About the Institute
Who We Are and What We Stand For
Founded in 1982, the Illinois Institute of Independent Colleges and Universities strengthens private higher education in Illinois through research, fundraising, and collaborative activities.
Our Mission
A Broad Mandate for Private Higher Education
The Illinois Institute of Independent Colleges and Universities was established in 1982 with a broad mandate to strengthen private higher education in Illinois through research, fundraising and other collaborative activities.
Independent colleges and universities are a major force in the United States. They gave birth to education in this country, and nurtured it through centuries of growth. In Illinois — by dozens of measures — independent colleges are equal partners, or better, in educating the citizens of the state.
With close to 130 private colleges educating 225,000 students, the educational output is enviable. The private colleges serve as an economic engine for the state of Illinois, generating annually $14 billion in job-creating economic activity at the state and local levels.
Background
Four Decades of Service to Illinois Private Higher Education
Over the years the Institute has launched and managed successful projects to boost the quality of instruction at private colleges and universities and in K–12 classrooms throughout Illinois. Looking to the future, seismic changes wrought in recent years by technology, as well as a growing trend toward globalism in educational delivery, pose new challenges and opportunities for the Institute.
The Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is distinct from the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities, which is the sector's advocacy and government relations organization — the oldest college association in the nation.
~130
Private Colleges & Universities
225K+
Students Enrolled
42%
Of Baccalaureate Degrees
$14B
Annual Economic Activity
Officers & Staff
Institute Leadership
Frank Houston
President
Frank Houston serves as President of the Illinois Institute of Independent Colleges and Universities, leading the organization's research, programming, and collaborative activities on behalf of Illinois's private higher education sector.
George Niehaus
Treasurer
George Niehaus serves as Treasurer of the Institute, overseeing its financial operations and stewardship of resources in support of the Institute's mission.
David Tretter
Director
David Tretter serves as a Director of the Institute, contributing governance leadership and sector expertise to the Institute's board.
Joan Knox
Director
Joan Knox serves as a Director of the Institute, bringing institutional perspective and leadership to the Institute's board of directors.
Partner with the Institute
Whether you represent a member institution, a foundation, a K–12 partner, or a government agency, we welcome the opportunity to explore how we can work together.