Staffing Transition
As the Stamps Scholars Program navigates a staffing transition, a permanent Program Lead will be named in the future. For Spring 2026, we are grateful to have two individuals who are deeply connected to and invested in the Stamps community stepping in to provide continuity and support as Interim Program Co-Leads.
Kristine McCoskey
Email: mccoske1@illilnois.edu
Kristine serves as an Associate Dean of Students and Student Ombudsperson, while also serving as Interim Stamps Program Co-Lead, where she engages in scholarship advising, coaching, and the planning and implementation of co-curricular initiatives and activities for Stamps Scholars. She previously served as the Stamps Program Lead from 2021 to 2026. Kristine grew up in a small rural community in central Illinois and is a very proud alumna of the University of Illinois, holding both a B.A. in Rhetoric and an Ed.M. in Higher Education. She has extensive experience in higher education and is deeply passionate about working with undergraduates. In her free time, Kristine enjoys gardening, reading, writing, and spending time with friends and family.
Sarah Watson
Email: sdwatson@illinois.edu
Sarah serves as the Director for the Division of Exploratory Studies and is also supporting the Stamps Scholars Program as an Interim Program Co-Lead. In this role, she will primarily assist with the scholarship selection process, as well as recruitment and yield efforts. She previously served as the Stamps Program Lead from 2016 to 2021 and brings deep knowledge of the program’s rich traditions along with a sincere passion for the Stamps community. Sarah holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Community Counseling. She is especially passionate about working with students who are exploring, reflecting, and making meaning in their educational pursuits. Outside of work, Sarah can often be found cheering on her children and her partner – who is a coach – at athletic events, spending time outdoors, and taking care of her loyal shadow, a bernedoodle.