Focus Newsletter

The Collage Podcast!

Enjoy our inaugural episode of the College of Liberal Arts "College Podcast" narrated by our own Dean Del Doughty!

Meet Dan Craig, Associate Professor of Music, and Dr. David O'Neil, Associate Professor of English, the creators of the one and only alma mater for the University. Take a journey through a writing contest turned musical endeavor. 

Listen here

What's a BFA and why you should peruse it

The USI Art and Design Department offered the first Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art in the region in Fall 2024. The BFA, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), provides students who wish to remain within a 90-mile radius of Evansville, Indiana, an opportunity to pursue a professional-level art degree and hone their skills while making beautiful and meaningful art. The BFA at USI is offered in five concentrations: graphic design, interactive media design, illustration, photography and studio art.

The first of the 12 students enrolled in the BFA, Madison Mayes, is graduating in December with a BFA in studio art! Let's hear from some of the BFA students. These students will be the first in the region to have this extraordinary opportunity and many more will follow in their footsteps or paint strokes.

Kayli McDonald will graduate in 2028 or 2029 with a BFA in Art with a concentration in studio art. “I have always loved art, and it is one of the few things that has stuck with me in my life,” says McDonald.

The BFA was a natural fit since she was already taking extra classes in the Art and Design Department. She hopes the BFA will give her a leg up on the competition in the job market as a costume designer.  

Deanna Hardy, whose parents also earned college degrees in art, will graduate with a BFA in Art with a concentration in photography in Spring 2026. “They [my parents] inspired me to pursue art as a profession and taught me that I could be successful in it, too,” says Hardy. 

The most influential person in the Art and Design Department for Hardy is Professor Robert Dickes because he has taught her how to be prepared for the future and has inspired her to work hard. Hardy plans to move to Louisville and then Boston to work as a photographer in the commercial fashion and beauty field. “USI's BFA program and faculty have helped me grow so much, and it is a really good environment to push your abilities and creativity.” 

USI Liberal Arts student continuing studies in Germany

Luke Pettijohn '26, participated in the advanced language immersion program this summer and chose to stay in Germany to continue his studies.

What major/minor did you choose, and why? 

I am an economics and German dual major with a minor in business administration. I chose economics because I am interested in seeing how markets interact with each other and its applications throughout different regions. I have German as a major to differentiate myself from other job applicants in the job market. Also, I like learning languages and about cultures.

What made you want to study abroad? 

It's a great way to learn new stuff in your field of study from other professors and gives a great opportunity to travel to places you may not otherwise go.

What made you want to go to the University of Osnabrück? 

The opportunity to study abroad came last year when the World Language and Cultures Department offered the German language students [the chance] to study a language class at the University of Osnabrück. [After I arrived] I decided to stay for another semester or two to further improve my German language skills.  

What was your favorite part of studying in Germany? 

The ability to easily travel. Europe is connected by rail and its public transportation makes it easier to travel to other countries without driving. Though tickets do cost money, travel in Germany alone is mostly covered by a ticket called the "Germany ticket" through the university. This ticket covers all public transit and public trains in Germany; meaning that you can go anywhere in Germany just in public transit for a small fee that is included in the total university fees. 

What was most challenging about studying abroad? 

Being so far away from the U.S. means I have to make new friends. For example, I've met people from not just Germany, but also Britain, Ecuador, Indonesia, South Korea and other places. Additionally, I've joined some after class clubs that allow me to socialize with other students from other universities. 

What advice would you give to students thinking about studying abroad? 

Do your research. Study abroad means that you are living in another country for an extended period of time, nothing like spending a week vacation in a single city. Research the overall culture, what's considered normal or insulting, basic laws. This will prepare you for living in a foreign culture. Even learning some basic language goes a long way. Universities offer courses on the main language for beginners, it would be a good idea to take them in addition to whatever classes you chose. 

Annie Fitzpatrick ‘14 – Co-owner of the local bookstore Bluestocking Social

BA in Art with and emphasis in Interactive Media and a minor in Marketing

Hometown: Morganfield, KY 

What brought you to USI? 

Both of my brothers attended USI, and I got to visit the campus a lot. I liked Evansville, USI's campus and the fact that it was still close to home (I was a homebody then, I'm a homebody now). 

What major/minor did you pick and why?  

I graduated with a major in interactive media and a minor in marketing. I was interested in the graphic design aspect of marketing and how the two fields work together. 

What clubs or extracurricular activities did you participate in? 

I wasn't part of any clubs or extracurriculars, but one year I roomed with friends who were on the cross-country team, and I often tagged along with them on meals and outings. Some of my favorite nights on campus were spent with them, being goofy and young and pretending none of us had an 8 a.m. class the next day. 

