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USF News

U.S. News Names Three USF Online Programs Best Among Private Schools in 2024

Joliet, Ill. – U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2024 Best Online Programs rankings, and the University of St. Francis (USF) is proud to announce that five of its online programs – including three named as the best private programs in Illinois – were honored this year.

Recognized USF programs included:

  • Online Graduate Business Programs (excluding MBA) – #1 ranked private program overall in Illinois (46th percentile nationally);
  • Online Graduate Education Programs – #1 ranked private program in Illinois (12th percentile nationally);
  • Online MBA Programs – #1 ranked private program in Illinois (40th percentile nationally);
  • Online Nursing Programs – #4 ranked private program in Illinois (41th percentile nationally), and;
  • Online Bachelor’s Programs – #3 ranked private program in Illinois (27th percentile nationally).

As online education programs gain in popularity and demand, USF continues to leverage its comprehensive history of offering quality options that meet the changing needs of students interested in earning undergraduate and graduate degrees. Visit stfrancis.edu/admissions-aid/online for more information on USF’s online programs.

For more information on U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Online Programs rankings, click here.

About U.S News & World Report’s Ranking Methodology

U.S. News has been publishing school rankings in the education sector since 1983 and has done so specifically for online degree programs since 2013. At both the undergraduate and graduate levels, U.S. News calculates rankings based on a variety of factors, which hold different weights depending on the ranking category. A program’s score for each factor, or ranking indicator, is calculated using data that online programs report to U.S. News in an annual survey. The rankings methodologies for online programs are separate from those for U.S. News’ Best Colleges and Best Graduate Schools rankings. Ranking methodologies are typically updated on an annual basis.

Additional details are available here.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.

University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.

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USF Faculty Members Publish Academic Journal Articles

Joliet, Ill. – Three USF faculty members in the College of Arts & Sciences were recently published in academic journals in their respective fields of study.

Dr. Jackie Wittke-Thompson

Dr. Jackie Wittke-Thompson, professor of biology, had two articles published in notable journals in the biology education community. She is a member of FlyCURE and the Genomics Education Partnership.

“FlyCURE is a group of geneticists from across the USA that are working to locate specific mutations that were created in the fruit fly by Dr. Jacob Kagey (PI). All the research work is done by undergraduate students under the supervision of a faculty member. USF students in my BIOL151 Beginning Investigative Experiences in Biology and BIOL255 Genetics courses have been part of this project,” she explained.

“The Genomics Education Partnership is a group of geneticists, bioinformaticists, biochemists, and more that are working together to annotate genes in different eukaryotic organisms (such as fruit fly, parasitoid wasps, and the Puerto Rican parrot). All the work is done by undergraduate students under the supervision of a faculty member. USF students in BIOL255 Genetics, BIOL322 Molecular Biology, and BIOL375/376 Advanced Investigative Experiences in Biology have been part of this project,” she added.

Both publications are focused on the impact of these course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) on undergraduate students.

Read “Fly-CURE, a multi-institutional CURE using Drosophila, increases students’ confidence, sense of belonging, and persistence” at https://www.stfrancis.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/merkle-et-al-2023-fly-cure-a-multi-institutional-cure-using-drosophila-increases-students-confidence-sense-of-belonging.pdf.

Read “Supporting the democratization of science during a pandemic genomics Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) as an effective remote learning strategy” at https://www.stfrancis.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/lopatto-et-al-2023-supporting-the-democratization-of-science-during-a-pandemic-genomics-course-based-undergraduate.pdf.

Dr. Laura Honegger

Dr. Laura Honegger, associate professor of social work, co-authored a journal article with former USF professor Stacy Dewald and several members of the Will County Problem-Solving Court. Honegger and her team have been working together for the past few years and were thrilled that the article, about their collaborative research partnership and lessons learned, was published.

“The article describes an interdisciplinary researcher-practitioner partnership between the Will County Problem-Solving Courts and the University of St. Francis’s Departments of Criminal & Social Justice and Social Work. Collaborators reflect on the mutually beneficial relationship that produced policy-informed research, new internships, and enriched classroom experiences,” Honegger said.

