Redbird Buzz: Recent Episodes
Illinois State University
Join us for conversations from beyond the quad with Illinois State University Redbirds who are creating buzz—on campus, in the community, and across the globe. Each episode, we speak with Redbirds about their unique stories, journeys, and contributions.
Illinois State University alum David Breen '88 joins Redbird Buzz to share memories from his 37-year career with Special Olympics Illinois and how his experience as a recreation program management major prepared him for more than a decade as the organization's president and CEO.
A 2024 Alumni Achievement Award winner, Breen recounts his experience as an Illinois State student volunteering for Special Opportunities Available in Recreation (SOAR) in Bloomington-Normal before graduating in 1988. It was this work and the individuals he met through SOAR that inspired a life-long commitment to making sports and recreation accessible through Special Olympics Illinois.
Tune into this episode to learn more about Breen's journey from a small-town farm to his time at Illinois State to becoming president of Special Olympics Illinois until his retirement in 2023.
After earning a Bachelor of Science in theatre from Illinois State University in 1991, Jennifer Rudnicke has spent the past 30 years in casting, including the past 22 years as co-owner and casting director of Paskal Rudnicke Casting in Chicago.
In this episode of Redbird Buzz, hear how Rudnicke and her business partner, Mickie Paskal, cast for TV, film, commercials, voiceover, and print. Some of their notable jobs have included casting for Chicago-based hit series Shameless and South Side. Most recently, they’ve provided location casting for FX’s The Bear, which earned several Emmy’s including, Best Comedy Series and Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series. Rudnicke is featured in the spring 2024 issue of State magazine.
In this special crossover episode of Redbird Buzz and the School of Communication's COM-versations, Alicia Bettes '94 shares the story of her professional journey that started on the campus of Illinois State University.
Bettes was inducted into the Illinois State University Broadcast Hall of Fame this month and was on campus to celebrate the 50th anniversary of TV-10, Illinois State's student television newscast.
Hosts Rachel Kobus '09, M.S. '11, and Julie Navickas '07, M.S. '10, M.S. '18, chat with Bettes about balancing her work at both TV-10 and WZND as a student, how the television industry has changed in her 30-year career, and how her degree from the School of Communication set her up for success as a television reporter, producer, executive producer, media relations manager, communications instructor, and assistant news director.
Tune in to hear Bettes reflect on her path to her current position as the executive producer of national news for Spectrum News and her advice to current Redbird students.
President Aondover Tarhule was appointed the 21st president of Illinois State University on March 18 and, in this episode of Redbird Buzz, he shares what the first few weeks of his presidency have looked like, details of the path he took to get to this point, and how he hopes to create a legacy at the University.
Dr. Tarhule arrived at Illinois State in August of 2020 to serve as vice president for Academic Affairs and provost, was appointed interim president in February of 2023, and is now leading the University in his new role as permanent president. Tarhule, a first-generation college student, holds a Ph.D. in geography and has more than 27 years of experience in higher education in both academic and administrative roles.
Tune into this episode to learn more about Tarhule's childhood in rural Nigeria, the role his father played in his education and professional trajectory, and the story behind the many hats he wears (both literally and figuratively) on campus. You can also read more about Tarhule in this May's State magazine.
Kelly Rhoades ’14 is making her big league debut this spring as an assistant athletic trainer for the Detroit Tigers.
In this episode of Redbird Buzz, Rhoades shares her journey from Illinois State University’s athletic training program to nearly a decade, primarily in Minor League Baseball (MiLB), with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. Now, she is beginning her first Major League Baseball (MLB) role with the Tigers.
Originally from Poplar Grove, Rhoades made history by becoming the first female athletic trainer in Arizona Diamondbacks history when she was hired in 2016. Since then, Rhoades has been promoted from working with Rookie Ball, to Class A, to serving as a medical coordinator. Last November, she joined the Tigers and is making her MLB debut when Detroit opens the 2024 season at the Chicago White Sox March 28, a homecoming of sorts for the northern Illinois native.
Dr. Katherine Ellison, professor and chair of English at Illinois State University, is an expert in 17th- and 18th-century British Literature and Culture. In this episode of Redbird Buzz, we attempt to decipher another area of Ellison’s scholarly work: the history of secret writings, or cryptography. Ellison is featured in the spring 2024 Redbird Scholar magazine.
