Greetings UIS family!

I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Director of Student Media at the University of Illinois Springfield. My name is Priyanka Deo, and it is with great excitement that I have returned to UIS, a place that holds a special place in my heart.

I completed my undergraduate degree as a CAP Scholar at UIS and captained the tennis team (Class of 2010). I went on to study, live and work abroad in London, Los Angeles, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Mumbai, New Delhi and now, Springfield, Illinois. My career path has been enriched with experiences in media strategy, digital content creation and public relations, which I look forward to bringing to our campus community.

But this introduction isn’t just about me—it’s about us. UIS is a hub of creativity, critical thinking and impactful communication. This, coupled with the fact that Springfield has been, and continues to be a politically charged and action-packed city since Abraham Lincoln’s political run. This is a strategic location for impactful media, journalism and digital storytelling.

With this being said, The Student Observer is looking for writers, reporters and digital content creators who are eager to contribute to vibrant dialogue on campus. Whether you’re an aspiring journalist, a creative writer or simply someone with a story to share, I encourage you to get involved.

This opportunity is not just limited to students. There is a citizen journalist within all of us. I equally encourage administration and subject-matter experts to contribute. This is your chance to build your portfolio and make your voice and work heard in our community.

I am excited to work alongside all of you and look forward to the stories we will tell together.

Let’s make this year at UIS one of compelling narratives and powerful communication.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Priyanka Deo

Director of Student Media

University of Illinois Springfield

If you are interested, please email me at [email protected].