Read “An interdisciplinary researcher-practitioner partnership: lessons and perspectives from researchers and problem-solving court personnel” at https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/CHVPQY25WNC7C8F2QKPV/full?target=10.1080/1478601X.2024.2306351.

Dr. Anna Ioanes

Dr. Anna Ioanes, assistant professor of English at USF, authored a journal article titled “Everybody’s Kathy: Acker, Laing, and the Autofictional Turn” published in the journal Women’s Studies. The article was about the literary influence of novelist Kathy Acker on contemporary autofiction.

“This work analyzes the contemporary attention being paid to late-twentieth-century feminist avant-garde author Kathy Acker. Critical and creative attention to Acker’s work is taking shape in conversation with the development of autofiction and auto theory as important contemporary genres,” Ioanes said.

“Analyzing one particularly significant example, Olivia Laing’s autofictional novel Crudo, the essay demonstrates that Acker’s paranoid disposition and appropriative aesthetic techniques meet a contemporary moment shaped by digital media, resurgent white supremacist political violence, and debates about the relationship between critics and artworks,” Ioanes added.

Read “Everybody’s Kathy: Acker, Laing, and the autofictional Turn” at bit.ly/3U3B4KN.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.

University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.

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Chicago Bears Hall of Fame Linebacker Mike Singletary to Speak at USF Brown & Gold Night

JOLIET, Ill. — Former Chicago Bears middle linebacker Mike Singletary will become the 18th Hall of Fame inductee to be featured as the guest speaker at the 45th Annual University of St. Francis Brown & Gold Night, the school announced on Tuesday morning.  The fundraising event will take place at the Pat Sullivan Center on the campus of USF on Thursday, Feb. 22.

One of four Bears middle linebackers to earn the prestigious Hall honor, he will become the third to speak at Brown & Gold, joining Dick Butkus (1980) and Brian Urlacher (2019).  The other inductee was Bill George in 1974.

A second-round selection of the Bears and the 38th player selected overall in the 1981 NFL Draft, Singletary went on to play all 12 of his professional seasons in Chicago, missing only two games in his career.  During that time, he was twice named the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year in both 1985 and 1988.

Singletary went on to make 172 starts over his career, which is second-most in Bears history.  In each of his last 11 seasons, he either led the team or placed second on the squad in tackles and amassed 1,488 over his career with 885 being solo stops.  He also recorded seven career interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries.   

After making his first start in the seventh game of his 1981 inaugural season, Singletary went on to earn all-rookie honors that year in a career that saw him gain All-Pro status eight times, claim All-NFC honors nine straight years from 1983-91 and make ten Pro Bowl appearances.  In 1999, The Sporting News ranked him 56th on its list of the 100 greatest players in NFL history.

In the Bears’ only Super Bowl championship season, Singletary was the key orchestrator of the famed 46-defense, leading a unit that allowed less than 11 points per game, went 15-1 during the regular season and permitted just ten points in three postseason games combined.  In Super Bowl XX, Singletary recovered two fumbles and the defense allowed a record-low seven yards rushing in a 46-10 trouncing of the New England Patriots.

Prior to his arrival on the NFL scene, Singletary was a two-time All-American at Baylor University (1979, 1980), where he averaged upwards of 15 tackles per game.  For his career, he set a school record with his 662 total tackles.  As a sophomore, he established the team’s single-season mark of 232 tackles, including 35 stops in one contest.  He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995.

Singletary becomes the tenth member of the Chicago Bears organization to speak at Brown & Gold joining the likes of Mike Ditka, Dan Hampton, Jim McMahon, Gary Fencik and Joliet’s own Tom Thayer.  Also on the list of sports celebrities are John Wooden, Al McGuire, Ray Meyer, Paul Hornung, Bart Starr, Fergie Jenkins, Frank Thomas, Joe Maddon, David Ross, Dan Gable and Denis Savard.

The annual fundraiser begins with a cash bar at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner at 7 pm and the program at 8 pm.  The event will also include both a silent and live auction.  No autograph requests will be granted the night of the event.

