University of Illinois System leaders reflected today on the passing of former Gov. Jim Edgar, whose acclaimed commitment to good government led to the formation of an esteemed leadership program that bears his name.
Established in 2012, the Edgar Fellows Program at the U of I System’s Institute of Government and Public Affairs seeks to inspire collaboration in addressing the state’s major challenges. Selected in a highly competitive process that reflects the state’s political, racial, ethnic and geographic diversity, more than 500 Edgar Fellows have participated in the program, including elected and appointed officials from all levels of government; leaders of nonprofit and labor organizations; and public policy influences in the private sector.
“Gov. Edgar was the ideal of collaborative and civil leadership, both as an elected leader and throughout his life. He led with vision and demonstrated a deep appreciation for higher education and its role in promoting social mobility and maintaining a stable society,” U of I System President Tim Killeen said. “His legacy here at the University of Illinois System lives on through the Edgar Fellows Program, training future generations of political leadership to address our state’s needs.”
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Gov. Jim Edgar,” IGPA Director Benjamin Superfine said. “As the founder and guiding force behind the Edgar Fellows Program, he led it through 13 highly successful conferences. Gov. Edgar believed Illinois should be led by people of character. His vision for a stronger Illinois will carry on through this innovative program.”
University of Illinois System Board of Trustees Chairman Jesse Ruiz worked with Edgar on Gov. JB Pritzker’s transition team following Pritzker’s 2018 election. “I was privileged to experience a unique leader and public servant who truly put the best interests of Illinoisans above all else,” Ruiz said.
Edgar also shared his perspective with students in U of I System classrooms.
University Counsel Scott Rice served as an aide and adviser to the Edgar administration from 1994 to 1998 and had remained in contact with Edgar and his wife, Brenda. “Gov. Edgar brought together kind people who simply believed in good government and public service with integrity, regardless of party affiliation or background,” Rice said. “He was a champion of higher education in Illinois, and that legacy will benefit our state for generations to come.”
