Western Illinois University is partnering with the Regional Office of Education #26 (ROE26) to bring select ROE26 programs to the Macomb campus, the university announced.
Officials said the move is intended to create new educational opportunities for area students and give them a chance to work in a higher education environment. The university described the step as part of its continued commitment to assisting educators in West Central Illinois.
"Preparing teachers is part of WIU history, and supporting education across our region is a focal point of our mission," WIU President Kristi Mindrup said. "We are excited to welcome ROE26 programs to our Macomb campus, and for this collaborative partnership that will expand new opportunities for students, teachers and families."
Regional Superintendent Dave Demler said the partnership reflects ROE26's commitment to finding innovative ways to strengthen services as its programs grow.
"This is much more than finding additional space for our programs, it is an opportunity to build a meaningful educational partnership with Western Illinois University," Demler said. "Bringing some of our programs onto the WIU campus gives us room to grow while creating possibilities for our students, WIU students and educators throughout the region to learn from one another and work together."
"We are excited about what can happen when two educational organizations bring their people, ideas and resources closer together," Demler added. "This partnership is about growth, collaboration and finding new ways to support the success of our students and schools throughout the region."
What stays the same
The university said the expansion involves select programs only. ROE26 administrative operations will remain at the Zahren Building at 130 S. Lafayette in Macomb, with no changes to overall operations or services across the region.
ROE26 also thanked Gamage Appliance for its long-standing support and partnership at the Johnson Street location, which the office said helped make this next phase of growth possible.
About ROE26
The Regional Office of Education #26 serves school districts across Fulton, Hancock, McDonough and Schuyler counties, providing leadership, services and support for schools, educators and families throughout the region. According to the ROE26 website, programs it administers include truancy intervention and alternative education through ROYALS, GED, early childhood services and educator licensure and professional development.
Mindrup became WIU's 13th president in December 2024 and is the university's first woman president, according to WIU. She was inaugurated in October 2025.
For more information, visit roe26.net.
Source: the original release