The Anew WIU initiative is reviewing the data and ideas collected during its first public meeting.
Organizers describe Anew WIU as a collaborative and forward-thinking effort to reimagine the future of Western Illinois University.
Merrill Cole, WIU Chapter President of the University Professionals of Illinois, which represents faculty, is helping lead the program. He was encouraged by the turnout for the kickoff event. He said nearly 200 people registered, including faculty, students, staff, and community members.
“It was a really good mix of people, and that was the idea – to try to bring all of us together to think about what we can do to make WIU and our surrounding communities better places to work, to study, to live for all of us,” Cole said.
He said organizers now need to make sure they follow through.
“I wouldn’t want this kickoff to be another meeting where people got together and talked and felt good, and then nothing happened.”
He said UPI is working with the American Federation of Teachers and the Illinois Federation of Teachers to compile the data gathered. They’re looking to formulate changes that can be made right now, and to also come up with long-term plans.
Cole said the university’s administration also supports Anew WIU.

Dreaming big
Dr. Darris Means, a Professor of Educational Leadership and Dean’s Fellow for Rural Education at Clemson University, delivered a keynote speech at Anew WIU’s inaugural event.
Cole said he delivered a message of audacious hope.
“Basically, what he was saying was, don’t dream small. If we have the means to do so, what can we do?” Cole said.
He said Anew WIU is trying to rally the entire community, and he said to stay tuned – there is more to come.
The next event will be a listening session from noon to 2 p.m. on Feb. 20. The location has not been finalized.
Cole said the listening session will include a presentation about the evidence-based funding formula that’s been proposed for public higher education in Illinois. It’s modeled after the EBF formula already in place for K-12 schools.
“We see the equity funding formula as the best way to restore the university and to help us all financially,” he said.
Cole said evidence-based funding might not be a perfect solution, but it would be a marked advance over what’s currently in place. He believes it would give WIU the funding it needs now, plus stabilize future state funding for higher education.
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