Special Section Higher Education In Southwestern Illinois

By ALAN J. ORTBALS    Last May, McKendree University announced the most ambitious fund-raising goal in its 188-year history — a $40 million capital campaign to support the renovation of Voigt Science Hall and Holman Library.     To date, the university has raised more than $25 million of its goal in donations and pledges. At an…

By ALAN J. ORTBALS    Lindenwood University-Belleville continues to grow. Enrollment for the fall semester is strong with 2,058 students. While more Belleville area students are choosing Lindenwood, campus President Brett Barger says many are coming from throughout the country and around the world.    “We have students coming from 39 different states and more than 40…

By ALAN J. ORTBALS    Dr. Randy Pembrook became the ninth chancellor in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s history on Aug. 1. The Metro East native returned to the campus where he had earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He came to SIUE from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan.    “I am absolutely thrilled to be the chancellor…