James Mercer ’91 is no stranger to the fast-paced world of sports management, and that's certainly the case in his current role as commercial director for Envision Racing's Formula E team.
Formula E is the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile's (FIA's) single-seat car racing series, which uses only electric vehicles. Mercer got his start in sports at Illinois State University as a men's tennis student-athlete and history major, which led him to roles as a player agent and in professional tennis, rugby, and motorsports organizations.
In this episode of Redbird Buzz, Mercer shares why he came to Illinois State sight unseen, how landing his dream job right out of college changed his perspective, and how Formula E and its commitment to sustainability is helping change the narrative around electric vehicles, and motorsports, for the positive.
Illinois State University alum Bunmi Akinnusotu, M.S. '06, is no stranger to the intricacies of foreign policy. From her childhood as a first-generation American listening to her Nigerian family discuss world politics and cultures, to her experience as a graduate student working with Illinois State's Stevenson Center and AmeriCorps, Akinnusotu has a passion for studying and understanding cultures and affecting policy on a global level.
Akinnusotu's career has spanned nonprofits, government agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and higher education. Her current role as the director of city innovation for the Aspen Institute is a culmination of her career and education as she works to engage urban policymakers both here in the United States and around the world.
In this episode, Akinnusotu discusses how significant impacts can be made both on a global and individual level, shares why she launched her own podcast, and speaks about what she learned through her work with the Stevenson Center at Illinois State.
University Galleries at Illinois State University is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, and chief curator and two-time Redbird alum Kendra Paitz, MBA ’06, M.A. ’11, joins Redbird Buzz to discuss the history of the galleries and plans for the future.
Paitz came to Illinois State in the mid-2000s to pursue a master's degree and fell in love with her work at University Galleries, working her way to her current role as chief curator. She oversees a team that is dedicated to providing art exhibitions that are free to the public, engaging with campus and community partners, and contributing to art education for local youth.
Tune into this episode to hear about the history of University Galleries, Paitz's personal journey and commitment to University Galleries' mission, and for information on what's in store in 2024 and beyond. And don't miss out on attending the Alumni Spectacular exhibit, open January 16-February 20, which showcases 250+ Redbird alumni artists' work.
Dr. R. David Edmunds is a well-known and trusted expert in Native American ethnohistory. Originally from Blue Mound—about 15 miles southwest of Decatur—Edmunds earned a master’s degree from Illinois State University in 1966 while teaching at Bloomington High School. He later earned an honorary degree from Illinois State in 2002 and a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012.
Throughout the past 50 years, Edmunds has held professorships at the University of Wyoming, TCU, California Berkely, UCLA, Indiana University, and the University of Texas at Dallas—and he’s published 10 scholarly books and more than 100 academic articles. He’s also contributed to Native American docuseries projects for PBS and the History Chanel, and he is featured in the fall 2023 State magazine. In this episode of Redbird Buzz, Edmunds discusses his role as a Native American scholar and advocate.
World-renowned glass artist, sculptor, and designer Robert DuGrenier, M.F.A. ’70, joins Redbird Buzz to discuss how his ending up at Illinois State was one of the first steps to career success in the art world. DuGrenier, a 2018 Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame inductee, came to Illinois State as a graduate student, sight unseen, after being recruited while studying at the Hornsey College of Art in London.
DuGrenier's works have included the creation of high-end installations for museums and architectural projects, glass chandeliers and pieces for private residences and hotels, and even the 1/12th scale model of the flame for the Statue of Liberty, from which the French artisans sculpted the new flame.
Tune in to this episode to hear how DuGrenier's work has helped to advance the science of hermit crabs, about his impact on Nickelodeon and the Kids' Choice Awards, and how he's revitalizing his small Vermont hometown through farmers markets and community pizza nights.
Dr. Jana Albrecht, M.S. ’06, Ph.D. ’20, Illinois State University’s associate vice president for enrollment management, joins Redbird Buzz to discuss another historic incoming class for fall 2023—the University’s largest in 36 years. The class includes 4,147 freshmen, a 4% increase in new freshmen. Total enrollment also increased 1.5% to 20,989.
