Tag: Staff Spotlight

Meet the Staff!

Name: Jennifer Fugate

Titles: Academic Advisor and Program Coordinator

Quick note: Jennifer is an Academic Advisor and Program Coordinator for Online Programs and Extension at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Tell us about your background!

I grew up in McHenry County, Illinois. As a first-generation college student, I earned my Associate’s degree from Harper College before coming to the University of Illinois in 2014 to complete my Bachelor’s in Psychology—and I’ve been here ever since! Currently, I’m pursuing an EdM in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership with a concentration in Diversity and Equity in Education. My professional journey at the University began as a Child Development Associate at a preschool within Family & Graduate Housing. Later, I transitioned to the Graduate College as a Degree Auditor, where I verified Master’s and PhD degree requirements, awarding degrees to thousands of students each semester. While I enjoyed working in higher education, I wanted a more student-facing role, which led me to my current position as the Academic Advisor and Program Coordinator for the College of Veterinary Medicine!

What are your special interests in your field of work?

I’m passionate about learning each student’s unique journey and understanding what has brought them to where they are today. Knowing their background and career aspirations allows me to tailor their path to success in a way that best suits them as individuals. Education isn’t a one-size-fits-all system, and I appreciate that in my role as an advisor, I have the opportunity to work with students on a personal level, supporting them every step of the way.

What’s your role in the College of Veterinary Medicine and what do you enjoy the most about it?

I help oversee the Master of Veterinary Science program for online and on-campus students. I provide academic advising services to help students pick courses each semester, outline their path to degree completion, and provide general academic support and policy guidance. I really enjoy getting to witness our student’s academic journeys with us from start to finish, starting as a prospective student all the way to graduating with a Master’s. I also always enjoy hearing how helpful and relatable our courses are to student’s and how they apply their knowledge to their careers!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have two little girls, Reyleigh (7 years old) and Noelle (4 years old), so my spare time is typically spent parenting! We love to have dance parties, play video games together, do lots of messy crafts, and read comics. We also recently got two kittens, Rukia and Toji, so our house is full of play!

Learn more about Jennifer here!

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Meet the Student Intern!

Name: Sarah Reed

Title: Online Programs and Extension Student Communications Intern

Sarah Reed joined our team in June of 2024 as a summer internship to help create and execute our communication strategy. Sarah will be continuing as a member of our team in the fall of 2024 when she returns to campus.

Tell us about your background!

I’m a rising Junior majoring in Marketing and Information Systems in the Gies College of Business. Before going to college, I took a gap year, where I spent my time working at a coffee shop in my hometown and applying to college. This summer, I’m working at that same coffee shop as well as working remotely in my communications position. In my free time, I like to read, collage, and sell clothes online!

What’s your role in the College of Veterinary Medicine and what do you enjoy the most about it?

I’m a Communication Intern for the Online Programs and Extension team at the College of Veterinary Medicine. This summer, I’ve created social media templates and posts, written articles for the OPE website, composed marketing emails, and more. I’ve enjoyed getting to grow in this position and working alongside such a passionate group of individuals. I’m excited to continue my position through the fall and finally meet everyone in person!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I’ve worked at a coffee shop on and off for about three years now and love to make coffee and try new drinks! I also enjoy reading, thrifting, collaging, and writing reviews on Letterbox for all the movies I watch. When I’m at school and have free time, I love to spend time with my friends, whether it’s just having a relaxing night in or going to a sports game.

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Meet the Staff!

Name: Dr. Ying Xiu

Titles: Instructional Designer

Dr. Xiu is an instructional designer for the Veterinary Medicine Online Programs and Extension.

Tell us about your background!

I came to the United States in 2012 from China. I then received my Ph.D. in Educational Technology from Oklahoma State University in May 2018. I have been at the University of Illinois since then.

What are your special interests in your field of work?

My research passion revolves around harnessing the power of technology to enhance the learning design process, particularly in its ability to cater to the needs of a diverse student population.

What’s your role in the College of Veterinary Medicine and what do you enjoy the most about it?

I am an instructional designer. I enjoy the moment that I meet students or instructors’ special needs using technology to improve the course.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I don’t have spare time anymore since I had my son, Matthew. The attached picture was me paragliding in Nepal.

Learn more about Dr. Xiu here!

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Meet the Staff!

Name: Monica Shotwell

Titles: Student Marketing Associate, DVM Student (Class of 2026)

Monica is the Student Marketing Associate for the Online Programs and Extension team at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Tell us about your background! 

I’m Monica and I am from Maysville, Kentucky. I went to undergrad at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, where I majored in Molecular and Cellular Biology and minored in Chemistry. Upon graduating, I decided to move to Orlando, Florida and work at Walt Disney World. When COVID hit, I ended up moving back home to Kentucky, and I got an animal care internship at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. I eventually worked my way up and became a keeper. It was during my time at the zoo that I decided I wanted to be a veterinarian! Thankfully, I ended up getting accepted to my top school choice, The University of Illinois!!

What are your special interests in your field of work? 

I am interested in small animal medicine, ophthalmology, academia, and nutrition! I also enjoy learning about oncology and zoological medicine.

What’s your role in the College of Veterinary Medicine and what do you enjoy the most about it? 

