University News

Just Hired: Eli Leverton

July 9, 2026

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Just Hired! Through the experiences of local, regional, national and international students, Western Illinois University has incredible alumni who are making an impact in the workforce. This series features students from around the world who are hired post-graduation.

MACOMB, IL – Meet Eli Leverton, the new program coordinator at the Rushville Fitness and Community Center in Rushville, IL, after earning his bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) and his master's degree in Sport Management from Western Illinois University.

Leverton was hired by the Rushville Fitness and Community Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing fitness and community together by providing programs and opportunities for people of all ages. He credits his educational background in sport management and leadership experience for helping him stand out during the hiring process.

"My background knowledge in sport management set me ahead of the other people interviewing," Leverton said. "A lot of my experience with my graduate assistantship through America Reads helped as well since I had prior experience supervising and running a tutoring program for Macomb Elementary Schools."

Reflecting on his time at WIU, Leverton said the support he received from faculty and advisors made a lasting impact on his educational journey and prepared him for his new role.

"I learned a lot," Leverton said. "Every advisor and professor I had always helped me any way they could. This major helped me tremendously with landing this job. Everything I learned in this major is getting put to use."

Leverton said his coursework, combined with the hands-on leadership opportunities he gained through his graduate assistantship, gave him the skills and confidence to transition successfully into the workforce.

As an alumnus, Leverton plans to remain involved with WIU by continuing to live in Macomb and attending alumni events whenever possible.

For more information on WIU's LEJA program, visit wiu.edu/LEJA. For more information on WIU's Sport Management program, visit wiu.edu/coehs/rsta/graduate/sport_management.php.
To share your hiring story with WIU, visit go.wiu.edu/4eVgEuw.

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