‘As the university goes, the region goes’: Officials stress economic impact SIU has on southern Illinois - Luke Nazicka, Daily Egyptian

University leaders and city officials testified Thursday in front of an Illinois House committee, painting a grim image of how the state budget impasse is affecting SIU and the southern Illinois economy. During the hearing at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, SIU President Randy Dunn said as the largest employer in southern Illinois, the university provides the region with services in social work, healthcare, legal support, K-12 partnerships and other resources. Describing the university as the “most powerful steward in this region,” Dunn said SIU is connected with the quality of life in southern Illinois. Now, those services are declining and disappearing. Without them, the southern part of the state will suffer, Dunn said. http://dailyegyptian.com/68995/showcase/as-the-university-goes-the-region-goes-officials-stress-economic-impact-siu-has-on-southern-illinois/