How do Western Illinois University’s financial struggles impact the local and state economy?
Western Illinois University campus in Macomb Tri States Public Radio
For decades, universities across America have been anchors for local economies, providing jobs and a steady stream of customers for local businesses. But for some universities and college towns, that is changing.
Enrollment is declining at regional colleges. Experts have pointed to lower birth rates, funding cuts, and other factors. In Illinois, that national trend was exacerbated by the two-year budget crisis Governor Bruce Rauner and the General Assembly inflicted on the state.
Western Illinois University and the town of Macomb have been particularly affected. WIU’s student body has shrunk by roughly half since 2010. That’s resulted in layoffs — on campus and in town. Some businesses are struggling and everyone in the community is trying to figure out what the future could hold. A former professor, who was laid off from the university during the budget crisis and an economic expert join the conversation.
GUESTS
Dr. Russell Weinstein
Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Holly Stovall
Former Professor of Women Studies at Western Illinois University, Laid-Off Employee