News Release

Contact:

Jonathan Lackland
217.557.7334
lackland@ibhe.org

        Candace Mueller
217.557.7354
mueller@ibhe.org

October 31, 2012

DR. REID TO RETURN TO HOME BASE  

          SPRINGFIELD – Dr. George Reid, Executive Director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), has decided to step down for personal reasons. Dr. Reid acknowledged that while business travel is certainly expected and acceptable, he has decided that it was time to reduce his personal time on the road and to increase his time with family.

          Regarding IBHE, Dr. Reid said, "I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to the progress taking place in higher education in Illinois." Dr. Reid's accomplishments include:

1. Leading Change, Strategic Dialogue: Dr. Reid led State-level discussions on reducing time to successfully obtaining a degree. These communications relate to a national discussion that is also taking place in Illinois. The issue addresses the goal of graduating 60% of the State's college-age population by 2025. In addition, Dr. Reid has led the dialogue to develop a centralized governance structure for Illinois' longitudinal data system. The new structure will increase the State's ratings in efforts to secure federal grants, as well as with organizations like the Data Quality Campaign.

2. Building Coalitions, Implementation of Performance Funding: Illinois is one of a few states that has created a performance funding system. Dr. Reid chaired a thirty-member Performance Funding Steering Committee that guided the implementation of a new state law to use data to reward colleges and universities which outperformed others in reaching state goals. The objectives include increasing the number of low-income, first generation and stem graduates, as well as closing the achievement gap, a goal in the State's ten-year strategic plan (The Public Agenda for College and Career Success").

          Dr. Reid remarked it was truly a delight to work with students and the State's legislative, gubernatorial, business, and educational leaders to create a funding system for higher education designed to grow the numbers of postsecondary graduates and, therefore, a more vibrant future economy. Carrie Hightman, Chairwoman of the Board of Higher Education said, "The Board is proud of the work of IBHE during Dr. Reid's tenure. The Board thanks Dr. Reid for his contributions in Illinois and wishes him all the best for future success."

          Dr. Reid looks forward to his opportunity to work with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, (AASCU). At AASCU, Dr. Reid's work will examine strategic issues related to policy development and higher education management.

 

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