EIU Board Approves New Academic Programs; Extends Two Coaching Contracts

The Eastern Illinois University Board of Trustees Friday approved three new academic programs.

One is the Master of Arts in Teaching degree for Special Education and The Graduate School, which will provide an accessible, efficient route to teacher licensure intended to address the teaching shotage in Illinois. 

Another is a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Arts and Sciences in the Lumpkin College of Business and Techology, which allows students to customize degrees that correspond with their specific career goals and outcomes.

A third is a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Arts and Sciences in Emergency Management in the College of Health and Human Services. 

All three new programs will be offered beginning in Fall 2024. 

The EIU Board also conferred Honorary Doctorate Degrees to alumni Kimberly Cheadle, the first female Director and Assistant Director of the US Secret Service; Dr. Adrienne Coleman, a national scholar and current Director of Equity and Inclusion at the Illinois Math and Science Academy; and Joe Diveley of Charleston, CEO, President, Chair, and Chair of First Mid-Illinois Bancshares and former two-term member of EIU's Board of Trustees.

Trustees also approved two contract extensions in Intercollegiate Athletics, including Head Volleyball and Beach Volleyball coach Sara Thomas, who recently led the Panthers to the NCAA National Tournament for the first time since 2001; and Head Football Coach Christopher Wilkerson, who was named Big South-OVC Coach of the Year after directing the Panthers from a 2-9 2022 record to an 8-3 2024 campaign in only his second year at the helm. This past season was the first winning season for EIU’s football program since 2017 and the most wins in a season since 2013.

Other noteworthy informational items on the agenda included a brief overview of the University’s annual deposit and investment report and a financial aid programs overview detailing the funding mechanisms and application of federal, State, University, and other forms of student financial aid.