Eastern Illinois University early childhood education professor Brianne Eads was one of 27 faculty members who learned on Oct. 14 that their university contract would not be renewed. 

At the Student Senate meeting the next day, four students from the college of education spoke in support of Eads being reinstated.  

They spoke on the importance of Eads’ role in placing students in practicum experiences through her connections with various schools, said early childhood education major Kierstin Rosine. 

The students also spoke on the personal impact that Eads has had on them, such as helping them in their times of struggle. 

Graduate advisor Lexie Coartney was one of the speakers during the meeting and said she was upset about the nonrenewal and wanted to do something about it. 

At the Student Senate meeting on Oct. 22, the Senate passed a resolution in support of Eads’ reinstatement. It was signed by four student government representatives and 71 undergraduate and graduate students and alums. 

Two days later, Eads was reinstated.  

According to Dean of Health and Human Services John Storsved, the reinstatement came after a professor in the same department announced their retirement but didn’t send their documents to administration prior to the announcement of the contract nonrenewals.  

The decision to reinstate Eads was made by Interim Provost Holly Farley and President Jay Gatrell. 

“I’m excited that it has worked out to keep an amazing employee,” Farley said. “They’re all amazing, but not all of them can be saved.” 

Coartney said she was in the room with Eads when they got the news of her reinstatement. 

“I actually jumped up and down in a circle with Mrs. Eads,” Coartney said. “We had a huge hug, and she thanked me for fighting for her.” 

Student Body President Claire Weber wrote in an email that she supported the students speaking up and that she had spoken with Eads.  

“I briefly met with professor Eads, and from that one meeting alone, I could tell how much she cares about her students and the work she does here at Eastern,” Weber wrote. “The students from the college of education came out in force and used their voices to support a professor they care so deeply for.” 

Another person who signed the resolution was senior education major Morgan Lighty, who shared her personal experience with Eads. 

“While I was in practicum, I was also in the process of buying a house. Not only did she make sure I was doing okay with the workload of practicum, but she also checked in on me personally to ensure that I was doing okay mentally. I can’t think of any other teacher that would do this for anyone,” Lighty wrote in an email. “Mrs. Eads never once overlooked me or my feelings. She always made sure to answer all of my questions and to give me assistance when needed.” 

Senator Chip Ala also signed the resolution and asked that EIU keep listening to its students.  

“As seen here, we have an impact, and I’m glad we have stood together as a student body to support our faculty,” Ala wrote. “I as well urge the student body to keep pushing for what we believe is right and voicing our concerns.” 

The News reached out to Eads, but she declined to comment.

Jason Coulombe can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].