As a freshman, Vanessa Pratt started the Mock Trial team at the University of Illinois Springfield. The team now competes against other universities throughout the state. On campus, Pratt is a member of the Capital Scholars Honors Program, Pre-Law Society, Model Illinois Government, the Christian Student Fellowship and works for UIS Admissions. Pratt chose UIS because her father and uncle are alumni. Following graduation, she plans to attend law school and hopes to become a prosecuting attorney.

The University of Illinois Springfield has empowered Briana Rodriguez to become an advocate for issues she believes are important. The sophomore legal studies major recently participated a rally in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program at the Illinois State Capitol.

Josh Lawson wants to be a lawyer and possibly run for political office one day. At the University of Illinois Springfield, the Legal Studies major is getting a taste of political life as the President of the Student Government Association (SGA).

The University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy and Leadership and the Community Health Roundtable will host a free public webinar titled “Overcoming Misinformation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mainstream and Social Media, Public Health, and Outreach to the General Public and Disadvantaged Populations” at noon Friday via Zoom.