The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), the board that oversees the needs and guides the policies of the State Universities Retirement System’s (SURS) 61 employers, on Monday approved a 7% increase to their FY 23 budget to further fund their equity-driven strategic plan – A Thriving Illinois: Equity, Sustainability and Growth – including grants for low-income students, equity-based funding increases for state colleges and universities and additional dollars to recruit and retain minority teachers.

John Atkinson

 “IBHE’s recommended budget recognizes the role higher education plays as an inclusive economic driver and puts Illinois on a path to achieve the goals laid out in our strategic plan for a thriving Illinois to close the equity gaps for students who have been left behind, build a stronger financial future for individuals and institutions, and increase talent and innovation to drive economic growth,” said John Atkinson, chairperson of the IBHE and SURS Board of Trustees.

IBHE is responsible for planning and coordinating the state’s system of higher education in five areas including master planning, higher education budget, program approval and operating authority, grants administration and information systems.

The IBHE recommendations must be approved by the General Assembly and Gov. Pritzker.

Per state statute, the chairperson of the IBHE also serves on the SURS Board of Trustees.

Read the full IBHE release here.