Rep. Stuart Elected Vice Chair of Midwestern Higher Education Compact

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — Representative Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, was elected as vice chair of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) at their annual meeting in November.

“I am honored to be elected vice chair of an organization that has tremendous impact on our postsecondary institutions,” said Rep. Stuart. “I have seen first-hand the difference it makes for states to work together on issues and opportunities. I look forward to serving with my fellow commissioners to strengthen higher education in our Midwest region.”

The MHEC aims to strengthen postsecondary education in the Midwest, collaborate to solve challenges facing higher education, bring more opportunities to higher education, and increase career preparedness. Stuart was initially appointed to MHEC in 2021 and was reappointed in 2023.

Before serving as a state representative, Rep. Stuart taught mathematics to middle school and high school students in Highland and Edwardsville, IL. Rep. Stuart also taught mathematics to students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Since taking office in 2017, Rep. Stuart has dedicated much of her time to increasing investment in education and further improving the education system in Illinois. Rep. Stuart currently serves as the chairperson for the Higher Education Committee, sub-chairperson of the Higher Ed-Special Topics Subcommittee, and serves on three other education-related committees.

“We are grateful for Rep. Stuart’s leadership as our new vice chair,” said Susan Heegaard, president of MHEC. “We will benefit from her experience and perspectives as an educator and legislator.”