Salient Spaces: The Importance of Enriched Environments for Underrepresented Students,” will delve into the successful strategies employed in his courses for first-year Black men and women, emphasizing the creation of supportive and empowering educational environments. Join us on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Jaime Escalante Conference Room.

An unexpected shift from struggle to success: Journey of BSW grad Megan Martell  

Megan Martell, BSW Graduate '24.

As Megan Martell graduates from the School of Social Work at Illinois State this May, her story serves as a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of self-discovery. Born and raised in Illinois, Martell’s upbringing was shaped by the challenges of single parenthood. Her parents divorced when she was 2 years old, leaving her mother to navigate the complexities of raising a child while pursuing her career aspirations, which was nothing short of difficult for the family.