Five Women Scholars Promoted and Granted Tenure at Western Illinois University

The College of Arts and Sciences at Western Illinois University has announced that five women have been promoted and granted tenure.

Christina Davis was named an associate professor in the department of sociology and anthropology. She joined the faculty at the university in 2012. Dr. Davis earned a master’s degree in social sciences at the University of Chicago. She earned a Ph.D. in linguistic anthropology at the University of Michigan.

Magdelyn Helwig was promoted to associate professor of English at Western Illinois University. She is also the director of the writing program at the university. Dr. Helwig holds a master of fine arts degree in poetry and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Kathy McGuire was appointed an associate professor of psychology. Her research seeks to establish best policies and practice regarding children in the legal system. Dr. McGuire is a graduate of the University of Wyoming. She holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Toledo in Ohio.

Kimberly Rice joined the political science faculty at Western Illinois University in 2012. She teaches courses in American government and serves as pre-law advisor and mock trial coach at the university. Dr. Rice holds a bachelor’s degree and a master of public administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned a Ph.D. in political science at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Alisha White was named an associate professor of English. She joined the faculty at the university in 2012. Dr. White is a graduate of the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, where she majored in literature. She holds a master’s degree in English teacher education and a Ph.D. in teaching and learning from Georgia State University.