WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives from several southern Illinois community colleges traveled to Washington, D.C., this month to meet with federal policymakers.
During the visit, the group met with U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin and U.S. Rep. Mike Bost to discuss federal priorities affecting community colleges. Conversations focused on workforce development, expanding access to higher education and supporting economic growth across southern Illinois.
Southeastern Illinois College was represented by Dr. Karen Weiss, President; Dr. Frank Barbre, Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees; and Chris Barr, Executive Dean of Institutional Effectiveness.
“Community colleges play a vital role in preparing students for careers that strengthen our local economy,” Weiss said. “We appreciated the opportunity to share how federal support directly impacts students and communities across southern Illinois.”
