The Illinois Board of Higher Education reported record enrollment of new freshman at colleges and universities across the state this year. The numbers were up across the SIU System, as well - but President Dan Mahony says the work to reverse enrollment declines can't stop there.
Mahony says Illinois students and families were wary of the state's commitment to higher education during the budget impasse several years ago. COVID also had an impact on students' choices on where to go to school. But he says the big challenge now is in retention.
Funding remains a challenge, as well - Mahony says while budget have been better over the last 2-3 years, more money will be needed to meet both state and institutional goals. In addition, he says aging campuses need more support for maintenance and repairs.
Mahony says those priorities and more will be a part of his conversations with state lawmakers as they begin crafting a new state budget after the first of the year.