How did USI prepare you for your career? 

The classes I took, for both interactive media and marketing, have both been helpful. I learned to use Illustrator and InDesign at USI, and the importance of good marketing and promotion. 

What is your favorite part of your job? 

When it comes to owning a bookstore, the best part is obviously the books, but there's more to do than just reading as much as I would love to have that be my main duty. One of my favorite parts of the job still involves books and that's getting to look at the catalogues for upcoming releases and deciding what titles to bring into the shop. One of my favorite comments we get about the store is about our selection, and I just love to hear it. We'll get catalogues from publishers with over 1,000 books listed, and I'll narrow it down to a select few. It's a very deliberate process that takes time and a lot goes into consideration with each title, but to hear that people seek us out, not only because they like to read or support indie bookstores, but because they like seeing what we have in stock, it's the best feeling. 

What would you tell students who want to be entrepreneurs about owning their own business? 

There's a funny saying I've often heard about people deciding to open their own business because they want more flexibility in life, only to end up putting in more hours, effort, sweat, tears, etc. than they would have at any other job. I never saw myself as someone who would own their own business. Dreamed about, yes. But to go out and put a business out into the world (and a brick-and-mortar store at that!) still kind of blows my mind. In the early days of Bluestocking Social (maybe even before we had the name down), we talked with friends of ours (or became friends with) who were also business owners, and they were all incredibly helpful and supportive. Owning a store that sells books and art supplies, bringing my dog (and now daughter) to work with me every day, getting excited about a book and then getting someone else excited about reading that book, it's such a cool experience.  

Of course, that being said, we work six days a week and haven't taken a vacation in years, and I can't tell you how many nights I've spent sitting and stressing about our business, how to make it grow, how to be better. But it's all worth it. Working for yourself really is freeing in a lot of ways, but that freedom can be scary because it really is all on you. We're lucky to have an awesome team to help us run the shop, but it took a couple of years to get to that point. Plus, I'm lucky enough that my husband, Matt (he's on the art side of this business, ordering art supplies and teaching classes), is also a part of this business, and we can work together. So, don't be afraid to take the leap into entrepreneurship, but really make sure you know what you're getting into. And don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for help! 

What advice would you give to current USI students? 

Take your time. It's easy to find yourself pushing through to the weekend or next break or even just through a particularly dry class. Don't rush yourself for time, it'll all come together. 

McKenna Love '25

BA in History and a minor in Secondary Education and English

Hometown: Hutsonville, Illinois.  

What brought you to USI? 

I came to USI because I love the location and size of our campus. As someone from a small town, I was leery of moving to a bigger community. USI’s campus has that small-town feel, which made my transition from high school to university very easy.  

What major/minor did you pick and why?  

I decided to major in history and pick up minors in secondary education and English. I have always connected with my grandparents through my love for history, so I decided to share my passion with others by becoming a history teacher. The English minor came into play later. I enjoy reading and writing, so it seemed like a fun addition to my studies.  

What clubs or extracurricular activities are you participating in? 

I am the President of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society, as well as the Vice President of History Society and the Nonfiction Editor for Fishhook, our student literary journal. I am also a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board. My schedule gets a little crazy sometimes! 

What are your plans after graduation? 

After graduation, I hope to find a history teaching job at a middle school in the Evansville area. Once I get settled, I would love to go back to school to earn a master’s degree.  

What advice would you give to current or prospective USI students? 

I would encourage current and prospective USI students to make connections with their fellow students, especially those who share their major. I have met some of my best friends by bonding with my classmates, so don’t be afraid to start a conversation! 

Could you elaborate on your study abroad experience? 

I did a faculty-led study abroad trip in Summer 2024. I spent three and a half weeks with my peers at Osnabrück University. We took a German language class in the mornings and attended history lectures taught by Dr. Kristalyn Shefveland, Professor of History and Assistant Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, in the afternoon. I also received the Global Engagement Scholarship from the Center for International Programs, which allowed me to research German politics and how European and American political movements are currently mirroring each other.

We spent most of our time trying new foods, learning how to use public transport and visiting historical sites around Osnabrück and the surrounding cities. We spent our final week in Berlin, during which time we visited several museums and did some sightseeing. As a World War II and Cold War nerd, Germany was the perfect place for me to study abroad. I especially enjoyed visiting part of the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie while in Berlin. The Center for International Programs well-prepared me for what to expect during my time abroad. I would recommend all students look into studying abroad at some point during their time at USI.  

Anything else you would like to include? 