This year’s incoming freshmen class averaged a high school GPA of 3.64 on a 4.0 scale, and more than 1,000 students earned 4.0 or better. Illinois State’s student body is becoming more diverse as well; approximately 41% of this year’s freshman class come from traditionally underrepresented groups, while 32% of the total student population comes from traditionally underrepresented groups.
In this episode of Redbird Buzz, Albrecht discusses Illinois State’s continued enrollment success, praises alumni for their role recruiting new Redbirds, and talks about potential areas for future growth at the University.
Dr. Dawn McBride, professor of psychology at Illinois State University, has been teaching and researching human memory for decades. In this episode of Redbird Buzz, McBride explains the inner workings of how we remember—and how we forget. McBride is featured in the fall 2023 Redbird Scholar magazine.
Dr. Judy Neubrander, dean of the Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN), is a tenured nursing professor with more than 25 years of academic experience who is leading the college through a time of expansion and opportunity. To help address the nationwide nursing shortage, MCN will officially open a new location in Springfield, in partnership with Memorial Health, on August 18, and the $18 million, 16,000-square-foot expansion of the MCN Simulation Center is underway and scheduled to be completed by fall 2024. In this episode of Redbird Buzz, Neubrander shares how MCN is poised to face the nursing shortage head-on, how current students are learning to care for themselves along with their patients, and how MCN's new location and and expanded simulation center will help produce the next generation of nurses.
Dr. Taiwo Durowade ’09 is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist who has practiced in south suburban Chicago for the past five years. Durowade joins Redbird Buzz to discuss how—and why—she focuses her practice on preventative care. She also talks about utilizing social media to deliver free medical advice to maximize her impact.
Durowade earned a bachelor’s in biochemistry and molecular biology at Illinois State University in 2009. She went on to obtain her M.D. at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, followed by residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She is featured in the summer 2023 State alumni magazine.
Greg Cameron ’80 is the president and chief executive officer at the internationally renowned Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. In this episode of Redbird Buzz, Cameron connects the dots from his formative years growing up in western suburban Westchester, to discovering a love for performing arts at Illinois State University, to serving the Chicago arts scene for nearly 40 years. Cameron earned a bachelor’s in German, with an art history minor, from Illinois State in 1980. He is now in his 11th year with the Joffrey, and he is featured in the summer 2023 State alumni magazine.
Special education alum and College of Education 2022 Hall of Fame inductee Dr. joyce gillie gossom '78 joins Redbird Buzz to share how her experience at Illinois State University paved the way for a dynamic career, which has included experiences as a teacher, elected official, consultant, leadership coach, higher education administrator, and author.
During this episode of Redbird Buzz, gillie gossum discusses her journey to Illinois State University, how her all-lowercase name came to be, and how a degree in special education opened doors into leadership and consulting across industries. She also reflects upon how her focus on gratitude and empathy have played a role in her professional successes.
Illinois State University School of Theatre and Dance alum Erin Levzow '06 has created a unique path through her career. From starting out in Las Vegas after graduation with $800 in her pocket, to currently serving as the chief marketing officer at the Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago, Levzow has leveraged her theatre degree and the life skills it taught her, and she has been "collecting experiences" at every stop along the way.
In this episode of Redbird Buzz, Levzow shares how her Midwestern roots helped land her first marketing job, how Theatre of Ted and their mission of "daring to suck" prepared her for a future as a marketing executive, and she provides advice to young female professionals looking to take their seat at the corporate table.
Illinois State University alum and current scientific associate at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Candice Halbert '01 joins Redbird Buzz to share stories from her time as a chemistry major on campus and her journey to being named one of PEOPLE Magazine's "Women Changing the World in 2023." In this episode, Halbert discusses the importance of representation in STEM fields and how her work with her non-profit Yo-STEM is introducing science, technology, engineering, and math to the next generation in Knoxville, Tennessee. She also shares how her experiences in science classes at Illinois State ultimately drew her into chemistry and set her up for career success in her field.
Barb Dallinger ’81, M.S. ’01, an Illinois State University alum, retiree, and leader of the University's LGBTQA+ Alumni Network, sits down with Redbird Buzz to share experiences from her time as a student, her 30-year career as an employee on campus, and as a leader and advocate for the University's LGBTQIA+ community.
