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Dr. Judith "Judy" Everson - Higher Education
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Professor Judy Everson along with her husband David, are founding faculty members of Sangamon State University , which was renamed the University of Illinois-Springfield in 1995. Judy and Dave joined Sangamon State in 1970 when the university was first being established, Judy in the English department and Dave in political science. Judy earned two teaching awards during her career. In 2010 she was given a distinguished service award, recognizing her commitment to and advancement of UIS. In 2011 an endowment was created for the Judith Everson Professorship in English.
Interview Links
Abstract
Interview Session 01 (Audio)
Sangamon State U. early history and influential faculty
Interview Session 02 (Audio)
More pioneer Sangamon State faculty and highlights of Everson’s career
Photos
Caption:
U of I President David Dodds Henry (1905-1995) who prior to 1970 was asked if the U of I might have interest in establishing a Springfield campus.
Where:
Illinois
When:
Circa 1905-1995
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
SIU President Delyte Morris (1906-1982) who was also asked prior to 1970, whether SIU might have interest in establishing a Springfield campus.
Where:
Illinois
When:
Circa 1906-1982
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Abraham Lincoln University fundraising flier in 1920. The effort was unsuccessful.
Where:
Illinois
When:
Circa 1906-1982
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Photo of Vachel Lindsay, ca. 1928.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1928
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Leadership at Springfield Junior College was approached in 1961 about adding juniors and seniors in order to establish a four-year University in Springfield.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1961
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
In the front row, second from right is SSU’s first archivist, Dean Debolt in the classroom in 1970, the University’s first year.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1970
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
“The Blue Memo” authored by SSU’s first President Dr. Robert Spencer, expressed his vision for SSU, reference “Considerations in Appointing New Faculty,” February 1970.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1970
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Professor Jackie Jackson, English and Women’s Studies professor in the 1970’s. She was famous for her youth WSSU radio program and her book series about farm life, The Round Barn.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1970's
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Professor Cullom Davis, a professor of history, in the early 1970’s. He served as Asst VP of Academic Affairs and established a nationally recognized oral history program at UIS.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1970's
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Professor Judy Everson, early 1970’s, in the classroom - her passion. In addition to serving in various administrative roles, Judy won two teaching awards.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1970's
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
English Professor Dennis Camp in the 1970’s. He researched the life and literature of Vachel Lindsay and was a conscientious caretaker of the Lindsay home in Springfield.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1970's
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Mary Jane Masters, early University board member who recommended the name Sangamon State University, spoke at the SSU Groundbreaking Ceremony on June 6, 1970.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1970's
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
George Hoffmann, local attorney and community leader of the effort to establish a university in Springfield, attended SSU’s Groundbreaking Ceremony on June 6, 1970.
Where:
Illinois
When:
June 6, 1970
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
An event celebrating Floppy Hat Day on April 16, 1971.
Where:
Illinois
When:
April 16, 1971
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
The winner of Floppy Hat Day, April 16, 1971.
Where:
Illinois
When:
April 16, 1971
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
SSU faculty member Barbara Eibl (left) and Everson at a local conference on women’s roles in 1974. Barbara and Judy coordinated several workshops.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1974
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Professor Mark Heyman, City Planning, ca. 1975-1980, served as an apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright prior to joining the faculty at SSU.
Where:
Illinois
When:
ca. 1975-1980
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
SSU’s longest serving Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. John Keiser, ca. 1975-1980. He was a professor of history and expert in the history of mining.
Where:
Illinois
When:
ca. 1975-1980
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Professor Gari Lesnoff-Caravaglia, Gerontology, ca. 1975-1980, a sought-after speaker in her field, particularly on the topic of death and dying.
Where:
Illinois
When:
ca. 1975-1980
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Professor David Everson, Political Science, ca.1975-1980, an expert in voting behavior, and author of six scholarly books and six mystery novels.
Where:
Illinois
When:
ca. 1975-1980
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Professor Gus Stevens, professor of political science, in 1976. Dr. Stevens’ experience at a meeting with a state legislator inspired SSU’s Floppy Hat Day.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1976
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Dr. John Keiser’s book, Illinois Vignettes, which was published in 1977.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1977
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Dr. Robert Spencer, Sangamon State University’s first President, painting by Floyd Lewis in 1977.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1977
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Larry Golden, professor of political science in 1980. Golden was the first Director of the Springfield Project improving needy area living conditions, and helped found the Downstate Innocence Project.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1980
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
UIS Professor Bob Dixon’s sculpture honoring George Hoffmann, was constructed in 1991.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1991
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Professor David Everson thanked First Lady Hilary Clinton on April 25th, 1996, for coming to UIS for a speaking engagement at his invitation.
Where:
Illinois
When:
April 25th, 1996
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Dr. Judy Everson received the University’s distinguished service award in 2010. Left to right: Loren Taylor, Harry Berman, Judy Everson and Michael Hogan.
Where:
Illinois
When:
2010
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Cheryl Peck (left), retired UIS Dir of Public Relations and benefactor, joined Judy to celebrate the endowed Judith E. Everson Professorship in English in 2011.
Where:
Illinois
When:
2011
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Judy and David Everson attended a mystery writers conference in San Diego hosted by Dave’s agent, Dominick Abel, date unknown.
Where:
Illinois
When:
unknown
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Dr. Judy Everson after giving the talk, ‘The Early Years of Sangamon State University,’ on October 8th, 2019 to the Sage Society to celebrate UIS’s 50th Anniversary.
Where:
Illinois
When:
October 8th, 2019
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Photo of the UIS campus in 2020. The University transitioned from juniors and seniors only to a four year institution in 1995.
Where:
Illinois
When:
2020
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Map of the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS) campus today, ca. 2020.
Where:
Illinois
When:
2020
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).
Caption:
Photo of Vachel Lindsay’s book cover in 1985, edited by SSU faculty member Dennis Camp.
Where:
Illinois
When:
1985
Ownership:
These images are considered to be in the public domain Archives at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).