Tickets are available for $65 each or a table of ten for $650.  Corporate sponsorships are also available.  For more information, contact the USF Athletic Department at 815-740-3842.  To order tickets for the event, go to Tickets.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.

University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.

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Two USF Online Programs Recognized in 2024 Rankings by The Princeton Review

Joliet, Ill. – The Princeton Review, a national ranking agency that provides admissions resources for college and graduate school-bound students, recently recognized two online programs offered at the University of St. Francis (USF). USF’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and its online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership programs were included in The Princeton Review’s Best Online Doctor of Education Programs for 2024 and Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs for 2024 listings, respectively.

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program

Advanced practice nurses are often called on to assume leadership roles in the profession and in health care delivery. Graduates of the USF MSN program will incorporate their education and research into a practice that is reflective of the dynamic needs of a diverse population.

“Our Master of Science in Nursing programs offer knowledge, skills, and resources to enhance careers available to members of our community across Illinois and the Midwest by using online learning platforms. The competencies developed in our programs are evident by the care that is given back to the community by our graduates. However, we do not prepare our students just for a career. Our MSN students enhance their passion to actualize the core values of serving others as advanced practice nurses. Besides being well-trained, skilled, and confident in their areas as advanced nurse practitioners, they are compassion-rooted providers at all times, most especially during the most vulnerable times,” said USF Leach College of Nursing dean Yeijin Yeom, Ph.D., RN, CNE.

Visit stfrancis.edu/msn for program information and options. Visit princetonreview.com and search the keywords “online Master of Science in Nursing” to view The Princeton Review’s Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs for 2024 listing.

Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership Program

The online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership program at USF brings together practitioner-scholars to support doctoral candidates in learning and scholarship. The program is a combination of research, experiential learning, and shared knowledge about the key skills needed to lead, inspire, and educate. The program degree is designed for master’s prepared professionals from every career path.

“Our online programs are designed to provide students from all over the country exemplary learning experiences that equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance their careers and contribute to the world in a meaningful way.  The courses challenge and support the students in the learning process and offer them an opportunity to interact with other professionals and exceptional faculty members. To have our online doctoral program recognized in this manner is an indication and a validation that we are realizing our mission to develop high quality leaders who can have a significant positive impact on their communities,” said John Gambro, Ed.D., dean of the USF College of Education.

Visit stfrancis.edu/educational-leadership-edd for program information and options. Visit princetonreview.com and search the keywords “online Doctor of Education” to view The Princeton Review’s Best Online Doctor of Education Programs for 2024 listing.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.

University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.

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WCSF’s Snydersmith Interviews Olivia Minogue of NBC’s The Voice

Joliet, Ill. – University of St. Francis (USF) student and WCSF 88.7 FM on-air talent Will Snydersmith recently interviewed Olivia Minogue, a contestant on season 24 of NBC’s The Voice. 

The in-studio interview, which covered how Minogue landed an audition for The Voice, what her experience on the show was like, exploring new foods, and her upcoming concert at The Forge in Joliet, aired on January 18, on Snydersmith’s weekly radio program, Locally Sourced.

Locally Sourced, a radio program featuring local Joliet area musical talent, airs Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. CST on WCSF 88.7 FM. Snydersmith is a WCSF radio club member and a digital audio recording arts (DARA) major.

Olivia Minogue, a resident of Lockport, was a contestant on season 24 of NBC’s vocal competition show The Voice who, among several other projects, is currently collaborating with Alby Odum, an instructor of digital and recording arts at USF and music producer.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.

University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.

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Art and Design Students Lend Their Talents to Support Habitat for Humanity ReStore Event

USF Art & Design program students

University of St. Francis Art & Design students Karly Ceci, Issac Rodriguez, Vada Arndt, Sammy Gonzalez, Mazi Niezgoda (along with USF associate professor Paul Erschen) collaborated with Melissa Gianakopoulos, Special Events Manager at Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Joliet, to paint over sixty holiday-themed martini glasses for the annual Habitat for Humanity ReStore holiday fundraiser, Tinsel & Tinis Girls Night Out, which took place on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. The USF students worked on the project for close to three weeks.

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