The Partnership For College Completion
Advocating for bold policies that improve college success and eliminate racial and socioeconomic disparities in college access, persistence, and completion.
To realize our state’s degree attainment goals, equitably increase enrollment and completion at our public institutions, and drive economic mobility, state leaders must intentionally and strategically align goals, policies, investments, and actions to improve access to college, decrease the cost of a degree, dismantle barriers to student success, and eliminate racial and socioeconomic disparities that exist across these areas. This is where the Partnership for College Completion comes in.
Our policy work follows three principles of action that will spark and accelerate the pace of transformation within Illinois’ higher education system. The policies associated with each can work in concert to not only increase equitable access, affordability, and accountability, but focus Illinois’ higher education system on serving the evolving needs of its students.
Students of all races, economic backgrounds, and geographic locations deserve access to high-quality postsecondary education that is aligned with their educational and career aspirations.
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Attending Illinois’ colleges and universities should be debt-free for students from low-income families and affordable for all Illinoisans.
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Accountability mechanisms must be strengthened to provide Illinois students with affordable and equitable access to high-quality postsecondary degrees and credentials.
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Senior Manager of Government Affairs
As the Government Affairs Manager, I educate members of the Illinois General Assembly on issues that impact equitable college access and completion. I also monitor the political environment, manage relationships with state policymakers, and identify opportunities to promote state and local policies that improve equity in higher education.
I’m a higher education advocate because I know the power of an advanced degree. For too long, Black, Brown, and low-income people have been locked out of higher education because of the soaring increase in tuition, looming student loans with high-interest rates and fees, and minimal support in state and federal aid.
I first became interested in higher education policy as a Research Associate for CTBA. Seeing the disparities among the public universities during the budget impasse, I co-authored a report to highlight the decade trend of disinvestment that predated it. Years later, I’m still passionate and committed to making higher education obtainable, accessible, and affordable for those who seek it.
PCC Executive Director, Kyle Southern, Ph.D., addressed the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) during a virtual testimony on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. In his remarks below, Dr....
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Members of the Illinois General Assembly wrapped up their fall veto session in the early morning hours of October 31 after two busy weeks marked by long days,...
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Interested in learning more about higher education policy in Illinois? Sign up for our Higher Education Policy Quarterly where we highlight state and national higher education policy, interview Illinois state legislators, and keep you abreast of upcoming events and opportunities for action.
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