As a history major, I’m always an advocate for students picking up an additional major or minor in history studies. As our world is constantly evolving, history studies not only help you understand the present but also provide you with the skillset to critically assess sources in this age of misinformation. For any students interested, the USI History Department would love to have you! 

Dr. Trent Engbers, Director of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program, was a featured guest on the podcast “Unheard voices of service.” The episode can be found here. 

Dr. Leigh Anne Howard, Professor of Communication Studies, and Dr. Elvis Bendana Rivas, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, presented at the Oral History Association 2024 Annual Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 30 through November 2. Their interactive installation titled, Listen, Reflect, Reconstruct: Oral Histories on the Paths We Share, invited attendees to listen, reflect and reconstruct their understanding and experiences of discrimination by listening to audio clips of real tales from people who have experience discrimination.  

Dr. Leigh Anne Howard, Professor of Communication Studies, and Dr. Dave Black, Associate Professor Emeritus of Radio and Television, created a documentary titled Art for Science's Sake: Stalking John James Audubon that has aired in 19 states on 47 educational channels.  

They spoke at the Evansville Rotary Club and Henderson Rotary Club luncheon on Tuesday, October 22 about their work on the documentary. 

Dr. Erin Dennis, Director of the Master in Communcation Program, was recently published in KOME − An International Journal of Pure Communication Inquiry for her research paper titled, “‘Social Workers Should Be Required to Watch this Episode': Social Media Perceptions of Television Portrayals of Fictional CPS Workers.” 

https://folyoirat.ludovika.hu/index.php/kome/article/view/7223 

John Morris, Instructor in Radio and Television, has been using his Liberal Arts Research Awards (LARA) grant on a video documentary of migratory birds that winter in the Evansville area. 

Dr. Bryan Moore, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice; Dr. Taylor Petty, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice; Dr. Laura Lutgen-Nieves, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice; and Dr. Melissa Stacer, Director of Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, presented at the American Society of Criminology conference. 

Erika Navarrete Anderson, Instructor in Art; Brett Anderson, Associate Professor of Art History; Dr. Greg Blair, Assistant Professor of Art and Design; and Dr. Sara Christensen Blair, Chair of Art and Design, will participate in the 62nd Mid-States Art Exhibition at the Evansville Museum from December 15 to March 23. 

All artists included resided in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee. This year was especially competitive due to a 70% uptick in submissions and an extremely impressive pool of applicants. Out of 359 submitted works, only 44 were selected for this exhibition (a 12% acceptance rate and USI faculty are 11% of the show). 

Dr. Del Doughty, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, has been appointed to the Board of Indiana Humanities.  

Dr. Kristalyn Shefveland, Assistant Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, has been selected to take part in the 2025 Zora Neale Hurston Summit from January 31 to February 1 at Barnard College in New York, New York. 

Dr. Jason Callahan, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Sung Lee, former USI Criminal Justice faculty member, recently published an article titled “International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice.” View the article here. 

Yu-Li Alice Shen, Instructor in English, will have her 10-minute play, Be My Qur’antine, produced in London, United Kingdom as part of Hepburn Hooks Theatre Company’s inaugural Brown Skinned Girls Theatre Festival from January 31 to February 1. The play is set in an apocalyptic near-future and follows two estranged friends who sneak out after curfew on what may be the last night of their lives to play kickball and question the hereafter. 

Shen’s voice can also be heard as the narrator for Gloria Chao’s new adult novel, Ex Marks the Spot. The story is about a recent high school grad, Gemma Sun, who teams up with her ex and sworn enemy, Xander Pan, to solve an elaborate multi-family-secret-exposing scavenger hunt across Taipei, Taiwan, concocted by her estranged, now deceased grandfather. The book is published by Penguin Random House and will be released on December 31. 

Dr. Matt Hanka, Professor of Political Science, interviewed with multiple media outlets during the election 2024 season. He was a guest on Henson Media's podcast "Speak Up" on July 12. The episode is titled, "On Politics, Supreme Court Decisions". Listen here. 

July 11 with Courier and Press: Following national trend, Vanderburgh County politics could be headed toward polarization

Sept 6 with Courier and Press: No 8th District debate. Why? Because one candidate says no

Hanka also coordinated with Dr. Nick LaRowe, Associate Professor of Political Science, and Dr. Monica O’Neil, Director of Service Learning, on creating events such as the Presidential Debate watch party, Vice-Presidential Debate watch party, a voter registration drive, Indiana Governor’s Debate watch party and a post-election analysis. Hanka received funding through a Strengthening Campus and Community Election Engagement Grant from the Community-Engaged Alliance.