University News

Salem Shinn, current Master of Arts in Museum Studies student.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

125 Anniversary Celebration: Salem Shinn

March 3, 2025

Printer friendly version

Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about Western Illinois University students, alumni and community members, highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We will feature 125 individuals from August 2024 to August 2025.

MACOMB, IL - - Current student Salem Shinn credits WIU's support system with helping them discover their path.

"When I think about WIU, I think of the supportive instructors who have guided me along the way and opened my eyes to possibilities I hadn't yet considered," Shinn said.

For Shinn, being a Leatherneck means being dedicated and invested in creating a good community.

"Leathernecks are dedicated, community-focused people who saw a small school and decided to make their own thriving and successful community," Shinn said.

When considering their time at WIU, Shinn has many favorite Leatherneck memories. Among them are learning from professors, discovering a welcoming community and stepping out of their comfort zone to explore and embrace new things.

"I have quite a few Leatherneck memories," Shinn said. "Seeing my professors in their element at conferences and field visits outside of the classroom and how the community of academics in my discipline was open and accessible to me. Taking a leap of faith to model for the figure drawing class as a plus-sized person and finding a new perspective on myself through the eyes of many art students. Also gaining major confidence boosts by having my research and input taken seriously by published professionals, winning two writing awards from the English department."

Shinn, as a graduate of the Studio Arts program and current Master of Arts in Museum Studies student, is building on the preparation they received at WIU.

"I'm entering my first internship. I've also been given the opportunity to join the board of a local museum that I've enjoyed for many years as a visitor," Shinn said.

Shinn has been actively involved in the community from their undergraduate years through their master's degree.

"As an undergraduate student, I was a life drawing model and a desk assistant in Thompson Hall. I had been on the executive board of the Kappa Pi art honors society for two years and a member of the social organization Unity. Currently, I am involved with the Graduate Experience in Museum Studies (GEMS) club and volunteer at local museum events as a representative of my program in my free time," Shinn said.

Shinn advises prospective students to give WIU the opportunity to shape their future and not be afraid to explore all the campus has to offer.

"Give it a chance," Shinn said. "Consider what WIU can be if you make your education your own. Your professors can become your best friends and give you the inside scoop on their own experience in the field. The small classes give faculty more reign to tailor education to their students and form mentor relationships, but you can't be afraid to give them a chance. I can't stress enough the importance of getting involved."

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local WIU students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.

To learn more about the WIU M.A. in museum studies program, visit wiu.edu/cofac/qc/museumstudies/

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing