Illinois State Rep. Stuart Elected Vice Chair of Midwestern Higher Education Compact
News Release
Contact: Kathy Graves, communications@mhec.org, (612) 242-3184
(November 26, 2024 – Minneapolis, MN) — Illinois State Representative Katie Stuart was elected vice chair of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) at MHEC’s annual meeting, held in Overland Park, KS, November 18-20.
Rep. Stuart lives in Edwardsville where she has served the 112th District since 2017. She currently is chair of the Higher Education Committee in the Illinois General Assembly.
MHEC strengthens postsecondary education in its 12 member states through cost-savings initiatives and collaborative solutions informed by research and the expertise of regional leaders.
"I am honored to be elected vice chair of an organization that has tremendous impact on our postsecondary institutions,” said Rep. Stuart. “I have seen first-hand the difference it makes for states to work together on issues and opportunities. I look forward to serving with my fellow commissioners to strengthen higher education in our Midwest region.”
Prior to her legislative service, Rep. Stuart taught mathematics to middle school and high school students in Highland and Edwardsville and to college students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Stuart was initially appointed to MHEC in 2021 and reappointed in 2023.
“We are grateful for Rep. Stuart’s leadership as our new vice chair,” said Susan Heegaard, president of MHEC. “We will benefit from her experience and perspectives as an educator and legislator.”
ABOUT MHEC
One of four regional higher education compacts in the United States, MHEC brings together 12 midwestern states to develop cost-sharing opportunities, generate collaborative solutions to challenges and opportunities in higher education, and align postsecondary education to improve individual career readiness and regional economic vitality.
Member states are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. More information is available at www.mhec.org.
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