Focus Newsletter - University of Southern Indiana

Del Doughty, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Liberal Arts

A Word from the Dean

When historians of higher education look back at 2025, they will likely judge it to be a pivotal one, one full of political pressures, shocking headlines and paradigm-shifting changes wrought by AI and other technologies. In such a rapidly changing environment, reversals of fortune can be disorienting and sometimes disheartening. Yesterday’s bull market in one field becomes today’s bear market almost overnight. Take, for one example, the fortunes of the computer science degree. I take no pleasure in saying this, but the employment market for college graduates with this degree has, by many accounts and for a variety of reasons, collapsed pretty hard in recent months. At the same time, I won’t be shy about playing up the enduring value of a liberal arts degree. Consider, for instance, the following facts about our own USI College of Liberal Arts degree holders:

Five people on the Rotary Club’s 2025 “20 Under 40” list are alumni of our college. No other single organization can claim that kind of success.
Five downtown Evansville Main Street businesses are owned by liberal arts graduates.
Three of our nine current City Council members are graduates of our college—again, a larger share of the total than any other organization.

Our students are from here, they stay here and they lead here. I like knowing that and am proud to say it. If those facts are not making headline news, it’s because facts like that can be cited all the time in almost any given year. It’s important to remind ourselves of that from time to time.

What's New at the College?

College of Liberal Arts to run Art and Design Fall Fest booth!

The College of Liberal Arts (COLA) will take over the Art and Design Fall Festival Booth starting this year! Multiple departments and student organizations, including the Communication and Media Department, Art Club, Pre-law Club, German Club, Psychology Department and Dean’s Office, will be working the booth on Franklin Street.

Come down to booth #38 to show your Screagle Pride!

USI receives $1 million from The Good Samaritan Home, Inc. to support Social Work Department

The University of Southern Indiana Foundation has received a $1 million gift commitment from The Good Samaritan Home, Inc. to establish the University of Southern Indiana–Good Samaritan Internship Program, designed to expand access to social work professionals and critical services in southwestern Indiana.

The gift will support paid internship opportunities for students enrolled in USI’s Social Work Programs, as well as fund a clinical faculty position for five years in the USI College of Liberal Arts. The program places emphasis on supporting underserved and rural communities, particularly in the areas of mental health, behavioral health, social services and addiction support.

“This gift from The Good Samaritan Home is both generous and visionary,” said Steve Bridges, USI President. “It addresses an urgent need in our region by preparing more students to become highly skilled social workers while also extending vital services to communities that need them most. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the impact it will have on our students, our University and the people of southwestern Indiana.”

Internship eligibility will be limited to USI students enrolled in USI Social Work Programs who meet prerequisites for generalist or clinical internships and demonstrate an interest in supporting underserved or rural communities.

The USI College of Liberal Arts, in partnership with the Social Work Program leadership, will oversee the program and collaborate with The Good Samaritan Home to establish outcome metrics.

“We are very excited to be partnering with USI to help create more highly skilled social workers in southwestern Indiana and to provide critically needed mental health services in this region,” says Rev. Michael Erwin, Good Samaritan Home Executive Director. “Good Samaritan Home was an innovative outreach of the United Churches of Christ when it was begun 60 years ago. Times have changed, but our focus has not, serving those in need with care, compassion, knowledge and expertise. We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to its future."

The University of Southern Indiana–Good Samaritan Internship Program represents a significant step in addressing the shortage of social workers in southwestern Indiana while offering students meaningful, real-world experience that prepares them to make a lasting impact in their careers and communities.

Alum Spotlight:

Patrick Hickey ‘24

Bachelor of Professional Studies

Where are you from?

I am a West Michigan native, with most of my extended family still living in the Grand Rapids area. Although I have more or less lived in the Evansville region since 2004.

What brought you to USI?

When I moved to Evansville, I attended Gibson Southern High School. Like many incoming freshmen, I did not know what I wanted to study. Some of my good friends in high school were going to USI, and since it was also close to home, it felt like the best decision for me while I figured out my path.

How did USI prepare you for your current job and/or career?

