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Rhoades’ return to college opens new possibilities for Fall 2027 EIU Panther

(Charleston, IL) – For Leah “Meg” Rhoades, becoming an ºÚÁÏÉçÇøPanther in Fall 2027 represents more than returning to college. It represents finally allowing herself to believe that earning a college degree is possible.

Meg, who was born and raised in Weldon and now lives in Decatur, graduated from Deland-Weldon High School in 1998. She is currently completing her studies at Richland Community College, with an anticipated graduation in 2027, before beginning her EIU journey as a transfer student.

A homeschooling mother whose family has long been her primary focus, Meg said returning to college has been a dream she once believed was out of reach.

“For many years, I believed I couldn’t get my college degree,” Meg said. “That I was somehow deficient.” But her experience at Richland Community College changed that perspective.

“Taking classes at our local community college has given me so much confidence and allowed me to dream bigger than ever before,” she said.

And Meg’s decision to continue her education at EIU also is deeply connected to her family. The Rhoades household is already familiar with the Panther experience: Her oldest daughter graduated from EIU in 2025.

During her daughter’s time at EIU, she experienced a catastrophic car accident that required her to take a year away from college. Meg said the support her daughter received from EIU faculty and staff during that difficult period made a lasting impression on the family.

“The faculty and staff at EIU were so supportive of her while she was gone and when she came back to campus the following school year,” Meg said. “That experience gave me a firsthand look at the kind of community I wanted to be involved with myself.”

As part of that experience, Meg plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology through EIU’s online program, with a minor in civic & nonprofit leadership. The combination of those two areas is likely to shape her future career and reflect her heightened passion for mental health, particularly the mental health of adolescents. Meg is excited about where her EIU education and experiences will ultimately lead – and she says she is determined to make a positive impact by advocating for and pursuing additional mental health resources across the east central Illinois region using the knowledge she gains at Eastern. 

Choosing EIU allows Meg to pursue those goals while maintaining the flexibility that is important to her family. The University’s proximity to her Decatur home and its online psychology program made EIU a natural fit.

As she looks ahead to becoming a Panther, Meg said she is most excited about the opportunity to build relationships, network and continue learning.

“I am SO excited to be a Panther next year,” she exclaimed. “My story is a reminder that the path to a college degree does not have to follow a traditional timeline. For me, returning to the classroom after nearly three decades has brought a renewed sense of possibility.”

What once seemed impossible now has a plan — and that plan leads to EIU in Fall 2027.

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For students considering a transfer from a community college, or adult learners looking to open doors to leadership, mentorship and career opportunities, EIU continues to help students discover their purpose and graduate, prepared to make an impact in their professions and communities.

Interested students and families have several opportunities to experience Eastern, including Open House events:

• Fall 2026 Daily Campus Tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each visit includes a guided walking tour, an opportunity to explore a residence hall and an informational presentation. Visits also can be personalized through connections with faculty in an academic area, the Honors College, campus resources or an EIU admissions counselor.
• For prospective transfer students, Fall 2026 Transfer-Specific Tours are offered Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m. These visits include a campus walking tour, including a residence hall, and a meeting with an EIU admissions counselor.
• Select Saturday Visits are also available during the fall. These visits include an admissions presentation and a walking tour of campus.
• ·For prospective Panthers unable to travel to Charleston, EIU offers virtual counselor meetings that allow prospective students to connect with an admissions counselor for a virtual meeting and get answers to any questions they may have about EIU.
• A self-guided campus tour provides another flexible option. Prospective students can explore campus at their own pace and, by registering in advance, may meet individually with an admissions counselor. The self-guided experience also includes a tour folder, T-shirt and bottled water.

EIU encourages prospective students and families who cannot find a scheduled visit that fits their needs to contact the ºÚÁÏÉçÇø team, and EIU’s admissions staff will work directly with families to identify a visit opportunity that fits their schedules. To explore visit options and register for an EIU campus experience, visit eiu.edu/admissions. Questions about campus visits can be directed to the Office of ºÚÁÏÉçÇø at (217) 581-2224 or via email at visiteiu@eiu.edu.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs or community-based services and opportunities, visit Eastern Illinois University or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.