From workforce development to enhancing rural health care, expanding broadband digital access to increasing enrollment of underrepresented students, the University of Illinois System is addressing real-world issues that contribute to the state’s social, cultural and economic viability.
A leadership contingent led by President Tim Killeen and the chancellors of the system universities in Chicago, Springfield and Urbana-Champaign will crisscross the state in portions of the next two weeks, exploring opportunities to work on behalf of state residents through a variety of existing and developing partnerships.
This is the third year of the president’s statewide tour. The initial outreach focused on developing a deeper understanding of the challenges and the potential improvements that exist throughout the state. The second year’s tour served to extend existing partnerships and develop new ones. This year, system leaders will continue the processes of listening, learning and recognizing ways in which ongoing efforts are producing results.
“Understandably, many people associate the U of I System with academic excellence and the phenomenal scholarly and research achievements originating at our three universities,” Killeen said. “As meaningful and beneficial as those accomplishments may be, we have the resources and the willpower to serve as a focal point in meeting unmet needs. The system’s future is inextricably intertwined with the future well-being of the state and its residents – proceeding within the framework of partnerships, new ones and ones that we’ve grown through the years, we have the vision, the range of expertise and the momentum to work with our communities to grow and thrive.”
In a tour structured along the broad themes of education, health and sustainability, and economic development, the team will join with legislators, community and industry partners, and leaders of other public higher education institutions to discuss topics including:
- workforce development, economic revitalization, broadband digital access and entrepreneurship;
- rural health care;
- opportunities for community college students to transfer to four-year universities and increased enrollments of underrepresented populations;
- partnerships in innovation and support of the manufacturing sector;
- applications of artificial intelligence and developments in automotive and aviation technologies; and
- management of waterways, including invasive species and waterfowl populations.
The northern leg of the tour begins this morning, September 25, at KSB Hospital in Dixon, followed by stops in the Quad Cities. On Tuesday, September 26, the tour resumes at Elgin Community College and other Chicago-area stops. The third day begins at Discovery Partners Institute in Chicago on Wednesday, September 27, and includes an event at Malcolm X College.
A second segment in the southern portion of the state begins Monday, October 3, with events at Makanda and Murphysboro. The following day includes meetings at Alton Wedge Innovation Center and Forbes Biological Field Station in Havana. The final day, Wednesday, October 5, features stops at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria and a gathering in Cuba.
