The Illinois Board of Higher Education is handing Illinois Wesleyan University more than $5 million for infrastructure. Illinois Wesleyan says it's not sure yet exactly how it will use the money.
“There are several capital projects that could benefit from this generous allocation from the state. We are making a final determination about where the funding can be deployed most effectively,” said outgoing IWU President Georgia Nugent.
The money is part of $400 million in public funds going to 45 private not-for-profit colleges and universities in the state for infrastructure.
Institutions submitted equity plans to describe their strategies for closing gaps in enrollment, persistence, completion, and student loan repayment for historically underrepresented students, said the IBHE. That includes students from low-income households, students of color, working adults and students from rural areas.
"Adequate campus facilities and infrastructure are important in ensuring our students have equitable learning experiences,” said IBHE Executive Director Ginger Ostro. “Private institutions are a valuable part of Illinois’ higher education ecosystem, and these funds will help institutions complement the work to close equity gaps outlined in each institution’s equity plan.”
Bradley University in Peoria will get nearly $15 million. Eureka College in Woodford County will get $3 million. And Millikin University in Decatur has an award of $5.6 million.
The amounts for each institution come from a formula based on enrollment in two separate years 2017 and 2022.
