The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at SIUC is partnering with the University of Illinois Institute for Government and Public Affairs' Edgar Fellows program to highlight leaders in the state working for the greater good.
The Simon-Edgar Award will shine a light on people working toward statesmanship - setting aside partisan differences and looking for solutions to big problems.
Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar says too often those leaders - and their work - get lost in the political shuffle.
"We've got a lot of good Republicans and Democrats in Illinois, both at the state and federal level, who are doing a good job - and I think it's important that we recognize that outstanding service."
Simon Institute Director John Shaw says they're looking for leaders who show effectiveness, courage, and vision when it comes to solving big problems both on the local and state level.
Nominations will open in February of each year, with a winner chosen in July, and presented in August of each year.
