ACI News

Several foundations, organizations and individuals provide funds to ACI over the course of our fiscal year to help the organization fund its mission to support member colleges and universities “by advancing independent liberal arts and sciences education and helping underserved students succeed in college, career and life.” Since May 1, these generous foundations, companies, and ... Read Article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not a fleeting trend – it is inevitable and will be ubiquitous. Educational institutions are on the front lines as their students are the earliest adopters, embracing and incorporating AI into their daily lives. Colleges and universities must adapt, balancing the promise of innovation with the practicalities of implementation.  AI is ... Read Article

Recently, ACI appointed three new members to its Board of Trustees. We would like to highlight those Trustees and what they believe makes ACI and its work special. Dave BarnettChief Administrative OfficerDeVry University Why is ACI’s mission important to you:“I believe deeply that education is the means by which we unlock human potential, and that ... Read Article

ACI Executive Director April Arnold attended the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s (ISAC) 2024 College Changes Everything® (CCE) conference on July 18th at the Tinley Park Convention Center. This annual conference is Illinois’ premier event for college access, success, and career readiness. It gathers stakeholders committed to increasing the number of adults in Illinois with high-quality ... Read Article

Speakers Bureau Launches in September To create greater engagement between member school campuses and ACI corporate trustees, ACI will offer the ACI Speakers Bureau to member schools this Fall. The Speakers Bureau will connect ACI corporate trustees with your campus community through virtual talks, sharing expertise, experiences, and insights. Member institutions can access this service ... Read Article

ACI President Gregg Chenoweth of Olivet Nazarene University and ACI Corporate Trustee Toya Garcia-Bradow of William Blair recently joined ACI Executive Director April Arnold at the Mackinac Roundtable on Talent. The event was a dynamic gathering of over 75 academic leaders, 31 sponsors, and 13 regional partners representing higher education, philanthropy, and the corporate world. A shared ... Read Article

ACI’s Peer Mentoring Program started in 2013 to support first-year students who arrive at ACI member institutions with risk factors that could prevent them from staying in school and reaching graduation. Increasing college graduation rates among low-income (Pell Grant eligible), first-generation college, and diverse students is a top priority for Illinois and ACI. The Peer Mentoring Program continues its success, ... Read Article

Through ACI’s partnership with Parker Dewey, our corporate and other organization communities can offer micro-internships to our member-school students. Micro-internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments similar to those completed by new hires or summer interns. However, unlike traditional internships, micro-internships can take place year-round, typically ranging from 10 to 40 hours of work, and projects are due ... Read Article

Associated Colleges of Illinois has launched a new partnership with Braven, a national nonprofit that supports underrepresented college students in obtaining strong first jobs after graduation. Through their BravenX program, Braven will provide three years of career development support to college students – including a 14-week career development boot camp, access to 1:1 professional mentors, industry events, and internship/job ... Read Article

This summer season ushered in new leadership at Monmouth College, Blackburn College, Illinois Wesleyan University and North Central College. Read more about the new ACI member school leaders below. Monmouth CollegePatricia Draves  Patricia Draves Named 15th President of Monmouth College Blackburn CollegeLarry K. LeeBlackburn College Names Larry K. Lee as 20th President Illinois Wesleyan UniversitySheahon ZengerOffice ... Read Article