I am a student marketing associate. My favorite part is getting to talk with prospective students! It is fun getting to learn more about them, their stories, and why they want to join the Masters’s or Certificate programs!

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I enjoy reading, needlepointing, hiking, kayaking, and playing with my dog, Minnie!!

Learn more about Monica here!

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Meet the Associate Director!

Name: Kaylee Hillinger

Titles: Associate Director of Industry Relations

Kaylee Hillinger joined our team in June of 2023 to make connections between our programs and extension efforts to the industries in which they serve.

Tell us about your background! 

I am a two-time alumna of the University of Illinois, with a B.S. in Animal Science and an M.S. in Animal Agriculture Production. Most of my professional experience is in the swine industry across the areas of production, research, sales, and marketing. I grew up on a hobby farm, thought I wanted to be a veterinarian, and changed my mind when I started to get a grasp on the wide breadth of opportunity within the animal health industry and pivoted!

What are your special interests in your field of work?

I love bringing people together to solve problems, build connections, and improve themselves. It’s important to help animals grow and thrive, but equally important to support their human caretakers and industry leaders. The veterinary science and animal health community thrives when everyone works together!

What’s your role in the College of Veterinary Medicine and what do you enjoy the most about it? 

I currently serve as the Associate Director in Industry Relations for the Online Programs and Extension team. One of the aspects of my role that I find most rewarding is witnessing the impact of our program graduates as they apply the knowledge and skills, they’ve acquired to make meaningful contributions to the animal health and veterinary community. It’s truly exciting to hear them discuss how they’ve improved their critical thinking, problem-solving approaches, and understanding of population medicine dynamics, as a result of our programs. I also love having the opportunity to assist industry professionals in finding solutions to their challenges by connecting them with people across both the college and campus who possess the necessary expertise or helping them uncover the solutions by working together!

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

My husband, Derek, and I have two fun, energetic, and amazing kids! Ada is 3, and Myles is 2. We are expecting our third baby in August. These days, we don’t have a lot of “spare time”, but we love to fill our days with traveling to experience new cultures, being outdoors, and exercising. We have a couple of acres in central Illinois where we spend our evenings finding adventure, enjoying nature, and helping our children grow their imaginations. Hiking looks a little different with toddlers in tow, but we’ve hiked in several places around the world and hope to instill that passion in our kids.

Learn more about Kaylee here!

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Meet the Staff!

Name: Eleanor Greer

Titles: Academic Advisor and Program Coordinator

Eleanor is an Academic Advisor and Program Coordinator for the Online Programs and Extension team at the College of Veterinary Medicine. If you’ve been a student or want to be a student in our Certificate of Veterinary Science program, you’ve likely chatted with Eleanor.

Tell us about your background! 

I currently live in the small rural community of Homer, IL where I grew up.  I am a 2015 Parkland College graduate with an associate degree in early childhood education, 2017 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science, and 2020 University of Illinois Springfield graduate with a master’s degree in education. My employment at the University of Illinois began in April 2018 just a few months after I graduated from the University of Illinois with my bachelor’s degree.  I started out as an assistant teacher at the Child Development Laboratory where I worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Then I took another university position at the Child Care Resource Service in March 2020 before becoming an Academic Advisor and Program Coordinator at Vet Med in May 2023.

What are your special interests in your field of work? 

My special interests in my field of work are overseeing an online program and helping students work their ways to achieving their educational and career goals.

What’s your role in the College of Veterinary Medicine and what do you enjoy the most about it? 

I provide advising services to both current and prospective students.  I assist with overseeing our graduate certificate program called the Certificate of Veterinary Science (CVS) program where I serve as the primary contact person for students.  I enjoy assisting students who want to enter a veterinary school and learning about their backgrounds and experiences.  I find it fascinating how their various experiences with animals and other students’ experiences different from animal science and veterinary medicine encourage them to participate in our CVS program.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I enjoy spending time with my family and six cats, shopping, staying active at my church, collecting Disney memorabilia, attending classic car shows, traveling, attending concerts, going to amusement parks, and riding roller coasters.

Learn more about Eleanor here!

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Meet the Assistant Director!

Name: Clarissa Leman

Titles: Assistant Director 

Clarissa is the Assistant Director of the iLearning Center at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Tell us about your background! 

I grew up in a small rural community in Central Illinois but call Champaign “home” as a 14-year resident and two-time alumna of the University. After a brief career start in K-12 school social work, I transitioned to higher education working in various roles within undergraduate advising, admissions, and program coordination. Now at the College of Veterinary Medicine, I’ve greatly enjoyed bringing my insights and experiences to online graduate education to ensure that our programs and policies promote student success.

What’s your role in the College of Veterinary Medicine and what do you enjoy the most about it? 

I currently serve as the Assistant Director of the iLearning Center. In this role, I work in collaboration with our faculty and staff to build the policies and procedures that guide our graduate programs and online services. In addition to working on a great team, I also enjoy working with our great students! Seeing our students learn, grow, and succeed throughout the program is both motivating and rewarding.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, travelling, playing pickleball, and cheering on the Fighting Illini. I also enjoy spending time with family, and my 3 nephews and 3 nieces are always keeping me on my toes!

Learn more about Clarissa here!

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