Western Illinois University continues to struggle financially amid layoffs

In April, Western Illinois University, which has locations in Macomb and Moline, celebrated its 125th anniversary. 

But for quite some time now, the university has been dealing with dwindling student enrollment and major financial issues. It has gotten to the point that the university is taking some drastic measures for the 2024-2025 school year including layoffs of over 100 faculty and staff members over the past two months.

A union leader, who also teaches at the university and a professor specializing in higher education weigh in on the current situation at WIU on the 21st.

GUESTS

Julie O’Brien 
Vice President, Western Illinois University Chapter of the Illinois Federation of Teachers
Assistant professor, WIU 

Kevin McClure 
Associate Professor of Higher Education, University of North Carolina Wilmington