Representatives from the Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) actively participated in the Council of Independent Colleges’ (CIC) 2025 State Councils Annual Conference, held April 13–15 at the Hyatt at Olive 8 in Seattle, Washington. This annual gathering provides a platform for state executives, fundraising officers, and communications staff to engage in face-to-face networking and share best practices.
Throughout the three-day conference, attendees explored pressing topics in independent higher education, including data-driven advocacy, trust-building within organizations, unlocking fundraising potential, and strategies for enduring leadership. Notable speakers included Jennifer Xia Spradling and Carolyn Mata, PhD, who shared insights on enhancing organizational effectiveness and sustainability.
ACI’s involvement underscores its commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation among independent colleges. By engaging with peers from across the nation, ACI continues to support its member institutions in navigating the evolving landscape of higher education.
For more information about the conference and to access resources, visit CIC’s official page.