It opened the door to my first career, which was print journalism. Dr. Chad Tew told me about an internship at the Evansville Courier & Press newspaper and set me up for an interview. That helped to solidify my interest in writing and reporting, and I went on to spend the first eight years of my career as a sports reporter at the Courier & Press. At USI and later with the newspaper, becoming a reporter taught me invaluable skills (e.g. ethics, communication, adaptability, time management, research and critical thinking, etc.) that have translated well into my current role.

Were there any faculty members who made an impact on your life or career path?

In addition to Dr. Tew, I was fortunate to learn from Erin Gibson, who was a communications instructor and student publications adviser up until 2021.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Currently, I serve as the Economic Development Director at the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership. I’m not sure I could pick one part of this job that is my favorite. I’m extremely competitive, and this job is highly challenging (and rewarding) work. I’ve been privileged to work alongside experts in manufacturing, marketing, real estate, finance, urban planning, infrastructure—and of course—government and politics. It’s a very interesting field that no one seems to know (or know much) about.

What advice would you give to current USI students?

I have no regrets about pursuing a career in journalism. I followed my heart and had a lot of fun at the newspaper. But I would tell my 18- to 20-year-old self to go to the career counseling center, take a talents or skills assessment, learn about the career options that are out there, and then go and really see if it’s something you’d enjoy. Be open-minded and don’t rule anything out just because you’re not sure what it is or don’t think you’re capable of doing it.

Anything else you would like to include?

I did not use ChatGPT to write this. Soft skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, problem-solving and creativity, not AI, will always be the true game-changer.

Student Spotlight:

Addison Doane ’26

BS in criminal justice with minors in military science and Spanish

Hometown: Greenwood, Indiana

What brought you to USI?

My mom went to USI, and I was very intrigued when I visited because of the campus and the criminal justice program. Also, the ROTC program is really good, which made my decision really easy.

What major/minor did you pick and why?

My major is criminal justice with minors in military science and Spanish. I picked criminal justice since I have always been interested in law enforcement and had a desire to help others. Military science and Spanish are something I am very passionate about since I have been learning Spanish for quite some time, and I want to be able to grow in my ability to communicate with people who only speak Spanish.

What clubs or extracurricular activities did/do you participate in?

I am a member of the honors program, the True Crime Book Club, the President of the Criminal Justice Student Association, the Spanish Club and the ROTC program. I am also an intern for the Evansville Police Department. I am also in the Army National Guard, specifically working with Military Police.

What are your plans after graduation?

For ROTC, I have to attend cadet summer training for a month over the summer, then I will commission as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Then, I plan to go to the Police Academy and hopefully work for my hometown police department. I want to become a detective while also working on SWAT. In the future, I would like to work for a three-letter agency—a United States federal agency that has a three-letter acronym, such as the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), and NSA (National Security Agency).

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

Some advice I would give to current or prospective USI students is to get involved in whatever you can because opportunities can only present themselves to you if you go and do something to get them. Also, don’t be afraid to be yourself. You will meet amazing people at USI, and there is no point in hiding it.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

A fun fact about myself is that I have a twin sister.

Featured Events:

The Grown-Ups

7 p.m. Thursday, October 2 – Sunday, October 5

USI Theatre presents The Grown-Ups at the Eicher Barn on the campus of USI. Directed by Brecken Maddox. Written by Simon Henriques and Skyler Fox.

The Grown-Ups follows a group of camp counselors trying to mold the leaders of tomorrow when tomorrow is looking bleaker and bleaker. It explores the traditions that change us, what it takes for us to change them and how to change yourself when you’re hopelessly, tragically not prepared for this.

For tickets or information, contact the box office at (812) 465-7110 or visit our website. https://usitheatre.universitytickets.com/

3rd Undergraduate Psychology Research Conference (UPRC)

1 p.m. Friday, November 7
University Center (UC) Carter Hall, UC 226/227

UPRC is an annual undergraduate psychology conference hosted by the International Honor Society in Psychology, Psi Chi chapter at USI.

All undergraduate students are invited to submit an abstract — students who have completed their research or proposed projects either as independent studies or within the confines of a class project are encouraged to share their findings in a supportive, professional environment. Submit your abstract by October 1.

A program of events will be available mid-late October after all submissions have been reviewed and selected.

The event is open to the public at no charge, but registration is required. If you are not a presenter, mentor or moderator, register for the conference by completing this form before Monday, October 20.

