Illinois and its citizens have traditionally benefited from a progressive, diverse, and well-funded system of higher education. Its universities are among the best and its community college system is one of the largest in the nation. However, budget shortfalls continue to challenge the growth and quality of public sector educational institutions. Facing a budgetary profile with little growth, a re-evaluation of higher education goals and priorities is prudent. The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) was established to coordinate the diverse higher education system and plan for the future. It has done so admirably, promoting education “Master Plans” that shaped Illinois’ success in higher education through the 60s and 70s. The board has continued to be a relevant force in state education policy, most recently researching and adopting a Public Agenda with four major goals for Illinois higher education:

• Goal 1: Increase educational attainment to match best-performing U.S. states and world countries;
• Goal 2: Ensure college affordability for students, families, and taxpayers;
• Goal 3: Increase number of quality post-secondary credentials to meet demands of the economy;
• Goal 4: Better integrate Illinois’ educational, research, and innovation assets to meet the economic needs of the state and its regions.

The University of Illinois was challenged by IBHE to provide leadership for the goals of the Public Agenda and to assume special responsibility for fulfilling Goals 1 and 3. The University sees parallels between its Strategic Plan and the Public Agenda, and has outlined several ways that it will support the implementation of its goals. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is particularly able to meet Goals 1 and 4. Its emphasis on quality education and renewed emphasis on transfer students promises student success. The campus is a substantial research engine and applies knowledge through its Research Park (a clear example of Goal 4). The Chicago campus leverages its setting to provide access to those traditionally excluded from higher education. In addition, it provides major talent for the growing health care industry. U of I at Springfield continues to serve today’s students in various formats of classroom, hybrid and online settings. Each has a vital role to play in Illinois higher education.

There is a danger, however, that lofty goals will be paralyzed by budgetary realities. The Public Agenda was seen by its architects as a realignment of resources to address new priorities, but they did not anticipate today’s dire state budget, underscored by poor bond ratings. Six months into the fiscal year, public universities have received less than 10 percent of appropriated allocations. Without a reliable, steady revenue stream, the goals outlined will go unfulfilled and the state will be unable to provide accessible, high quality education to its citizens.