The public universities of Illinois play a critical role in the lives of our state's citizens and in our state's ability to compete in the national and global economies. We know your expectations of us are great as are the dividends of a high quality system of public higher education in Illinois.
In good times and bad, our institutions are here for the people of Illinois. We never waver from the commitment to fulfill our missions of education, research, health care and public service in ways that earn your trust. In these difficult financial times, we want to communicate directly with you, the people of Illinois.
To students and their families. A quality education is crucial to our students' future. Providing it is our fundamental purpose and we pledge to do so in ways that work for you. Tuition is a significant burden for many. We will strive to keep tuition as low as possible in order to maximize access and minimize financial burdens. State support is also crucial to controlling tuition costs. Funds for financial aid from all sources are critical.
To elected officials. Public universities with total enrollment of more than 200,000 students are collectively the state's most valuable asset in enabling citizens and the state to have prosperous futures. Our governing boards and administrators take this responsibility seriously. We will provide a quality education for as many qualified students as possible, and fulfill our missions to supply clinical health care, research and public service. We recognize the enormous financial pressures placed on our state leaders and legislators. We are committed to careful stewardship and sound management of the budgets entrusted to the state's universities; we are also committed to ensuring efficient operations in order to control tuition costs and to provide financial aid.
To members of our home communities. From DeKalb to Carbondale, Charleston to Macomb, Chicago to central Illinois, we are major employers and we provide good jobs, pay and benefits. We produce the building blocks for economic strength across the state and enhance the quality of life in our hometowns through those we educate, our research innovations and our cultural opportunities. We strive to be good citizens. We appreciate your support, and we look forward to strengthening the partnerships with our communities in the difficult days ahead.
To faculty and staff and their families. The human capital on our campuses is our most valuable asset. It is our employees and students who make us great. You are foremost on our minds as we manage through this economic recession. We will do our best to continue to be dependable employers.
The public universities of Illinois have served the state and its people since the latter half of the 19th century; most have been in existence for more than 100 years. All have stood the test of time and the trust of Illinois' people. Higher education and our state's public universities have never been more important than now. You can count on us as we move forward and navigate these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Dr. Frank Pogue, Interim President, Chicago State University
Dr. William L. Perry, President, Eastern Illinois University
Dr. Elaine Maimon, President, Governors State University
Dr. C. Alvin Bowman, President, Illinois State University
Dr. Sharon K. Hahs, President, Northeastern Illinois University
Dr. John G. Peters, President, Northern Illinois University
Dr. Glenn Poshard, President, Southern Illinois University
Dr. Samuel Goldman, Chancellor, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Dr. Vaughn Vandegrift, Chancellor, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Dr. B. Joseph White, President, University of Illinois
Dr. Paula Allen-Meares, Chancellor, University of Illinois-Chicago
Dr. Richard D. Ringeisen, Chancellor, University of Illinois-Springfield
Dr. Richard Herman, Chancellor, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Alvin Goldfarb, President, Western Illinois University
Booth House
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-7400
jdreinhart@eiu.edu