Del Doughty, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Liberal Arts
We’re coming to the end of 2025. The year has been a volatile one in higher education. You know this. It’s in the headlines every week. Sometimes the story is about political upheaval at every level, sometimes it’s about changes to financial aid and international student recruitment. Other times it’s about lawsuits, funding cuts, free speech and gun violence or threats thereof. Not even college athletics have been immune. New rules about name-image-likeness and transfer portals have changed the way that athletes, coaches and fans approach marquee sports like football and basketball. It’s a wild time, as wild as I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot. I mean, not even the pandemic changed things this much.
It's not my intention to comment here on the events of this year. I mention them only to make this point: Beneath the headlines, life goes on. Learning continues. This week, as we wind down the semester and head into finals, students are busy finishing papers and studying for exams. Hour by hour, they are working, pushing themselves, getting closer to wrapping up the semester. When they’re finished, many of them will sit back and relax a little, reflect on the fall and daydream about what comes next. It’s good to remember that.
Even more than that, I like remembering that some students, even after the semester has ended, will keep going—will keep studying their Spanish, practicing piano or reading history simply because they enjoy learning these things for their own sake. Despite all of the changes happening in higher education, a college is still a good place to go if you want to catch people in the act of thinking, musing, making and conversing. I don’t mean to get all misty and over-romantic about this notion. I like knowing that people continue learning and growing and that that is its own kind of force in the world with its own kind of vector and direction. Who knows what new headlines 2026 will bring, and what changes, but I’m confident that the hunger for learning will persist.
As we close out another successful semester in the College of Liberal Arts, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our retiring and retired faculty whose dedication has shaped generations of students and strengthened our campus community. Your passion for teaching, scholarship and service has left a lasting impact that will continue to inspire long after your time in the classroom. Thank you for the countless hours, mentorship and wisdom you’ve shared. We wish you the very best in this next chapter. Your legacy will always remain a valued part of who we are.
Kahn Dees Donovan & Kahn has made a generous two-year commitment to support the Pre-Law Program and Mock Trial Team, ensuring students have expanded opportunities for hands-on learning and professional development. Their gift will help fund student participation in mock trial competitions, law school visits and provide discounted LSAT prep courses for select students. This investment strengthens our students’ preparation for law school and future careers in the legal field, and we are grateful for the firm’s continued partnership.
Welcome to the official page for the USI College of Liberal Arts!
We’re excited to launch this space dedicated to celebrating the creativity, scholarship and community that define our college.
Here, you’ll find stories highlighting our students’ achievements, faculty research, alumni success and the many ways liberal arts education creates meaningful lives and careers.
At USI, we believe in the power of critical thinking, communication and understanding to shape a better world, and we can’t wait to share that journey with you.
Follow us to stay connected with upcoming events, opportunities, and insights from the College of Liberal Arts community.
As basketball season tips off, excitement is building across campus, and nowhere is that energy stronger than in the University of Southern Indiana Radio and Television Program. Students from 95.7 FM The Spin and The Nest are already hard at work preparing to bring fans closer to the Screaming Eagles than ever before.
Behind the Mic with 965.7 FM The Spin
Preparation for basketball season begins for the student broadcasters at 95.7 FM The Spin, USI’s student-run radio station, long before the first whistle. The team starts planning during the offseason, meeting with both the Men’s and Women’s Basketball coaches to discuss storylines and gather insight. From there, they create detailed “spotting charts,” listing players’ names and numbers to help them with live broadcasts.
“When the games roll around, we send out a play-by-play announcer and color analyst to sit courtside and describe the action,” says Matthew Kolb, Sports Director for The Spin. “We also have a board operator back at the station who manages audio levels, commercials and transitions throughout the game.”
Before each broadcast, the crew sets up the Comrex unit, a specialized device that connects them directly to the station, and conducts an hour of pregame prep. The broadcast includes a 15-minute pregame show, full play-by-play coverage and a 15-minute postgame wrap-up that often features a coach or player interview. Afterward, the team breaks down equipment and ensures the recording is saved for archiving.
