Kevin Beeson honored for helping start online classes for active military and veterans at UIS

Kevin Beeson, visiting clinical professor in the Internship and Prior Learning Program at the University of Illinois Springfield, was honored on Jan. 14, 2014 for his efforts in starting two online classes for active military and veterans.

The Patriot Award from the U.S. Department of Defense and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) was presented to Beeson by members of the Illinois Army National Guard, including Master Sgt. Anthony O’Neal, who nominated him for the award.

“What started as a nice thing to do has turned into much more than I could have ever expected,” said O’Neal. “It seems like every time I turn around he finds five or six more things to add to the class to make it an even better class.”

O’Neal partnered with Beeson to start the online classes, which give service members the opportunity to gain credit for prior learning based on their experience. As part of the classes, students share their military experiences through an online discussion board, journal and write a portfolio about their service.

One class is offered exclusively to combat veterans, while the other is open to any active duty service member or veteran enrolled in classes at UIS. Students may earn up to 12 credit hours for their participation.

“I’m honored to get the award, but it still goes back to our men and women in the service. That’s what this class is about and that’s what it’s for,” said Beeson.

The ESGR Patriot Award recognizes a supervisor for supporting National Guard and Reserve members. Any member of the National Guard and Reserve is eligible to nominate a supervisor for the award.

Service members and veterans may apply for admission to UIS by calling 217/206-4847 or by visiting www.uis.edu/admissions.