Meet the Faculty
Name: Whitney Carver
Department/title: Education, Director of Special Education & Visiting Assistant Professor of Education
Years at Eureka College: 5
Why did you choose EC? I completed my undergraduate studies at Eureka College. While here, I met amazing friends through being involved in organizations such as Delta Zeta, Campus Crusades for Christ, Sigma Zeta, Alpha Psi Omega, Student Foundation, and Admissions Ambassadors. I also met my husband while here. The college truly became a second home.
I have always loved teaching. This position allows me to teach everything I am passionate about (Math, Response to Intervention, and Special Education) all while being at my second home. It is quite simply the best!
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share? Eureka College offers opportunities that can’t be found at every institution. Take them! Learn to say yes! If you are interested in theatre, take a semester to try out a show. If you love to sing, join Concert Choir. If you have a sport you enjoy, try out for the team. If you want to learn more about something that interests you, take a course. If we don’t offer something that you want to do, start the club. Everyone has the chance to use their Experiential Learning Grant, study abroad. Take the opportunity. Make the best of every situation. Fill your resume. But most importantly, have fun!
My favorite hobby away from work is? Why? I love spending time with my family and friends. Whether it be at one of our kids sporting events or having a game night with friends, being with people is a favorite way to spend my time.
If you were to be given a superlative when you were in school, what would it have been? My senior year I “won” the superlative of “Teacher’s Pet.” Yep, that’s what it would be!
What is your spirit animal? A monkey
What is your favorite quote? My great uncle was an amazing man. He was someone so many looked up to. Whenever he hung up the phone or left a room, he departed with a simple quote – one that I hope to live up to daily. In his wonderful southern twang, he said to all he met, “Be kind.”
Name: Dr. William Lally
Department/title: Criminal Justice/Sociology / Associate Professor
Years at Eureka College: 9
Why did you choose EC? Small college allowed for more interaction with students.
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
Act as if college is your full-time job. In 4 short years, if you did well, then you may get to work in a career you have always wanted to.
If you could take a week off from your regular life to immerse yourself in learning something new, what would it be? Chinese
Where do you most want to visit in the world? China
My favorite hobby away from work is? Working on bloodstain pattern research projects. Why? I like to be able to contribute to the body of knowledge that exists on this subject.
What is your favorite quote? ”The best way out is always through.” Robert Frost
Why should I major in Criminal Justice/Sociology? It is one of the few jobs where you are put in the position to be a hero.
Name: Sarah Riskind (Dr. Riskind)
Department/title: Director of Choral Activities/Assistant Professor of Music
Years at Eureka College: 3
Why did you choose EC? All of the faculty, staff, and students I met when I interviewed gave me a warm welcome! I love close-knit communities, and I looked forward to redesigning the Music curriculum with Dr. Martínez.
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
When I have a lot to do, I make a list of *achievable* tasks for that day and try not to worry about the others. I think it’s important to have reasonable expectations for yourself!
What would you say to someone unsure if they should join choir or other music related classes?
“I can’t sing or play an instrument!”: Let me be the judge of that! The vast majority of the population is more than capable of learning to sing, and our classes and ensembles create a welcoming community for all experience levels.
“I don’t have time!”: Though many students in music classes and ensembles are busy, making music can provide a meaningful artistic outlet and an opportunity to work together with peers towards a common goal! It’s a great way to make friends, learn about other cultures and time periods through their music, and take your mind off your other studies.
What inspired you to work with kids and college students?
I was the drum captain in my high school marching band, and I had a great time color-coding rhythmic patterns so the inexperienced bass drummers could learn their music more easily! Then when I directed an a cappella/madrigal group called the Elizabethans in college, it was extremely rewarding to lead my closest friends in making music together. I love that college students are here to learn and discover new interests, especially at a liberal arts college like Eureka.
My favorite hobby away from work is?
Reading for relaxation and entertainment is an essential part of my day! I love sci-fi, fantasy, mysteries, historical fiction, young adult novels, contemporary fiction, and more… and it’s amazing how many authors from underrepresented backgrounds are now able to get their work out there! Some of my recent favorites include Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki, the Mirror Visitor series by Christelle Dabos, and the Daevabad Trilogy by S. A. Chakraborty.
Why should I major in Music at Eureka College?
What’s wonderful about the Music department is that all of our offerings are very much open to non-majors! We’re really there for everyone; music can bring lifelong joy to people with all kinds of careers. However, those who choose Music as one of their majors or minors get to spend more time making music each day, bonding with the somewhat-rambunctious-but-kind-and-genuine group of majors and minors who lurk about the Chapel.
