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President Thomas: Letter to University Community

September 20, 2018

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Dear University Community,
 
Western Illinois University has long served students and the communities on two campuses, one in Macomb and one in the Quad Cities. Our faculty, staff and students are integral parts of both communities. We are, and will remain, one University that will continue to forge ahead together.

Over the last decade, Western has been on the forefront of economic and collaborative agreements with state and federal agencies, including other public institutions in Illinois. We have been partners in initiatives such as the U.S. Department of Defense Digital Lab for Manufacturing to further economic development and educational opportunities within the region, the state and beyond Illinois' borders. We have expanded our own economic development efforts through the University's Institute for Rural Affairs and the President's Executive Institute.

This week, Governor Rauner discussed an expansion of the new Illinois Innovation Network, a statewide research enterprise that the University of Illinois System is leading to drive economic growth. They are currently developing hubs at their campuses in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield. The Illinois Innovation Network also plans to develop other innovation centers across the state, in collaboration with universities like Western Illinois University and others. We stand ready to begin discussions on how WIU can partner with the Illinois Innovations Network to bolster the state's economy.

Below please see Illinois Board of Higher Education Executive Director Al Bowman's recent letter regarding the Illinois Innovation Network and its potential expansion.

Sincerely,
Jack Thomas
President

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Dear Presidents and Chancellors,

During a media event on Tuesday, September 18th, Governor Rauner referenced an expansion of the new Illinois Innovation Network, a statewide research enterprise that the U of I System is leading to drive economic growth. The initiative will create a new, world-class research center in downtown Chicago, known as the Discovery Partners Institute. The institute will be the home of groundbreaking research and education programs and will spread its impact through virtually connected universities and colleges in communities across the state.

The U of I System is currently developing hubs at its universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield. The plan for the Illinois Innovation Network also includes the development of other innovation centers across the state, in collaboration with universities like Western Illinois University and others.

Al Bowman, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Illinois Board of Higher Education


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