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University of Illinois System Leadership State Tour stops often produce meaningful results. So true with Proviso East High School in Maywood, a Chicago suburb.
In 2022, Chicago area high school superintendents said students needed ways to connect with U of I System universities. That led to a fall 2023 state tour stop to hear directly from Proviso East students and educators. Next, more than 70 Proviso East students visited the University of Illinois Chicago. While exploring the campus, they soaked up information about applying, campus life, support services, and more.
And they saw firsthand how making a degree accessible is a priority for UIC and the system.
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The visit resonated with Chellsea Neely.
“I’d heard of UIC, but I’d never been there. I hadn’t considered UIC for after graduation,” said Neely, Proviso East class of 2024. “But at the visit I decided UIC is on top of my list of colleges I would love to attend.”
The last state tour focused on education, health and sustainability, and economic development. System leaders met with legislators, industry partners, and community representatives statewide and are doing so again this years as the second leg of the tour starts Tuesday.
'They need to see us'
Neely’s post-state tour response is the kind of outcome everyone wants.
“This all came to be because Principal Rodney Hull talked powerfully and passionately about his students. He told us they need to see us, see our universities,” U of I System President Tim Killeen said. “And they need to know that financial aid is available, that more than a third of our in-state undergraduates pay no tuition or fees.”
Armed with information, Neely sees her future clearly.
“I know getting a degree will give me a head start in my career,” she said. “I also want the opportunity to immerse myself in the college experience and make lifelong friends.”
During the UIC visit, Neely liked seeing the nursing program in action, especially learning about surgery. That’s no surprise for the future veterinarian.
“By specializing in ophthalmology, I’ll develop in-depth expertise in treating animals’ eye conditions,” she said. “I want the chance to work with a wide range of species, from cats and dogs to exotic animals.
“That will be very rewarding.”
Bright futures
Neely, whose favorite classes are anatomy and psychology, has done her research. And knows she'll make an impact.
“I’ll address animals’ visual impairments and improve their vision. And I’ll increase the ratio of 1.4% African American veterinarians in the United States,” she said.
UIC College of Business Dean Sandy Wayne enjoyed hosting Neely and her classmates during their visit.
“It was an exceptional opportunity to connect with UIC and its support units. They met with UIC students and discovered the benefits of pursuing a degree here,” Wayne said.
U of I System and university relationships with high schools across the state will continue to grow.
“We look forward to providing more chances for ambitious young people to see how the bright future we offer could be theirs,” Killeen said.
To share an Altogether Extraordinary story about the University of Illinois System’s impact, please message lmabry@uillinois.edu.
