September 24, 2024 – University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen and system leadership made a stop in Decatur Tuesday to discuss economic development initiatives and potential partnerships.
Leaders from the University of Illinois System and its three universities met with public and private-sector officials in Decatur Tuesday to build on existing partnerships and initiatives and shape new ones throughout Illinois that are directed at driving economic development through key areas such as research and tech innovation, and sustainability awareness and action.
The group is led by U of I System President Tim Killeen and the chancellors of the system universities in Chicago, Springfield and Urbana-Champaign. The stop was hosted by Richland Community College and RCC included a tour of Primient.
“The University of Illinois System’s mission is to serve the public good, and the state tours allow us to exchange ideas, build on existing opportunities, and discover ways to grow our contributions to economic growth and societal well-being in ways that touch every Illinoisan,” Killeen said. “Through the state tour, we listen, learn, and partner to make a real difference in lives and communities throughout the state.”
Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said the stop also helps surrounding communities to work together better to spur economic development. “This is about learning how the collaborative efforts of all of our surrounding communities can really elevate this part of the state and Illinois as a whole,” Moore Wolfe said. “Once these communities were competing against one another rather than working together, but when you look at the power of collaboration and how it leads to innovation and the partnerships that are formed, our combined strengths are limitless.”
Each year the tour has led to new partnerships; provided valuable insight to high school administrators and students regarding student enrollment opportunities at U of I System universities; facilitated community discussions of solutions to critical issues including rural health care, transportation, broadband access and economic development; and connected with higher education leaders, elected officials and alumni throughout the state.
The meeting in Decatur included the consortium members of the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub and the Decatur and Macon County EDC.
