ACI News

As the 2026 academic year comes to an end, ACI pauses to honor Trinity Christian College (TCC), a valued member institution whose journey and whose campus are closing. This moment marks not simply the conclusion of a longtime membership affiliation but the closing chapter of a college whose legacy has been shaped by faith, service, ... Read Article

The Council of Independent Colleges convened national leaders for the Alliance for Strategic Innovation Career Services Design Workshop, held March 5–7, 2026, in Chicago and supported by the Lumina Foundation. Selected from a highly competitive pool, 29 teams came together to begin building a framework for a National Center for Careers and the Liberal Arts ... Read Article

Chicago was host to the Council of Independent Colleges’ 2026 State Council’s Annual Conference, from April 28 to 30, 2026, held at the Royal Sonesta Chicago River North Hotel. During the three-day program, participants explored current trends in independent higher education, discussed effective ways to support member presidents, and shared leadership strategies and opportunities. The conference also ... Read Article

Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) is helping member schools move from AI awareness to practical implementation through a coordinated series of webinars and partner-led learning opportunities. Together, these offerings give campus leaders, faculty, and staff access to strategic guidance, workforce-focused learning models, and ready-to-use resources that support responsible AI adoption across teaching, learning, student success, ... Read Article

Kelly Stepno Kelly Stepno serves as Chair of Corporate Reputation and Midwest Managing Director at APCO, with more than 25 years of experience in reputation strategy and high-stakes communications. Throughout her career, she has guided organizations through complex challenges, including litigation, government investigations, cybersecurity incidents, and leadership transitions across industries such as education, healthcare, manufacturing, ... Read Article

The energy at ACI’s 2026 Breakfast Forum was unmistakable. Under this year’s theme, Partners in Progress: Connecting Institutions and Industry for Impact, leaders from across sectors came together for a morning of thoughtful dialogue, shared learning, and action-oriented collaboration. Keynote speaker Michael Fassnacht, Chief Growth Officer and President of Chicagoland for Clayco, set the tone ... Read Article

At Rockford University, the Men of Confidence Mentorship (MCM) program continues to demonstrate how intentional peer support can shape not only student success but student identity. Rooted in the principles of belonging, accountability, and growth, the program reflects the lasting influence of Dr. Karen Walker, whose leadership helped transform mentoring into a powerful, student-centered experience. Throughout the semester, MCM ... Read Article

Lewis University has named Dr. Christopher Sindt as its 11th president, effective July 1, following a national search that emphasized mission-driven leadership and a strong vision for student success. Having served as provost since 2018, Sindt has led efforts to strengthen academic programs, expand partnerships, and advance initiatives that support student persistence and institutional growth. ... Read Article

ACI is excited to partner with CareerSpring to share a powerful, no-cost career resource for first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) students and graduates. CareerSpring empowers students and alumni with career information and skills, professional networks, and employment opportunities through its free-to-you Career Platform and a national community of volunteers and allies. Webinar: Unlock Career Opportunity for ... Read Article

The ACI/BravenX partnership continues to drive meaningful career outcomes for students across Illinois. In Fall 2025, the program supported 64 fellows, with 82% reporting that Braven improved their chances of securing their desired job or graduate school admission after college. Student feedback underscored the program’s emphasis on confidence-building, skill development, and connection. Fellows cited mock ... Read Article