Dallinger graduated from Illinois State with a degree in music and worked in a variety of roles at ISU. She spent the most time on campus as associate director of events and catering in Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality. Dallinger recounts her experience as an undergrad student and the harassment she endured because of her sexual orientation. She became a "champion" for future LGBTQA+ Redbirds and strived to create safe spaces on campus, most notably through her role as an advisor for the registered student organization PRIDE.
Dallinger also shares fond memories of her time as an employee on campus and provides insight into what it was like serving as the Braden Auditorium manager in the Bone Student Center and working with famous musicians—from Sara Evans to George Jones—who performed there. She also teases content from her forthcoming book about her time at Illinois State.
Political science major Ash Ebikhumi just wrapped up his junior year at Illinois State University and sat down with Redbird Buzz to talk about his unique experience as the only student representative on the University's Board of Trustees. Ebikhumi was elected as student trustee by the student body and sworn into the role in October 2022. He will serve another term for the 2023-24 academic year.
In this episode, Ebikhumi shares insight into what it's like being the youngest member of the Board of Trustees, his approach to being the voice of the student body in that group, and how holding leadership positions in registered student organizations on campus ultimately led him to run for student trustee.
Actor, comedian, singer, host, and producer Jane Lynch '82 sits down with Redbird Buzz to discuss the latest addition to her long list of titles—director. Lynch is visiting the Illinois State University campus this spring as an artist in residence, directing School of Theatre and Dance students in a staged reading of the Neil Simon comedy Lost in Yonkers.
Lynch is best known for her Emmy Award-winning role as Sue Sylvester on the musical TV comedy hit Glee, but she rose to fame with her breakout role in Christopher Guest's mockumentary Best in Show. She has played numerous roles on TV shows, including Two and a Half Men, Criminal Minds, and Only Murders in the Building. She has also appeared in several movies, including The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Role Models, and Julie and Julia. Most recently, Lynch starred on stage in the 2022 Broadway revival of Funny Girl.
Tune in to this episode to hear Lynch discuss her experience as a student at Illinois State and how her time in the School of Theatre and Dance prepared her for a decades-long career in Hollywood. Lynch also discusses how a Frosted Flakes commercial kick-started her career, what prompted her return to campus as a director, and she shares advice for aspiring actors.
Elisabeth Reed, the director of Illinois State University's Office of Sustainability, joins Redbird Buzz to share the story of her journey—from a background in architecture and fashion, to her current role leading the University's sustainability efforts. Reed shares tips for listeners wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and discusses campus sustainability initiatives, including Fix-It Friday, the Share Shop, and the Pass It On program. Tune in to learn more about the steps Reed and her team are taking to promote sustainability and protect the Illinois State campus—and the earth—for future generations of Redbirds.
For more information, visit: Sustainability.IllinoisState.edu.
Dr. George Pruitt ’68, M.S. ’70, L.H.D. ’94, one of the longest serving collegiate presidents in the United States, joins Redbird Buzz to discuss how Illinois State launched his journey into higher education, historical moments he experienced on campus during the Civil Rights Movement, challenges he faced and accomplishments he achieved leading a university for 35 years, and how having resources, support, and close friends can help individuals find their true talents.
Dr. Sarah Gerson ’06 is a developmental psychologist at Cardiff University in Cardiff, Wales. In the fall of 2020, she was lead author for an internationally publicized study, published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, which used neuroscience for the first time to investigate the impact of doll play on children. Gerson earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Illinois State University in 2006 and later received a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. She’s now in her seventh year researching and teaching at Cardiff, and she is featured in the spring 2023 State alumni magazine.
University Archivist April Anderson-Zorn joins Redbird Buzz to discuss three women who made history at Illinois State University: Dr. June Rose Colby, Anna Ropp, and Dr. Patricia Chesebro.
Dr. June Rose Colby (1856-1941) was the first female faculty member and third woman hired as an instructor at Illinois State Normal University. After becoming the first woman to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1886, Colby served as a professor of English at Illinois State Normal from 1892-1931. Colby was also a writer who contributed to professional journals, and she was a supporter of the Suffragist movement.
Anna Ropp (1904-2005) graduated from the Mennonite Hospital School of Nursing in 1931 and spent 22 years as a relief day supervisor at Mennonite Hospital. Ropp was known for her eye for detail, her ability to run many parts of the hospital operations, and her high level of energy. She also worked tirelessly on her family farm, and she wrote daily in diaries that are available to view in the Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives.
