Illinois Higher Education Equity Symposium
Why this Symposium Matters
While Illinois has made significant progress in expanding access to higher education, substantial disparities in educational attainment and workforce opportunity remain. According to the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), public university enrollment reached its highest level in a decade during the 2025-26 academic year, with total enrollment increasing 2.3% to 189,791 students statewide. First-time freshman enrollment increased 6.8%, transfer enrollment increased 6.5%, and fall-to-fall retention increased 1.4%. Enrollment growth has also been observed among historically underrepresented populations. African American enrollment at Illinois public universities increased from 20,962 students in 2024 to 23,001 students in 2025, representing a 9.7% increase, while Latino student enrollment also continued to rise.
Despite these encouraging gains, Illinois continues to face significant equity and attainment challenges. Large gaps persist in bachelor's degree attainment, college completion, and participation in high-demand fields such as science, technology, engineering, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Students from low-income families, rural communities, and historically underserved populations remain less likely to earn postsecondary credentials and more likely to encounter barriers to advanced coursework, dual-credit opportunities, digital access, and emerging technology pathways. These disparities carry significant economic consequences as employers increasingly seek workers with skills in artificial intelligence, data analytics, healthcare innovation, cybersecurity, engineering, and other rapidly growing sectors.
At the same time, demographic shifts and workforce shortages are reshaping the state's future. Illinois must increase educational attainment among all populations to meet workforce demands and remain economically competitive. As technological innovation accelerates, ensuring equitable access to STEAM education, research opportunities, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy is no longer solely an educational priority, it is an economic, civic, and democratic imperative. Higher education institutions, policymakers, business leaders, and community organizations must work together to ensure that innovation expands opportunity for all Illinoisans rather than deepening existing divides.
Symposium Details
Dates: October 8-9, 2026
Times:
Thursday, October 9: 12 Noon to Evening Reception
Friday, October 10: 7:45 AM to Closing Luncheon
Location:
Memorial Learning Center, Springfield, Illinois
Free parking available
Presenters
Dr. Lewis
Harvard Presentation Session (special rate)
Dr. Martin
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Dan Mahony
Having worked in higher education for over 25 years, Dr. Dan Mahony has served in roles from professor to president. He is a respected, consultative leader who has demonstrated the ability to bring a community together around shared goals which is why he was chosen to be the 10th President of Southern Illinois University beginning in March 2020.
Originally from Clinton, New Jersey, Dr. Mahony earned a B.S. in accounting from Virginia Tech, an M.S. in sport management from West Virginia University, and a Ph.D. in sport management from Ohio State University. He and his wife Laura have two children, Gavin and Elena.
Before his academic career, Dr. Mahony worked in both public accounting and intercollegiate athletics. He is an active researcher in the areas of sport consumer behavior and intercollegiate athletics.
Dr. Mahony has received many awards for his work. Most recently, he was the 2020 recipient of the Charles Whitcomb Service Award given by the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) which recognizes individuals who foster diversity and inclusion within the intercollegiate athletics community.
Dr. Charlotte (UIS)
Panel contributor
Superintendent District 186
Business and industry leaders presenting for STEM pathway and workforce development.
AI Panel
AI Panel
President's Panel
President's Panel
Legislative Panel
Legislative Panel
Spoken Word/Creative Expression Session
Spoken Word/Creative Expression Session
Symposium Data Points
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According to the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) 2019 Data Analysis Equity Gap Report:
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College enrollment has dropped 34% for African American students in Illinois.
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Rural high school students are more likely to enroll in a community college after high school graduation (66% compared to 47% of students from non-rural communities).
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Only 53% of economically disadvantaged high school graduates go to college within 6 months compared to 74% of students who are not eligible for Pell funding.
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African American, low-income, and rural students have less access to advanced placement (AP) programs than their White counterparts.
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African American, Latino/Hispanic, and low-income students are more likely to be placed in developmental education in two-year and four-year colleges in the state of Illinois.
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White college freshman advancement rates to sophomore class status are 70% compared to 53% for Latino/Hispanic students and 33% for African American students.
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Advancement rates from freshman to sophomore class status are 71% for students who do not receive Pell funding compared to 49% for low-income students who are Pell-eligible.
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2019 Public Universities' college completion rates were highest for White students at 70%, followed by equity gaps with Latino/Hispanic students' graduation rates at 52%, and African American students at 38%.
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Graduation rates for low-income students are 50% compared to 74% for students who do not receive Pell funding.
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Approximately 19% of rural county residents hold bachelor’s degrees compared to 37% of non-rural county residents.
Contact
Events and Outreach
- Phone:
- (618) 536-7751
- Email:
- conferenceservices@siu.edu