Staff
John Kostelnick
Ph.D., University of Kansas
Email: jkostelnick@illinoisstate.edu
John Kostelnick serves as the Director of the Stevenson Center. He is a Professor of Geography. Broadly, his interests are in Geographic Information Science (GIScience) with applications of GIS and cartographic design specifically to crisis mapping, community/economic development, and social justice issues. Dr. Kostelnick frequently works with students, faculty, and other partners on applied research projects that incorporate geographic thinking, GIS, and mapping for improving lives and communities. Examples of current collaborative projects include wellness assets mapping in Bloomington-Normal, GIS for rural broadband access in Illinois, access to public transportation in Chicago, and climate change mitigation in McLean County. Dr. Kostelnick also is working on an ongoing research projects that analyzes maps that depict refugees and other displaced populations, and another project that is designing an online resource tool to assist with crisis map symbology. For the Stevenson Center, Dr. Kostelnick manages personnel, budgets, strategic efforts, and relationships with higher administration at Illinois State University. In the classroom, he teaches Advanced GIS, Cartography, Cartographic Design, Human Geography, World Geography, and Geography of Chicago.
Jar Spencer
B.A., Central Michigan University
Email: aespenc@ilstu.edu
Jar Spencer is the Office Manager for the Stevenson Center. He serves as receptionist, bill payer, budget keeper, and completes various other administrative duties to support Stevenson Center staff and students. Jar earned his Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting and Cinematic Arts degree from Central Michigan University in 2002, returning in 2007 to start on his post-bachelor's teaching certificate. When not behind the desk at the Stevenson Center, Jar enjoys board/card/book-based games and many other interests and hobbies.
Breana Brown
M.S., Western Governors University
Email: bnbrow2@illinoisstate.edu
Breana Brown serves as the Stevenson Center's program coordinator. Her role involves facilitating the functions of the graduate program and community service organization by promoting programs and services to potential students, community partners, and other stakeholders. Breana earned her bachelor's degree in English studies from Illinois State University. Breana has a wealth of experience working with the YouthBuild AmeriCorps program, where she has organized and led impactful community service projects. Her dedication to honoring historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and promoting the value of service has brought communities together and empowered students to develop new skills. Breana is committed to empowering others to reach their full potential personally and professionally.
Dane Myers
M.S., Illinois State University
Email: damyers@illinoisstate.edu
Dane Myers serves as the Stevenson Center's Assistant Director. His role involves selecting prospective students for admission, aiding the academic graduate coordinators with respect to student admission and matriculation, providing counsel to students, supervising the placement process and evaluating students in AmeriCorps positions, maintaining relations with Peace Corps and relevant offices on campus, and aiding the director in other Center operations. Dane earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Illinois State University. He then served in the Peace Corps (St. Vincent’s) after which he returned to ISU to complete his master’s as a Peace Corps Fellow in the Applied Community Economics and Development sequence of the Political Science program coordinated by the Stevenson Center. His professional practice was with the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging. After earning his M.S., Dane worked on restorative justice initiatives in Colorado and McLean County. Dane brings a wealth of experience and a passion for service to the Stevenson Center.