Learn More

College of Liberal Arts Achievements

Dr. Todd Schroer, Chair of Criminal Justice, was accepted and attended the Scheidt Family Seminar on Genocide Studies and Prevention held at the University of Connecticut in June. Drawing on a global range of historical case studies and current crisis spots, the seminar focused on the study, research and teaching of genocide prevention across all phases of the conflict cycle. The seminar was led by Dr. James Waller, the Director of the Dodd Chair in Human Rights Practice at UConn and one of the world's most preeminent genocide scholars.

Dr. Joshua Robinson, Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre, published his first book, Michael John LaChiusa: A Critical Companion with Methuen Drama.

Dr. Leigh Anne Howard, Professor of Communication Studies; Dr. Elvis Bendana Rivas, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies; and Dr. Chad Tew, Associate Professor of Online Journalism, participated in a panel discussion entitled Community and Civil/Civic Discourse: Perspectives from the Liberal Arts at the World Communication Association biennial meeting in Oslo, Norway in July.

Dr. Andy Buck, Chair of Sociology, recently published a paper titled, “Power and Praise: The Case of the Late Brezhnev Era,” which outlines the role of praise in authoritarian regimes, specifically late Soviet authoritarianism. https://doi.org/10.1111/johs.70001

Dr. Denise Lynn, Chair of History, published her book Women March for Peace: Black Radical Women’s Anti-Korean War Activism with University of Massachusetts Press.

Dr. Stella Ress, Associate Professor of History, published her book American Girls in Popular Media: A Cultural History of Preadolescent Girls, 1890–1945 with Bloomsbury Publishing.

Dr. Kristalyn Shefveland, Assistant Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, developed the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program, the Sankalpa Method, for Yoga Space Evansville, drawing on her dual background as a history professor and member of the Communal Studies Board at the University of Southern Indiana. Rooted in the values of the liberal arts, her program emphasizes inquiry, community and reflective practice alongside technical training in asana, anatomy and teaching methodology. Participants also engage with yoga’s ethical, philosophical and cultural traditions, paralleling the way liberal arts education connects knowledge to lived experience. Creating the curriculum was an intensive process that required Dr. Shefveland to weave together academic expertise and personal practice, with the goal of preparing teachers to share yoga with integrity. The program ultimately reflects her sankalpa: to honor tradition, foster community and link yoga education to the broader human story.

Shefveland also published her book The Great Upheaval: War, Migration, and Transformation in Early Modern America, 1675–1725 with University of Nebraska Press.

Dr. Kristin LaFollette, Associate Professor of English, published her book Rehumanizing People of the Past: Technical Communication in Bioarchaeology, Medical Museums and Archives, and the Human Remains Trade. With the support of a CLAFDA grant, she traveled to Boston and New Haven, Connecticut, over the summer to complete final research for the project.

She also attended the MLA Summer Seminar in New York City and the Rhetoric Society of America (RSA) Summer Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition, Dr. LaFollette assumed the role of Director of Humanities Content and Strategy at The Blood Project (TBP), an educational platform of Harvard Medical School that bridges the gap between evidence-based medicine and patient care. She has worked with TBP in various roles since 2022.

This Fall, Dr. LaFollette will present “Medical Museums and Archives in/as Medical Humanities” at the Midwestern Medical Humanities Conference and give a poetry reading at the Indiana College English Association (ICEA) Conference.

Dr. Sukanya Gupta, Professor of English and Director of Master of Arts in English, published an article titled "Global Women's Writing & Eco-Cosmopolitanism" in the Routledge Companion to Global Women's Writing.

Dr. Zachary Pilot, Associate Professor of Psychology, and Dr. Matthew Powless, University of Evansville, published a peer-reviewed research paper titled, “Adverse Childhood Experiences and Psychological Correlates in College Students: A Comparison of Student-Athletes and Non-Student-Athletes," this summer with USI alumni Elisabeth Brown, Kaitlyn Back, Mikaila Ealum and Sabrina Yamashita.

Paper can be found here: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/13/7/194

Yu-Li Alice Shen, Advanced Instructor in English, lent her voice to two audiobooks coming out this Fall: Breaking into New Hollywood by LA Times reporters Ada Tseng and John Healey, and A Milky Way Home by Hsinju Chen.

Dr. Matt Hanka, Professor of Political Science, was featured in the Courier and Press in August.

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