QC, That’s Where! WIU prepares future community leaders

MOLINE, Ill. (KWQC) -Western Illinois University was founded as a teacher’s college back in the late 1800s.

The university has grown to now provide student-centered undergraduate and graduate programs, integrated programs, pre-professional programs, and certificate programs all characterized by innovative teaching, research, and service, grounded in interdisciplinary, regional and global perspectives over two campuses--including this focus on the urban campus in Moline, Illinois.

Kristi Mindrup, WIU Interim President, is a proud, sixth generation Quad Citizen that feels that it is very exciting to be part of a university that has a presence across the region including along the banks of the Mississippi River. She earned a Master’s degree at WIU and chose to stay in the area to pursue a career in education.

Students are immersed in educational opportunities guided by a professional and diverse faculty and staff in collaboration with alumni and community partners. The mission of Western Illinois University is to prepare our students to become leaders within our communities which is reflected in the available academic programs that prepare a workforce to serve as leaders, whether it’s in schools, businesses, manufacturing, or any of the program concentrations.

The Quad Cities campus is described as being designed for experiential learning. The community is the campus for students reflected in their life working, being part of a family or raising a family--the students are woven into the fabric of the community. The faculty, curriculum, and classes are also intentionally designed to integrate with the community.

Highlighted in the discussion are the following programs--some of which WIU is known nationally as an educational leader:

• Criminal Justice Program (recognized as one of the top programs in the country)
• Engineering labs provide the ultimate hands-on learning for concepts in mathematics, physics, and chemistry
• Educational Sciences
• Mental Health Counseling program

WUI has instituted a new initiative called volunteer link, which is a resource that students can utilize to connect with volunteer opportunities in the Quad Cities community, whether it’s working with the Humane Society, YMCA, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, or other agencies. This allows students to contribute and learn from those experiences and make a positive impact.

Overall, the intension is meant to spur conversations for young people to consider where to locate to forge a career and lifestyle. The WIU experience really shows off the strengths of the Quad Cities for both professional and personal quality-of-life pursuits.

For more information, visit WIU online here. The Quad Cities campus is located at 3300 River Drive in Moline, IL. The phone number is 309-762-9481.

QC, That’s Where! We work best when we’re together! QC, That’s Where! is brought to you by a partnership with the Quad Cities Chamber and Visit Quad Cities.