Elizabeth Cheek | Civil Service Council | SIU

Elizabeth Cheek began her career at SIU working for Building Services in February 2001 as an extra-help clerical worker. In June 2001, she was promoted to a full-time Civil Service Clerical Assistant position with Building Services. In this capacity, she was responsible for assisting Superintendent Jay Brooks in managing the day-to-day operations in the custodial office for approximately 125 full-time staff and 165 student workers. In 2003, Elizabeth was promoted to a Statistical Clerk with Plant and Service Operations (PSO). Throughout the years, she was promoted to an Account Technician II and an Account Technician III for PSO where she was responsible for payroll and personnel paperwork for 404 full-time employees, 83 extra-help employees, and 250 student workers. She was recognized as Plant and Service Operations Employee of the Quarter and Employee of the Year in 2007. In July 2015, Elizabeth moved into an Administrative Aide position with the Grounds Department where she assisted Superintendent Dave Tippy in managing the day-to-day operations in the ground’s office for approximately 63 full-time staff and 24-29 student workers.  In October 2022 she joined Undergraduate Admissions as an Administrative Assistant to the Director where she assists approximately forty full-time staff in the recruitment of undergraduate students.  

Elizabeth has served on the Civil Service Council since 2002. She has served on all Civil Service Council committees and has served two terms as Secretary and two terms as Treasurer. On February 1, 2017, she was elected Vice President, and on June 7, 2023, she was elected President. She considers it an honor to be part of a wonderful group of individuals who strive to do their best to represent all civil service employees.

She and her husband, Ryan (SIUC ’98), are both Pinckneyville natives. They married in 1998, and have three sons’ Ethan, Evan, and Eli. Ryan is currently a Building Service Foreman for Housing. Ethan is currently attending SIU Carbondale studying Automotive Technology, Evan is also attending SIU Carbondale studying Forestry, and Eli attends Pinckneyville Jr. High. Before coming to work for SIU, Elizabeth worked for the City of Pinckneyville in both part-time and full-time capacities. Elizabeth received her Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology from SIU Carbondale in 1999 and her Bachelor of Fine Arts in University Studies from SIU Carbondale in May 2020.   

 Elizabeth is the daughter of John S. (SIUC ‘72) and Linda Biby, and the sister of Kevin Biby (SIUC ’98).  She is a member of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, American Society of Radiologic Technologists, President of Pinckneyville Shooting Sports Board of Directors, Southern Illinois Youth Sport Shooting Association (SIYSSA), State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA), and the SIU Alumni Association.  When not at work, you will find Elizabeth is very dedicated to her sons’ school activities and sporting events. The boys keep her busy as they participate in band, baseball, basketball, fishing, and shooting sports.  She has many varied interests, including working in her flowers, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.