Hometown: Springfield, Illinois

Major: Psychology

Future Plans: Earn her Psy.D. in clinical psychology, specializing in adolescence

Aaleiyah Spaulding says she chose the University of Illinois Springfield for the reasonable tuition price and the community. “UIS strives for diversity and makes everyone feel welcome,” she said. “As a biracial woman, this meant the world to me.” On campus, she’s a part of The National Society of Leadership and Success Chapter and previously served as a student representative for the Psychology Department. “What I like most about UIS are the amazing staff and faculty,” she said. “Every individual is passionate about their work and genuinely cares about their student’s well-being and education.”

Leadership is lived at UIS. Every day.