“It’s a detailed process,” Kolb explained. “But it’s worth it every time we go live and get to share the energy of USI basketball with our listeners.”
A Passion for Sports and Storytelling
Kolb, who is from Charlestown, Indiana, just across the river from Louisville, Kentucky, has been a key part of The Spin’s sports coverage during his time at USI. Set to graduate in Spring 2026, he is majoring in sport management with a radio and television minor, a combination that perfectly fits his interests.
“Truthfully, the quality of the dorms was what first drew me to USI,” Kolb said. “But once I got here, it was the opportunities that really stood out. I’ve always loved sports, and being part of The Spin let me combine that passion with broadcasting.”
Kolb first connected with the station at freshman orientation after briefly exploring rugby and ultimate frisbee on campus. “When I realized rugby wasn’t for me, I found my place with The Spin,” he said. “John Morris, our General Manager, reached out the summer before I arrived and told me it was a paid position. Honestly, most of what we do, I’d do for free... it’s that fun.”
For Kolb, the most rewarding part of his work is the thrill of live broadcasting. “Once a broadcast starts, you’re just talking about sports to a live audience. That’s the best feeling,” he said. “The travel’s pretty cool too.”
As Sports Director, Kolb’s responsibilities have increased. “The biggest challenge is communication,” he said. “There are a lot of moving parts, coaches, lineups and travel details, and keeping all of that organized takes time and coordination.”
After graduation, Kolb hopes to work in radio around the greater Kentuckiana area, but he’s also open to joining an Athletic Department to pursue his goal of becoming an athletic director. His advice to other students is simple: “Bro up with your professors. They want to help you succeed, talk to them and get to know them. And get involved. College is full of opportunities, and you only get to experience it once.”
Leading the Charge at The Nest
On the visual side of USI’s media scene, The Nest, the University’s student video production organization, is capturing the sights and sounds of Screaming Eagles Basketball for social media. At the head of the operation is Lillie Robertson, a senior from Evansville, who serves as President and Lead Producer.
“Since I’m local to the area, USI was always on my radar,” Robertson said. “I received a few scholarships that made USI really affordable, and I loved the friendly atmosphere. The small class sizes make it easy to connect with professors and classmates.”
Originally a chemistry major, Robertson switched to marketing after conversations with family members in the field. “Marketing felt like the right fit for my interests and personality,” she said. “It’s in every industry, which means there are endless opportunities.” She will graduate at the end of this semester.
Robertson’s involvement on campus has been extensive. She’s participated in College Mentors for Kids, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), The Shield and The Spin, and she’s currently a member of the American Marketing Association (AMA), in addition to leading The Nest.
She first learned about The Nest from Dr. McManus Woodend, Assistant Professor of Radio and Television, while taking RTV 255: Media Production. “Video production was something I developed a strong interest in early on,” Robertson said. “The Nest has given me the chance to refine my skills, gain hands-on experience and work with other students who are passionate about storytelling and media.”
Telling USI’s Story Through Video
At The Nest, students take on professional-style production roles while covering a range of campus events, including basketball. Each game is assigned to a student producer who films footage and edits it into a short, engaging highlight video for The Nest on Instagram.
“The most enjoyable part of working at The Nest is being able to get real experience that mirrors what happens in the industry,” Robertson said. “We use professional-level gear and editing software that’s used on real sets. It’s a great feeling to see your work published and shared by the University.”
Still, the role isn’t without challenges. “Keeping production on schedule can be tough,” she admitted. “We have a lot of projects happening at once, so time management and coordination are key.”
After graduation, Robertson plans to enter the entertainment industry, focusing on film, television or media. “I’m keeping an open mind,” she said. “I want to explore every opportunity and plan to move to a larger city within a year after graduation.”
Her advice for students reflects her own journey of exploration and openness.
“Keep an open mind and take every opportunity you’re given. You never know where it might take you. And for prospective USI students, know that USI genuinely cares about your success. The professors are always willing to help, both in class and beyond.”