Dr. Patricia Chesebro (1924-1992) was a professor of psychology at Illinois State University from 1963 until her retirement in 1988. During her time at Illinois State, Chesebro was heavily involved with the women's studies program. She was also a member of the Women Faculty Association, a group which evaluated the status of women faculty at Illinois State and worked to ensure equal treatment for women.
Regina Smith '06 joins Redbird Buzz to discuss her new role as the inaugural head coach of the Morgan State University women's acrobatics and tumbling team. Smith and her team at Morgan State will make history during the 2023-24 season as the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) NCAA Division I program.
Smith started her coaching career in 2006, and since then, she has captured more than 30 national championship college and high school titles and more then 50 top-three finishes for cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, and mascots at the collegiate level. Smith shares how she got her start in college athletics at Illinois State University as an Athletics Department intern and cheerleader. She also shares the history of women's acrobatics and tumbling as an emerging NCAA sport along with her approach to building a program from the ground up at Morgan State.
Dr. Thomas Keyser, founding dean of Illinois State University's College of Engineering, shares his vision for the new college, set to launch with its first class of students in the fall of 2025. Keyser discusses his plans for educating "career ready" graduates and engaging with local industry leaders to provide College of Engineering students with invaluable real-world experience.
Keyser will begin his tenure at Illinois State on April 1, focused on bringing the University's newest academic college into being with three critical goals: workforce development, student success, and diversifying the engineering field. To learn more about the College of Engineering, visit IllinoisState.edu/College-Engineering.
David Kirk, M.S. '16, sat down with Redbird Buzz to discuss his role as the director of Redbird Esports at Illinois State University and the program's success. Kirk shares his approach to growing engagement with current and future Redbirds through four pillars of the program: competitive, club, casual, and career.
Author and educational consultant Dr. Mary Manz Simon ’69 joins Redbird Buzz to share her unique path from kindergarten teacher to children’s author and educational consultant for companies like Crayola, DreamWorks, Sony, and more. Simon shares what is truly important when it comes to passion, shaping the lives of children as educators, and how learning each day ourselves makes us a better person. She also gives a brief insight into her friendship with beloved television host Mr. Fred Rogers.
Illinois State women’s basketball assistant coach Katrina Beck ’19, M.S. ’21, joins Redbird Buzz to discuss her journey from Redbird player to coach. A four-year letterwinner and starter for the Illinois State women’s basketball team from 2015-2019, Beck is in her first season as a Redbird assistant coach.
Beck, who originally planned to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, talks about why she shifted her plans to focus on coaching. She also discusses playing for, and now, coaching alongside Redbird head coach Kristen Gillespie. And she offers her insight into the 2022-2023 season.
NBA sportscaster Katy Winge '15 reminisces about her days as a Redbird women's basketball player and busy student-athlete in this episode of Redbird Buzz. Winge reflects on how double-majoring in marketing and broadcast journalism, being a Division I athlete, and participating in extracurriculars set her up for career success.
Winge is currently a host, reporter, and analyst for Altitude TV and the NBA's Denver Nuggets. In her role, Winge gets to tell the story of Nuggets players and coaches while interacting with Nuggets fans on social media. Tune in to this episode of Redbird Buzz for more information on Winge's fast-paced life and how she got her start in sports journalism at Illinois State.
Painter and muralist Liz Flores '12 joins Redbird Buzz to talk about taking the leap into making a passion into a profession and how she used her business degree to become a successful artist. Flores shares how she had to think outside the box to find her own artistic style, how she balances her painting integrity while working with well-known brands like Lululemon and the Chicago Bulls, and where she has recently gained inspiration for her upcoming work.
Tiara M. Tucker ’04, M.S. ’09, joins Redbird Buzz to share how embracing a passion can lead to many trails of success as she balances a full-time corporate career while managing her own PR boutique and non-profit dedicated to empowering professional women.
Jeff Mavros, M.S. ’06, executive director of Admissions, joins Redbird Buzz to discuss Illinois State University’s historic incoming class for fall 2022. It’s the University’s largest freshman class in 35 years and its most diverse freshman class in ISU history. The class consists of one in three students who had a high school 4.0 GPA, more than 200 new students from McLean County, and more than 2,500 incoming students actively involved in community service.
