The state's budget stalemate prompted many students to look elsewhere for college, but some say that's not the end of the problem for higher education.
Interim SIUC Chancellor Brad Colwell says attracting and keeping quality faculty and staff is also proving difficult, because many people are looking elsewhere for their careers.
"You know, they're attractive to other states. I can't even begin to tell you the number of faculty in the state of Illinois that have gone to other states. So we've had not only a brain-drain of students going to neighboring states, but also faculty and staff as well."
Colwell points to searches that used to attract 40 applicants, which are now seeing about 10 people apply. He says that is leading to the brain-drain in higher education - in faculty, staff, and in the student population.
"People in other states are paying attention, which I think is the point. And we can't continue, this black eye can't continue. At some point, the state has to turn the corner and get us the financial support that we need so that we can kind of reestablish ourself."
Illinois lawmakers and Governor Bruce Rauner came to an agreement on a stop-gap spending plan just before the fiscal year started July first. But Colwell and other higher ed leaders say more money will be needed after the November election.