Hands-On Learning, Real-World Impact
Both The Spin and The Nest showcase the value of hands-on learning in the College of Liberal Arts. “Covering USI basketball gives students practical experience in broadcasting, production and digital storytelling,” said Woodend. “They’re learning to communicate effectively, work as a team and deliver professional-level content under tight deadlines.”
As the Screaming Eagles take the court this season, fans can tune in to 95.7 The Spin for live coverage or follow The Nest for behind-the-scenes highlights, all powered by passionate students like Matthew Kolb and Lillie Robertson, who are turning their love for media and storytelling into meaningful careers.
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award
For Dr. Amy Montz, the path to becoming an English professor wasn’t something she planned, it was something she discovered. She started college as a pre-law major, but after spending a summer working at a law firm, she quickly realized it wasn’t for her. When she returned to campus that fall, she switched her major to English, not quite sure what direction it would take her. As a first-generation college student, becoming a professor didn’t even feel like an option, until one of her professors encouraged her to apply to graduate school. While earning her master’s degree, she stepped in to teach for a professor, and during those three weeks in the classroom, at just 21, she immediately knew she had found her calling. “If you had told 13-year-old me I would read books and write and talk about them for a living,” she says, “I would have cried tears of joy.”
Today, Montz says the most rewarding part of teaching is the students. She loves seeing the moment when something “clicks” or when a student realizes that classic literature can be just as dramatic, funny or scandalous as anything on today’s shelves. Those connections, with texts and with students, are what keeps her energized in the classroom. She’s stayed in touch with many students long after they’ve graduated, especially her English teaching majors. In fact, she still wakes up to messages from former students sharing their own classroom stories a decade later.
Outside of her teaching life, Montz still spends most of her time surrounded by stories. She reads, writes and is currently working with her agent to find a publisher for one of her novels. When she’s not buried in books, she enjoys movies, TV shows like “Abbott Elementary” and “The Great British Bake Off,” and spending time with her husband and three beloved dogs. While she describes herself as a homebody, her current adventure abroad has pushed her outside her comfort zone in meaningful ways.
This year, Montz received one of her proudest achievements: a prestigious Fulbright Award. She admits she applied “on a whim,” a six-month-long whim, but didn’t expect to be selected. She assumed Fulbright scholars came from places like Harvard or Yale. Instead, she discovered a community that looks beyond pedigree, focusing on the whole person and the strength of their project. Attending orientation confirmed for her that she belonged, and that Fulbright was genuinely excited about the work she is doing.
That work has taken her to England, where she is spending months immersed in archives, manuscripts and the history of the 19th-century writers she loves. Most of her days involve reading in the John Rylands Library Archives, where she studies the surviving letters of novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, letters made even more meaningful because Gaskell requested that many be burned after her death. Montz has also visited the Brontë Parsonage, arrived early enough to explore it alone on a misty morning, and taken slow, intentional trips through Elizabeth Gaskell’s home. She has joined the Gaskell Society, given talks, connected with the University of Manchester and will soon travel to Leeds to continue archival research on the correspondence between Gaskell and Charlotte Brontë.
Her main goal abroad? “Write the book!” she says. Research can be overwhelming, she admits, but she embraces its challenges. She credits USI’s Rice Library staff, especially the Interlibrary Loan program, for constantly helping her track down difficult-to-find materials. “They’re magic over there,” she adds.
She’s also making time for fun: her best friend and godchild visited over Thanksgiving, and together they explored Scotland, London, Manchester’s many Christmas markets and more.
When she returns home, Montz plans to finish her Gaskell book and pick back up on the projects she set aside for Fulbright. Mostly, though, she looks forward to normal life, her husband, her dogs, her friends and maybe a stretch of couch-potato time (though she admits she’s always working on something). Travel has been exciting, she says, but living abroad comes with daily challenges, and home will be a welcome sight.
If she could talk to her first-year college self, she knows exactly what she’d say: “Keep going. It gets better.” It’s advice she now shares with the students who remind her why she loves her job in the first place.
