University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Susan Koch discussed with Directors the youth of her enterprise and her forward looking approach to building a legacy for UIS. The University of Illinois Springfield joined the University of Illinois System in 1995, and Chancellor Koch told our board how important it is for her enterprise for her to “see far” into the future for the University of Illinois Springfield.
Since I began my tenure as Chancellor at UIS about seven years ago, I have recognized the need to “see far” in my daily choices so that they connect to a future vision of excellence for the university. To that end we have consistently pursued three strategic priorities at UIS.
First is growth in visibility, reputation and enrollment. Privately funded scholarships help to drive increased enrollment and retention of talented and deserving students. Private support also contributes to our excellent programs for the Public Good, such as the Illinois Innocence Project, NPR Illinois, the Sangamon Auditorium Performing Arts Center, and our many public affairs programs. We are also recognized for our exceptional online learning degree programs, which will continue to benefit from private giving.
Philanthropy propels the recruitment and retention of talented faculty and staff, so necessary for the high-quality personalized experience that UIS offers students. Named chairs and professorships attract and retain outstanding faculty who, in their turn, attract additional excellent faculty. Private giving provides a competitive edge at UIS in recruiting and retaining faculty and staff by funding labs, equipment and travel opportunities.
The new UIS Student Union, for which fundraising continues, demonstrates the impact of philanthropic support for outstanding facilities. Our NCAA DII athletics program is relying on private giving to provide stellar facilities, beginning with baseball, softball and soccer. We also have a new field station for Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Studies, only a few minutes’ walk from campus on Lake Springfield. With philanthropic support, it will become a new asset to enhance student learning and research.
We will continue to add innovative new majors, programs, internship opportunities, and student life activities that enhance the student experience. Through all of it, the generosity of alumni and friends will help to expand the borders of excellence at UIS.
/// Return to the spring 2018 newsletter