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Cougar Notes
February 2023 Newsletter
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Welcome to Chicago State University’s Cougar Notes, where we highlight university updates and accomplishments. Please stay in touch and be sure to share the great news on what's happening at CSU with your networks! | |
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CSU Athletics Forms Exploratory Committee to Expand Sports Offerings, Including Football
Chicago State University formed an exploratory committee that will assist in evaluating the potential impact of adding a Division I Football Championship Subdivision program and additional women's sports teams to the existing roster of university athletics. The exploratory committee is a combination of advisory and working group members, and includes a cross-section of strategic partners well versed in the Chicago sports landscape. The esteemed group features members whose resumes include four Super Bowl Championships, two former Chicago Bears, local Chicago area high school football coaches, multiple Chicago business leaders and non-profit directors, along with key CSU faculty, staff and students.
The committee is expected to share their findings with CSU President Zaldwaynaka "Z" Scott by the end of the spring 2023 semester. If the recommendation is approved, football and other programming could start as soon as fall 2025 and would make Chicago State the only Division I football program on the south side of Chicago. Currently, CSU Athletics is composed of 15 intercollegiate teams involving over 150 student-athletes that compete in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and volleyball.
The Exploratory Committee announcement was covered in ESPN, Chicago Tribune, Sun Times, ABC 7 News, and many others. Learn more about the exploratory committee here.
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President Scott Recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business Who’s Who in Education
CSU President Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott, Esq. was named as one of Chicago’s Most Impactful People in Education by Crain’s Chicago’s 2023 Who’s Who list. Launched in 2017, honorees are chosen by the outlet's editorial staff and feature city leaders in arts and entertainment, education, government, finance, health care, real estate and more. Under her leadership, President Scott led the University in expanding access to higher education, improving student outcomes and enhancing external engagement to have a greater impact in the community. These accomplishments align with CSU’s 2020 - 2025 Strategic Plan, which was also created under President Scott’s leadership. Other leaders who received the education recognition alongside President Scott are listed below. Learn more here.
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Higher Education:
- Paul Alivisatos, President, University of Chicago
- Mark C. Reed, President, Loyola University of Chicago
- Robert Manuel, President, DePaul University
- Juan Salgado, Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago
- Michael H. Schill, President, Northwestern University
- Robert J. Zimmer, Chancellor, University of Chicago
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Not-for-profit Organizations
- Mary Ellen Caron, CEO, After School Matters
- Stacy, L Davis Gates, President, Chicago Teachers Union
- Janice K. Jackson, CEO, Hope Chicago
Public Sector
- Pedro Martinez, CEO, Chicago Public Schools
- Martin V. Torres, Deputy Governor for Education, Office of the Governor of Illinois
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CSU Welcomes Students Back to Campus
CSU welcomed students back to campus with a week of exciting activities! Events included a resource fair where community partners Walmart Health, BeWell Chicago of City Colleges of Chicago, and SGA Youth and Family Services provided information on mental health and healthcare resources in the community. There was also a Greek Life Informational, a carnival and a student leadership retreat.
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CSU Professor, Dr. Moussa Ayyash, Receives Research Grant
Dr. Moussa Ayyash, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computing, received a grant from the Sustaining Illinois Seed Grant Program for a joint project between CSU and Illinois State University. Researchers will apply machine learning and optimization methods to better use the budget allocated to road repairs and explore new approaches for more cost effective alternatives to road maintenance in Illinois!
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CSU Hosts Chicago Department of Planning and Chicago Transit Authority Community Meeting
CSU hosted the City of Chicago Department of Planning (DPD) and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) community meeting discussing an equitable development plan around public transportation hubs on the 95th Street Corridor. The hearing was attended by hundreds of community members and included opening remarks by Alderman Anthony Beale of the 9th Ward . There is a $1 Million dollar grant to support the study for the DPD and CTA with $800,000 from the Federal Transportation Authority. The meeting covered the scope of the planning project and discussed community engagement strategies.
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President Scott Panelist at Commercial Club for Discussion on the Role of Higher Education in Metro Chicago
President Scott was a panelist at the Commercial Club for a discussion on the role of higher education in Chicago. The Commercial Club is a membership organization of senior leaders who work to find solutions on key issues impacting the region. Alongside President Scott was Paul Alivisatos (President of University of Chicago), Tim Killeen (President of University of Chicago Systems), and Michael H. Schill (President of Northwestern University). The leaders had a robust discussion on access to higher education and their engagement strategies with businesses leaders to develop coordinated efforts across academia, industry, venture, and government.
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Dr. Rasha Elhage, Dr. Olanipekun Laosebikan, and Dr. Kimberly Black-Parker Research Study Published in The Journal of Effective Teaching in Higher Education.
Congratulations to CSU faculty Dr. Rasha Elhage, Dr. Olanipekun Laosebikan, and Dr. Kimberly Black-Parker on the publication of their study about Chicago State University published in The Journal of Effective Teaching in Higher Education.
The study, titled Alumni Perceptions of the Educational Benefits of their Graduate Degrees from a PBI, examines alumni's understanding of the benefits that came from studying at a U.S. Department of Education designated Predominantly Black Institution. The study can lead to new approaches for teaching graduate students from diverse backgrounds.
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Community Leaders Awarded at CSU Men’s Basketball Game
Four community leaders were awarded at the CSU Men’s Basketball Game on January 28, 2023 for their leadership and dedication to the community. Dr. Joyce Chapman, Melvin Thompson, Abraham Lacy, and Gloria Cosey were given the CSU Excellence in Leadership Award during the halftime presentation of the basketball game.
- Dr. Joyce Chapman is the Chair for the Far South Chicago Coalition and led the quality of life plan for the far south side in partnership with LISC.
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Melvin Thompson is the Executive Director of Endeleo Institute, a faith based organization affiliated with Trinity that focuses on health, education, and community development.
- Abraham Lacy is the Executive Director for the Far South Community Development Corporation. In partnership with other organizations, Abraham has been an adamant advocate for the Roseland Medical District and the Red Line Extension Project.
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Gloria Cosey is the President for the Rosemoor Community Association, which has done significant work around the community by hosting community clean up events, jazz events and creating the Martin Luther King Garden.
We appreciate other community partners' joining the game, including Walmart Health, the Hope Center Foundation, the Rosemoor Community Association, the Chesterfield Community Council, Burst Into Books and BeWell Chicago with City Colleges of Chicago.
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CSU Men's Basketball Team Highlighted on ESPN
The CSU Men's Basketball team was highlighted on ESPN for their win against The Citadel. Brent Davis (Junior) scored the winning point seconds before the game was over. Watch the winning game shot here.
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Faculty Highlight: Katherine Haan, Director, Office of Global Engagement
This month we are honored to highlight Katherine Haan, the Director of the Global Engagement Office. The Global Office of Engagement provides assistance and advising for the members of our global community. Katherine has worked in international higher education for the past fourteen years and at CSU for the last five years. She decided to work at Chicago State because she felt it was a great place to grow and learn. Katherine is a proud wife, mother, and friend who embraces her love for international education and disability.
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You’re Invited:
Community Night at CSU Basketball Games
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Feel the Cougar Pride by joining one of our basketball games dedicated to community members. You can join a game free of charge on February 19 and 25. Secure your free tickets here with the promotion code Community23. | | | | |
