Mission Statement
Associated Colleges of Illinois supports member colleges and universities by advancing independent liberal arts and sciences education and helping underserved students succeed in college, career and life.
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Joachim “Gabe” Calalang lives by a motto tattooed on his arm, “Heart Over Height,” which he says encourages him, especially as a basketball player. Calalang played in high school and has been part of the Rockford University men’s basketball team the past three seasons. “I’m 5-6. I’m a point guard,” he says. “The meaning of Heart Over Height means that it doesn’t matter how tall you are, where you go, or where you’re from. If you have heart, nothing can stop you.” Those same words encourage Calalang in life and in his work to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Rockford University.
Our Members
“We’re not imposters—we’re survivors, achievers, learners, leaders. We’ve earned every bit of this moment. Not by being perfect, but by being persistent.” – Katie Jo Jackson, Class of 2025
As Eureka College’s only 4.0 graduate this year, Katie Jo Jackson embodies the spirit of what’s possible at a small, independent college. A first-generation student, double major in Environmental Science and Business Administration with a minor in Accounting, and class president since 2021, Katie Jo is heading to The Nature Conservancy—equipped with both a top-tier education and a passion for sustainability.
Her success is a testament to the opportunities, support, and sense of belonging that ACI member schools provide.
Congratulations, Katie Jo—you earned every bit of this moment.
#FirstGenSuccess #StudentAchievement #IndependentColleges #ACIIllinois #EurekaCollege #HigherEd #LeadershipMatters- Millikin University Welcomes Its 17th President!
Millikin University has announced the appointment of Dr. Dean Pribbenow as its next president, beginning July 1, 2025. With more than two decades in academic leadership, Dr. Pribbenow is known for his strategic approach and passion for performance learning.
He succeeds Dr. Jim Reynolds, and is committed to strengthening Millikin’s regional impact and academic excellence.
Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/g4cE8HZm
#MillikinUniversity #HigherEducation #AcademicLeadership ACI Executive Director April Arnold hit the road to visit member schools beyond Chicagoland—traveling hundreds of miles to meet with seven campus leaders at:
Augustana College
Principia College
Eureka College
Monmouth College
Blackburn College
McKendree University
Quincy University
These meaningful conversations centered on student success, funding, and the evolving needs of higher education. Not all leaders are pictured, but each visit helped build momentum for stronger collaboration across our network.
April was joined for part of the journey by ACI Corporate Trustee James Applegate, as they worked together to help amplify the impact of our member institutions. Special thanks to Principia College for hosting a presidential convening, and to the Council of Independent Colleges’ Meeting the Moment grant for supporting this important work.
Bringing college presidents together fosters the value of independent higher education—and supports the students who will shape our communities and our world.
#HigherEd #StudentSuccess #IndependentColleges #LeadershipMatters #ACIIllinois
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