Keith Habersberger '09 is known for his hilarious YouTube videos, viral comedy songs, and all-around funny internet persona. But most don't know that Habersberger got his start in improv and comedy at Illinois State. Join Redbird Buzz for a conversation full of laughs and stories about Habersberger's rise to internet stardom with the Try Guys and his newest venture on tour with comedy band Lewberger, set to take the stage at Braden Auditorium September 9.
Dr. Aondover Tarhule, vice president for Academic Affairs and provost, joins Redbird Buzz to discuss Illinois State University’s new College of Engineering. He describes why the University is starting an engineering program, how the program will be unique, and what the next steps are in the program development process. For more information about the new College of Engineering, visit IllinoisState.edu/College-Engineering.
Sam Alex ’07, nationally-syndicated country radio personality, host of The Sam Alex Show, and founder of Camp Broadcast, joins Redbird Buzz. Alex got his start in radio on the Illinois State University campus as a WZND staffer and public address announcer for Redbird women's soccer, and he has soared to career heights including interviewing stars on the red carpet at the Oscars.
Entrepreneur Abe Lopez-Bowen ’12 joins Redbird Buzz to discuss his experiences as a student at Illinois State and his career path after graduation. Lopez-Bowen talks about his human-focused, heart-forward approach to management and business, how former Illinois State president Dr. Larry Dietz advised him during a crucial moment of self-reflection, and how his experience as a student shaped his approach to his personal and professional life.
Gold Glove-winning Redbird center fielder Ryan Cermak and Illinois State head baseball coach Steve Holm join Redbird Buzz to discuss Cermak's stellar 2022 season and the upcoming Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. Some scouts predict Cermak to be drafted in the first five rounds which would place him among the highest MLB draft picks in Redbird history.
Chris Voelz ’70, executive director of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards, joins Redbird Buzz to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX and to share her experiences as a physical education major, four-sport Redbird student-athlete, and women’s athletics pioneer. Voelz is a trailblazer in the world of college athletics and has dedicated her career to advancing opportunities for women athletes.
Jim Bennett ’87, Illinois Department for Human Rights director, joins Redbird Buzz to talk about the meaningful moments and mentors at Illinois State who shaped his path to becoming an activist, a voice for civil rights, a storyteller, and a trailblazer. Bennett shares memories from his time as a student, describes the path his career has taken him on and his role in the fight for marriage equality, and he discusses how he's found support from Redbirds over the years.
Dr. Jill Hutchison, M.S. ’69 and Dr. Linda Herman, M.S. ’72, Ed.D. ’83 join Redbird Buzz during the 50th anniversary of Title IX—legislation passed in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities, including college athletics.
Hutchison spent 28 seasons as Illinois State University’s head women’s basketball, was a four-time national president of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association, and is credited for influencing nationwide growth of the women's game. Herman spent two decades as ISU’s senior associate director of Athletics and senior women’s administrator following seven seasons as ISU’s head volleyball coach.
Hutchison and Herman both played essential roles—at Illinois State and on the national level—advocating for gender equity in college sports and advancing women’s athletics in the wake of Title IX. During this episode of Redbird Buzz, Hutchison and Herman reflect upon the growth of women’s athletics over the past 50 years while discussing areas for advancement over the next 50 years.
Illinois State Athletics will host a celebration of Title IX June 24-26, 2022. For more information, visit GoRedbirds.com/Title IX. And, for a historical review of the Redbirds who pushed for gender equity in college athletics before and after Title IX, check out the spring 2022 Illinois State magazine at News.IllinoisState.edu/Publications.
Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy, 20th president of Illinois State University, joins Redbird Buzz as the podcast's first official guest. She shares her excitement for the University’s spring commencement, she discusses how her curiosity to learn led her into the field of biochemistry, and she talks about the journey she took to become the first female president of ISU. Kinzy also gives advice on the importance of support and collaboration, and she shares a bit about some of her favorite things (hint: she loves a good mint chocolate chip ice cream).
Welcome to Redbird Buzz, a podcast produced by Illinois State University, featuring conversations—from beyond the quad—with Redbirds who share their unique stories, journeys, and contributions.