Faculty Partner Program

UIS Athletics Faculty Partner Program Logo, navy white and gold

At UIS Athletics, we believe the student-athlete experience is strengthened through meaningful connections across campus. Through our Faculty Partner Program, each athletic team is paired with a faculty member who serves as a partner and champion throughout the season.

Faculty partners have the opportunity to connect with their team, attend competitions, learn more about the student-athlete experience, and support our programs both on and off the field. The program fosters relationships between athletics and academics while celebrating the faculty members who play an important role in the success of our student-athletes.

Together, we’re building a stronger campus community and creating connections that extend beyond the classroom and competition.
 

2026-27 FACULTY PARTNERS
Baseball Nicole Meismer, MA, Math Coordinator, The Learning Hub
Men's Basketball Nathan Steele, PhD, Associate Professor, College of Business and Management
Women's Basketball Pattie Piotrowski, PhD, Dean, Brookens Library
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Track and Field Kerry Cox, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor, College of Public Affairs and Education
Women’s Flag Football Tarah Sweeting, PhD, Director, Center for Academic Success and Advising
Men’s and Women’s Golf Alan Freedman, PhD, Assistant Professor, College of Health, Science and Technology
Men's Soccer Sudeep Sharma, PhD, Interim Associate Dean and Associate Professor, College of Business and Management
Softball Angela Doehring, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor, College of Health, Science and Technology
Men’s and Women’s Tennis David Bertaina, PhD, Professor, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Women’s Volleyball Elise LoBue, PhD, Interim Director of Capital Scholars Honors Program and Instructor
Women’s Soccer Frances Shen, PhD, Professor, College of Health, Science, and Technology, Coordinator Capital Scholars Honors Peer Mentoring Program
 

Thank you to our Faculty Partners!

Elise LoBue pictured with UIS soccer athletes Student-athletes on academic recognition night Sudeep Sharma during Faculty & Staff Recognition