From Cosmetologist to Future Social Worker
Born and raised in Evansville, Indiana, Mandy Sims has spent the last 30 years building a successful career as a cosmetologist while raising her family and serving her community. A proud mother of two adult sons and a 15-year-old daughter, Sims has always had a passion for helping others feel their best, both inside and out.
After decades behind the chair, Sims realized her true calling extended beyond hairstyling. Working in a private salon space, she found that clients often opened up about their personal struggles, parenting challenges, relationship issues, insecurities and the pressures of daily life. “I realized that we all have insecurities and are struggling in so many aspects of life,” she shared. “My youth clients’ struggles resonated with me the most because I remember how hard it was to be a teenager and young adult.”
That realization inspired Sims to return to school and pursue a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree through the University of Southern Indiana’s Online and Adult Learning program. The flexibility of the program allowed her to continue advancing her education while maintaining her career and family responsibilities. Despite learning online, Sims quickly became deeply connected to the USI community. She is the President of the BSW Club, Vice President of Phi Alpha, and serves as an assistant for the Center for Social Justice Education. She’s also completing her internship at Hillcrest Youth Services, gaining hands-on experience in the field she loves.
Sims’ passion lies in advocating for youth and systemic change. She hopes to work at the mezzo and macro levels of social work, promoting life-skills education for students. “I plan to advocate for a ‘How to Human’ class, something that teaches age-appropriate life and soft skills to all students,” Sims said. “Society has so many expectations for young people without giving them enough tools to navigate life. I decided to stop saying, ‘Someone needs to do something,’ and become that someone.”
Her advice for fellow Screaming Eagles? “Take advantage of everything USI offers. Get involved, talk to people in the breezeway, pet the puppies at the library, join a club, and connect with your professors. They want to see you succeed.”
Sims will graduate in May 2026, ready to embark on her next chapter as a social worker committed to empowerment and education.
Join us at Liberty Arena — home of the Screaming Eagles — as we celebrate alumni from our college!
Alumni will receive discounted tickets (see discount codes below), free swag, a complimentary popcorn voucher and an opportunity to connect with fellow alumni, current students and USI faculty. Be sure to stop by the table in the Romain Atrium of Liberty Arena to grab your free items!
Dr. Nick LaRowe, Associate Professor of Political Science, was featured on a WNIN special: Regional Voices: Dr. Nick LaRowe - the State of the Federal Judiciary on October 22
Dr. Oana Armeanu, Chair of Political Science, Public Administration and Philosophy, published a book chapter titled, “Perspectives on the 2024–2025 Presidential Elections in Romania.” The chapter is part of the volume “The Populist Challenge - Democracy and its Enemies,” and examines the controversies generated by the annulment of the 2024 election, including the significant challenges the new government faces amid a deeply divided society between a far-right and a pro-European camp.
Dr. Alexandra Natoli, Assistant Professor of French, recently began a Broadening Academia Initiative Hybrid Fellowship with the United State Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM). During her fellowship period, she will continue researching and writing her book project, “The ‘Heart’ of Auschwitz: Memories of a Death Camp Latrine.” While the majority of her fellowship will be conducted remotely from Evansville, she will spend a week in residence in Washington, D.C., in spring 2026 to undertake archival research on-site at the USHMM.
Dr. Erin Johnson, Assistant Professor of Sociology, published an article titled “Place Matters: Geographic Distribution of Abortion Fund Services” in PubMed Central® (PMC).
Johnson, E. R., & McLemore, M. R. (2025). Place Matters: Geographic Distribution of Abortion Fund Services. Health Equity, 9(1), 397-404.
Dr. Wendy Turner, Professor of Social Work, co-authored a chapter titled, “Engaging Students in Policy” in “Teaching Activities for Social Work” that will be released in January.
Witt, H. & Turner, W. (2025). Engaging students in policy. In J.M. Chonody (ED.), Teaching Activities for Social Work: Creative Pedagogies to Engage Students. Springer.
