April 08, 2008
Seibert retires after 32-year career at SIUC
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Throughout her 32-year career at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Linda Seibert's greatest satisfaction was "certainly not financial. It was the gratitude of the students," said Seibert, who retired March 31.
An academic adviser at SIUC since 1987 and the College of Business and Administration's chief academic adviser since 1990, Seibert has counseled thousands of students on classes, majors, life and beyond. "I've truly enjoyed working with the students to help them achieve their goals and I've worked with some of the best students on campus," she said.
Academic Adviser Joe Pineau will serve as interim chief academic adviser during a search for Seibert's permanent replacement. The College of Business and Administration will honor Seibert and her celebrated career during a special event in May.
Seibert won the Faculty Adviser of the Year Award in 1996, 1997 and 2002, the year she also won the Outstanding Service Contribution Award. In 1995, Seibert won a Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding and Dedicated Service from the student organization Society for Advancement of Management.
Seibert's service goes beyond her daytime duties. For many years, she has announced student names during the three commencement ceremonies each year. "As soon as they enter the college, I find out how to pronounce their names so that when they cross the podium, I get it right," said Seibert.
"Linda Seibert is one of a kind," said J. Dennis Cradit, dean of the College of Business and Administration. "I have the utmost respect for her intelligence and diligence, which make her very popular among students as well as faculty and staff. She'll be sorely missed."
"Linda is truly an amazing adviser,"said Olivia Wilson, a senior majoring in finance and political science and president of the College of Business Student Council, which Seibert advises. "She is always there for us and always willing to answer any questions we have. She genuinely cares about students and student success."
During her time in southern Illinois, Seibert has also been involved with the SIU Women's Club, ManTraCon Transition Team, Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, Carbondale Panhellenic, League of Women Voters, Southern Illinois Chamber Music Board, Saluki Bridge Club and the SIUC Women's Caucus.
A fan of the arts, Seibert will move to St. Louis to attend "more opera and symphony, play more bridge, be a regular visitor at the art museum and other cultural institutions, and to have easy access to an airport," she said.
Born in New Jersey and reared in Pennsylvania, Seibert holds a bachelor's degree from The Pennsylvania State University and a master's degree in higher education from SIUC.