What has happened to Illinois's public colleges and universities? After decades of spectacular growth in the aftermath of the Second World War marked by surging enrollments, proliferation of new programs, and the creation of new campuses, suddenly came crises with shrinking student bodies, fewer teachers, and the dismantling of entire programs, indeed, entire departments. Southern Illinois University at 150 Years lays a foundation for understanding this story of accomplishments and challenges not just for one institution but for the condition of public education at large.
Accounting for one institution is a formidable, multifaceted project perhaps best accomplished by a team of experts. John S. Jackson brings five decades of experience as emeritus professor of political science, dean of his college and of the graduate school, and interim chancellor to the task of assembling contributors to this study. Several chapters if read together render essential perspective: Jackson's overview introduction to these...