Dr. Trent Engbers, Professor of Political Science and Public Administration, presented a training for the 26 Catholic schools in southwestern Indiana on September 25, 2025. The training focused on running an effective school council and improving lay leadership in Catholic schools.
Dr. Daniel Bauer, Professor of Anthropology, published, "People, Plants, and Animals: Applying Anthropology and Conservation from the Amazon to Indiana" in The Applied Anthropologist with co-author Paul Bouseman, Deputy Director of Evansville Parks and Recreation and former Deputy Director of Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden.
Rebecca Bailey, Lecturer - Communication and Media, won a Work-in-Progress grant from the Indiana Arts Commission. The grant will fund beta readers and focus groups helping Bailey create the book, “How to Make Life Magic.” Bailey, who writes under the pen name T. Harriman, conceptualized the book as a way to add joy and lightness to our everyday lives.
Dr. Denise Lynn, Chair of History Department, published an article in a new book titled, “Shirley Graham Du Bois: Artist, Activist, and Author in the African Diaspora.” https://www.pennpress.org/9781512828399/shirley-graham-du-bois/
Dr. Thir Budhathoki, Assistant Professor of English, presented, “Literacies and Reflective Rhetorical Moves in the Literacy Narrative Assignment,” at the Liberal Arts Faculty Colloquium on Thursday, November 13.
In this colloquium, Budhathoki explored how students’ perceptions of literacy and their reflections on literacy experiences are closely interrelated. Recognizing the importance of reflection in students’ learning—specifically how they construct new meanings of their literacy experiences and literate identities at the intersection of the personal and the cultural—Budhathoki emphasized the need for writing instructors to create opportunities for meaningful reflection in college writing classrooms.
Drawing on a rhetorical move analysis of 30 literacy narratives written by U.S. domestic and international students in multiple first-year writing courses, Budhathoki argued that adopting a resource-based perspective on students’ literacy experiences, along with a translingual approach to literacy as ideological, plural, embodied, and locally situated, encourages students to draw from authentic literacy experiences and engage in deeper, more meaningful reflection.
Dr. Greg Blair, Assistant Professor of Art and Design, presented “Close Encounters of the Pedagogical Kind,” in collaboration with Sara Christensen Blair, Chair of Art and Design, at the 2025 Southeastern College Art Conference on the Panel, “Ride or Die: Artist Couples” in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Dr. Michael Strezewski’s, Professor of Anthropology, excavation project in Tippecanoe County at Fort Ouiatenon, site of a French fort built in 1717, was featured in the latest issue of American Archaeology magazine.
Yu-Li Alice Shen, Advanced Instructor in English, narrated two exciting releases from Lyric Audiobooks and Penguin Random House: “A Milky Way Home “written by Hsinju Chen (out now) and “Villain Hitting for Vicious Little Nobodies” by Lindsay Wong (releasing 1/13/26).
Dr. Matt Hanka, Professor of Political Science, will have his book “Merger Dreams: The Story of the Louisville-Jefferson County, Kentucky Merger” published by Cambridge Scholars in 2026.
He will also have a second book, Washington, DC's Long Journey to Home Rule, Voting Rights, and Statehood, published by Bloomsbury Publishing in late 2026/early 2027.
He also appeared on Shively and Shoulders on WNIN on October 16, 2025.
Hanka was elected Vice President of the Indiana Academy of Social Sciences (IASS) in 2025-2027, and will serve as president of IASS from 2027-2029
JANUARY:
January 12 – February 6: Efroymson Exhibition: Amanda Mueth
January 13: Spring 2024 classes begin
January 20: Martin Luther King Day, no classes
January 28: The Shield Newsmagazine Release Party
January 29: True Crime Book Club
FEBRUARY:
February 3: True Crime Book Club Zoom
February 4: True Crime Book Club
February 14: Valentine's Day
February 16 – March 27: Michael Aakhus, emeritus exhibition
February 25: The Shield Newsmagazine Release Party
February 25- 26: Rechnic Film Series
