Comment: ‘This is not an isolated issue—it is systemic’

As Illinois public universities confront mounting fiscal pressures due to decades of state disinvestment amid a broader landscape of financial challenge for Illinois, they have been navigating an added issue. Just last year, the Illinois General Assembly allocated a 3% increase in appropriations to universities, yet institutions received only 1%, with the remaining 2% being held by the Governor’s office in contingency. This winter, students from Eastern Illinois University to Chicago State University and Western Illinois University have been speaking out, including before the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), about the impact of state underfunding on their academic and campus experiences.

Nmari Ward, a senior physics major at Chicago State University delivered the following remarks at the Jan. 21, IBHE regular business meeting.

“Hi my name is Nmari Ward and I am a Senior Physics major with a concentration in engineering. I currently reign as the 2025-2026 Miss CSU and I am happy to be here representing CSU and Cougar Nation. Even though I have been successful at CSU, there are some issues that the institution faces as a result of decades of disinvestment.

First, faculty are routinely placed in classrooms that are unfit for meaningful instruction. Unfit classes reduce the quality of engagement, limit feedback, and ultimately undermine learning outcomes. This is not an isolated issue—it is systemic, and it places an unreasonable burden on instructors who are expected to maintain the same standards with significantly fewer resources.

Second, we are a Division I institution, and we recently launched Chicago's only Division I Football Program, yet we lack adequate training, housing, and hosting facilities for our students. As a result, students are required to find off-campus training options, often at other schools or public facilities, and they must pay for transportation themselves. This creates financial strain, inequity, and logistical barriers that disproportionately affect students who already face limited resources. It is unacceptable for a D1 school to rely on external facilities while students absorb the cost and inconvenience.

I urge you to support the state's release of the 2% to Chicago State University. I also urge you to boldly support the passage of the equitable funding formula because CSU is uniquely positioned to create impact that reaches far beyond campus. Investing in CSU is an investment in Chicago itself.

Chicago State plays a critical role in developing teacher pipelines that serve both the university community and the city at large. By strengthening these pipelines, CSU prepares future educators who understand the realities of Chicago’s classrooms and are committed to serving them. This support not only addresses workforce needs in education, but also helps stabilize and strengthen schools across the city.

At a time when Chicago needs well-prepared, community-centered teachers, directing the released 2% and equitably funding CSU, ensures resources are going where they can do the most good—supporting students, educators, and neighborhoods simultaneously.

This decision would affirm IBHE’s commitment to equity, access, and long-term educational impact. I strongly encourage you to proudly support the state's investment in Chicago State University and all public institutions. 

Thank you."