EIU Media Relations

EIU to host Illinois TRIO 2026 Student Leadership Conference June 26-28

(Charleston, IL) -- Eastern Illinois University will welcome more than 150 students, alumni, educators and TRIO professionals from across Illinois June 26-28 for the Illinois TRIO 2026 Student Leadership Conference, themed “Leaders in MOTION: Rooted. Rising. Relentless.”

Hosted on EIU’s Charleston, Illinois-based campus, the annual conference will bring together participants from TRIO programs serving middle school, high school and college students. The event is designed to foster leadership development, academic success and personal growth through workshops, networking opportunities, reflection activities and peer engagement. A total of 153 participants are registered for the conference, with additional support provided by volunteers from across the University and community.

The conference is chaired by Advocate of Student Success as Director of TRIO Student Support Services at Eastern Illinois University Maggie Burkhead, with leadership from Illinois TRIO President Mattie Payne-Mallory of Moraine Valley Community College, located in Palos Hills. The conference theme encourages participants to reflect on three pillars of leadership and achievement: remaining rooted in supportive foundations and communities, rising through educational and leadership opportunities, and staying relentless in overcoming challenges and pursuing personal and professional goals.

Students attending represent a variety of TRIO programs throughout Illinois, including Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound and Student Support Services programs. Participating institutions include Joliet Junior College, Moraine Valley Community College, Rock Valley College (Rockford), Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Danville Area Community College, Eastern Illinois University, Illinois State University (Normal) and Northeastern Illinois University (Chicago).

In addition to student participation, EIU TRIO alumni will return to Eastern’s campus to serve as workshop presenters and panelists, sharing their educational and professional experiences with attendees. A TRIO alumnus from South Carolina will also participate in conference programming.

The conference reflects the mission of TRIO programs, which support students in pursuing educational opportunities, completing degrees and preparing for future careers. Established through federal initiatives, TRIO programs provide academic support, mentoring, financial literacy education and other services designed to help students achieve their educational goals. Eastern Illinois University's Student Support Services program is among the institutions represented and serves as part of the University's broader commitment to student success, access and educational opportunity.

Conference activities are made possible through the collaboration of numerous campus and community partners. EIU departments assisting with the event include the Student Success Center, Admissions, Career Services, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, New Student and Family Programs, Campus Recreation, Housing and Dining Services, Panther Catering, Panther Print and Copy Center, Campus Scheduling, Booth Library, EIU Lanes, the Department of Human Services and Social Work, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Office of Study Abroad, Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, the Sandra and Jack Pine Honors College and the Illinois Small Business Development Center. Community partners supporting the conference include the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), Grow Your Own Teachers Illinois and The Salvation Army.

Conference organizers expressed appreciation for the many volunteers, presenters, committee members and institutional partners whose efforts helped make the event possible. Special recognition was also given to Eastern Illinois University for hosting the conference and providing facilities for the statewide gathering. The Illinois TRIO 2026 Student Leadership Conference will conclude June 28 following three days of leadership development, collaboration and engagement among students and TRIO professionals from across the state.

With a streamlined, no-cost application process and access to admissions counselors, prospective EIU students can quickly move from interest to enrollment while exploring scholarship opportunities and campus resources. Interested students can learn more about EIU’s admissions process at eiu.edu/admissions/apply.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.