University of Illinois Springfield Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Athletic Training Program Celest Weuve has been named chair of the University Senates Conference (USC) for the 2023-24 academic year. Weuve has served as chair of the UIS Campus Senate since Fall 2021.

The USC is charged with reviewing all matters acted upon by each individual campus senate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago and University of Illinois Springfield. The USC decides whether actions taken by one senate have broader all-university relevance. The USC also acts as an advisory group to the Board of Trustees, the president and other administrative officers on matters of university-wide concerns.

“It truly is an honor to represent UIS as chair of the USC,” Weuve said. “The USC plays an important role in the shared governance of the University of Illinois System and I am looking forward to working with my fellow senators and the administration to address the challenges facing higher education.”

Weuve said the USC will be discussing many important topics such as the role of artificial intelligence in education; protecting the valuable DEI work happening at our universities; expanding the impact of the University of Illinois System through world-class education, community partnerships, healthcare initiatives and innovative research; and ensuring a healthy and supportive work environment for University of Illinois employees.

In August 2016, Weuve came to UIS in order to build the new Master of Athletic Training Program from the ground up. The program, which started in the Summer of 2019, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, has a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the Board of Certification exam, has a 100 percent placement rate upon graduation and provides students the opportunity to complete clinical practicum hours at a wide variety of institutions across the country.

Weuve earned her bachelor’s degree in athletic training from the Buena Vista University, her master’s degree in health science from Springfield College and her doctorate in athletic training from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.