As the University of Illinois celebrates its sesquicentennial, I am humbled, especially as a historian, when I consider the past achievements of scholars and students from this College, and when I contemplate how our community is shaping a better future for all.
My enthusiasm for the College of Education and its mission has not waivered since I first arrived at Illinois in 1966. Over the years, I have had the privilege to work with pioneers in the field, many of whom you will read about in this publication. These scholars paved the way for a new generation of scholars who will preserve and propagate our legacy.
I have witnessed many changes on campus and in the College; from the demographic makeup of our students to the type of research our faculty conducts to the tools we use to teach. One thing that hasn’t changed is our unwavering commitment to the land-grant mission as we stay engaged in meeting the needs of students throughout the state.
With that in mind, I am pleased to report that the year is off to a strong start. Our faculty are breaking records in grant funding, and we saw promising gains in our 2016-17 undergraduate and online student enrollments. Our centers and initiatives that engage in important outreach are being recognized for their work and awarded new funds that will allow them to expand their impact.
We are inspired to do even more. In a college that is known for its innovative teaching methods and research, we want to expand the research opportunities offered to
our undergraduate students; foster and support inter- and intra-disciplinary collaborations; and create more cutting-edge, high-performance classrooms and laboratories that facilitate innovation.
In addition, we are striving to find ways to expand the promise of an Illinois degree
to a greater number of deserving students who lack the financial means to attend. Increasing our scholarships and fellowships will allow us to remain competitive and attract the most promising and talented students and faculty to Illinois. Prioritizing funds to enhance technology in the classroom will lead to better experiences for our students, more tools for our faculty, and better outcomes in education and research.
Great universities tackle the toughest questions. At the College of Education, we embrace this very human work of inquiry and invention, experimentation and education. We give the next generation of learners the skills and knowledge to make sense of the world around us and move humanity forward.
The University of Illinois is embarking on its largest and most comprehensive campaign ever: With Illinois. Our College’s goal is ambitious and critical: $24 million in support of students, faculty, research, programs, and infrastructure. With your help, we will continue to elevate the values that make the College of Education distinctive: collaborative research, a global perspective, and boundless aspirations.
The world is a better place With Illinois. Please join us in celebrating and embracing the mission of Illinois as we continue to shape the future through teaching, research, and service for the next 150 years.
James D. Anderson, Ed.M. ’69, Ph.D. ‘73
Dean and Edward William and Jane Marr Gutgsell Professor of Education
