Real Impact stories spotlight the real difference people, programs and partnerships—across the system—make on the state’s economic, social and cultural well-being. For more, meet University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing alum Jennifer Bond.
The University of Illinois System was one shy of its universities having students from all 102 Illinois counties. Nikki Patterson changed that.
The Alexander County resident lives almost 200 miles from the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS). So she’s earning her master’s degree in special education online.
“The people in my classes, we’re from all over. It’s all interesting and eye opening,” she said about her classmates’ varying experiences and perspectives.
Patterson graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale after transferring from Shawnee Community College (SCC). The community college’s district—at the state’s southern tip—covers Alexander, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties, as well as parts of Johnson and Jackson counties.
The U of I System is partnering with SCC to connect educators and administrators with public university transfer pathways for their students, especially to system universities in Springfield, Chicago and Urbana. It’s part of a larger push to engage with more community colleges across the state.
“I’m always impressed by the resolve students show in dividing their undergraduate experience into two pieces,” U of I System Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs Nick Jones said. “We can’t underestimate the significance of transfer students’ level of commitment, and as a result their high likelihood of success.”
Classrooms and communities
An educator for 13 years, Patterson now teaches third- and fourth-grade special education.
“I love it. There’s never a dull moment,” she said.
Like for many who pursue degrees online, that option fits Patterson’s busy life. Many choose UIS, which U.S. News & World Report ranked as the top public regional university in Illinois for a fifth consecutive year.
Patterson’s instructors get to know class members even though they may not ever meet in real life. Instruction is available on demand with Patterson hopping on Zoom for class projects.
“I was worried at first. I like to be in a classroom to make connections and see more than people’s faces, but it’s all been great,” she said.
Patterson works in Anna, her hometown, and lives in nearby Ullin. Staying in the area after college was a given.
“I’m not like some people who grow up in smaller towns. I didn’t want to get out. I love it here,” Patterson said. “I’ve visited plenty of big cities, but I prefer living and working where everybody knows each other.”
She’s eager to see how SCC and U of I System connections benefit her area’s high school students and communities.
Transfer connections
Holly Pflum, U of I System transfer initiative coordinator, is helping SCC host a symposium this spring. The traveling U of I System event, now in its fifth year, welcomes the region’s educators and administrators to learn all they can about transfers.
Why is Pflum passionate about making sure transfers work well for students?
“I got my associate degree from Parkland College in Champaign. Leaning on support staff and advisors, I had a good transfer experience. I want that to be the experience across Illinois,” she said.
Transfer-focused events—in both rural and urban areas, including a growing relationship with City Colleges of Chicago—help simply by identifying the right people to answer questions.
Pflum is also helping drive transfer advances on a national level. The U of I System plays an active role in the first National Association of Higher Education Systems Improvement Committee, which focuses on reducing barriers for student transfers.
Keeping students of all kinds—new graduates, those seeking advanced degrees like Alexander County’s Patterson, and lifelong learners—living and working in Illinois supports local communities and the whole state’s economy.
The University of Illinois System widening the doors of opportunity is just part of what makes us Altogether Extraordinary. To share your story idea, please message lmabry@uillinois.edu.
