The grant was part of $400 million awarded to private higher education institutions in Illinois.
Decatur, Illinois – millikin university recently received a $5.6 million grant from . Illinois Higher Education Commission Through the Independent University Capital Investment Grant Program.
The award is a $400 million award given to 45 higher education institutions in Illinois in partnership with the Illinois Capital Development Commission, which oversees the construction of new state facilities such as prisons, state parks, mental health institutions, and universities. It was part of the subsidy. University project.
The goal of this grant program is to provide Illinois' private, nonprofit universities with financial assistance for the construction, repair, and renovation of on-campus infrastructure to provide an equitable learning experience for students across the state. .
“Adequate campus facilities and infrastructure are critical to ensuring an equitable learning experience for students,” said IBHE Executive Director Ginger Ostro. “Private institutions are a valuable part of Illinois' higher education ecosystem, and these funds will help each institution complement its efforts to close the capital gaps outlined in each institution's capital plan. ”
Millikin was awarded $5,619,825 and most of the funds will be used for completion. David J. and Debra C. Lazee Athletic Center. The estimated $11.7 million, 16,675-square-foot facility will be located just south of Frank M. Lindsay Field and west of the Griswold Athletic Center and is expected to be completed by early 2025.
“We are grateful to IBHE for approving our funding request to support the completion of the Lazy Athletic Center. “This will be used as part of our financial commitment to build space that will allow us to do more,” said Millikin President Dr. Jim Reynolds. “It is critical that IBHE continues to help institutions like Millikin fund facilities that contribute to the excellent education students receive at Illinois’ independent universities.”
The Rathje Athletic Center will benefit Big Blue's student-athletes and the building's floor plan will include:
• Weight room named for former Big Blue football coach Carl Poelker '68 and former NFL player Jim Perryman '83.
• Locker rooms for soccer and men's and women's track and field.
– Can be used for multiple purposes such as training room, conference/recruitment room, team conference room, etc.
• Football Hall of Fame, retired jerseys and team recognition areas.
• Offices of head coaches, assistant coaches, and athletic directors.
As part of the grant application process, which aligns with IBHE's goal of closing the capital gap, each institution will address disparities in enrollment, retention, completion, and student loan repayment for historically underrepresented students (including students). It has submitted a capital plan outlining its strategy to fill it. Consists of low-income families, students of color, working adults, and students from rural areas.
Funds were distributed to agencies using a two-part formula established by state law. This formula provides each eligible institution with 1) a base grant based on fall 2017 student enrollment as reported to IBHE, and 2) an FTE based on fall 2022 student enrollment as reported to IBHE. Subsidy provided.