Those who would like to pursue a musical career have more options than they realize: teaching any age group, leading worship music, conducting, performing gigs, audio engineering, providing music therapy, raising money for the arts, composing video game music, directing musical theatre productions, teaching private instrumental lessons, any combination of the above, and beyond! Many musicians find a combination of jobs that fulfills all of their musical interests, sometimes in addition to non-music employment.
At the same time, some Music majors go on to pursue other careers, but continue to sing in choirs (such as the Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana, which I conduct and in which Dr. Martínez sings soprano), play in worship bands, produce their own songs, and more!
Name: Paul Small
Department/title: Professor of Biology, Director of Honors Program
Years at Eureka College: 35
Why did you choose EC?
EC is a small Liberal Arts College where I could teach in my specialty, get to know my students and peers; yet be next to bigger cities like Peoria.
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
Experiment with your curriculum; don’t be afraid to learn somethings out of your comfort zone. You may find your passion.
If you could take a week off from your regular life to immerse yourself in learning something new what would it be?
I would be the judge on chef’s show, because I love to eat new foods.
Why did you want to study Immunology and Parasitology?
I am always fascinated in the biological arms race---who’s on offense/defense and how.
My favorite hobby away from work is? Why?
Singing while I do my Gardening. That’s the only place where people can’t hear me while I’m enjoying what I can create with nature’s help.
What is your favorite quote?
Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement" Golda Meir.
Why should I major in Biology?
Because it presents you with complex answers to the simple riddle of life; it’s the past, present and future all rolled into cells.It lets you be honest and always searching. You can contribute to your own future and to the future of our planet.
Name: Natalie Upson
Department/title: Science & Mathematics / Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Years at Eureka College: 2
Why did you choose EC?
The strong community at Eureka College was evident from the moment I stepped on campus. This community extends throughout campus including the students, faculty, staff and administration.
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
Use every opportunity as a learning opportunity. Learn from your mistakes and successes to grow as a person and a student.
What Can I Do with a Kinesiology Degree? Students can pursue a large variety of career?
Individuals can pursue a variety of careers and graduate programs with a degree in kinesiology. For example kinesiology graduates can become strength and conditioning coaches, cardiac rehabilitation specialists, or work in hospitals. A degree in kinesiology also prepares students to enter professional graduate programs such as Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, or Physician Assistant as well as specialized graduate kinesiology programs including Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, and Psychology. The possibilities are endless!
My favorite hobby away from work is? Why?
I love spending time outside being active. In particular, I enjoy playing sand volleyball, taking my dog for walks, and gardening with the help of my daughter. I find being active outside energizes me while supporting my mental and physical health.
What is your favorite quote?
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. -Dr. Seuss
What is the difference between Kinesiology vs Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy falls under the “umbrella” of kinesiology. Kinesiology, at its core, is the study of movement which can be explored in a variety of ways. Physical Therapy focuses on rehabilitating individuals who are experiencing pain or dysfunction. To become a physical therapist, individuals must complete a professional doctorate program after earning a bachelor’s degree.
Why should I major in Kinesiology?
Kinesiology prepares students for a large variety of careers and graduate programs. This allows students to identify and pursue a particular niche within kinesiology. At Eureka College, students also have the opportunity to complete internships to earn relevant experience to prepare them for a career in kinesiology. But ultimately, you should major in Kinesiology because it is FUN!
Name: Lisa Cheek
Department/title:
Education, Director of Middle Grades Program, Associate Professor of Education
Years at Eureka College: 18
Why did you choose EC?
Eureka College is an unexpected place of opportunity. I first taught a summer course here, and the small, historic campus was so inviting that I remember saying to myself, “I bet this would be a great place to work. Maybe one day…”
If you could pass on any wisdom to your students,what would you share?
Be open-minded to learn and grow. Try new things. Find out what you are gifted to do, and then use those gifts to do what you love and help others.
My favorite hobby away from work is? Why?
I enjoy nature, so anything that gets me outside (gardening, hiking, biking, traveling).
What is your favorite quote?
As a literature teacher, I will choose my favorite quote from a book. The Skin Horse is talking to Velveteen Rabbit, a beloved stuffed animal of the child who loves him.
“What is REAL?” asked the Rabbit one day…
“Real isn't how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, then you become Real. “…It doesn't happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.”
― Margery Williams Bianco, The Velveteen Rabbit
What interested you in working with all levels of education including middle school, elementary literacy and now college?
I’ve now been teaching for a total of 35 years, in public school and at the collegiate level. Throughout my career, I’ve continually sought new challenges and experiences in working with young people at all levels of development, in both curricular and co-curricular settings. At each turn I’ve taken, it was with the belief that I could make a positive impact on others.
Why should I major in Education?
An Education Major opens the door to many opportunities of working with and teaching others. You have a positive impact on changing lives and helping people become more than they thought possible. Young people need great role-models in life, and you can be that for them. Plus, there is a teacher shortage, so a job is waiting for you!
