To address financial challenges at Prairie State College, administrators announced an organizational restructuring with position eliminations using a multi-phase turnaround plan focused on reducing expenses, protecting essential operations and keeping student needs at the forefront.
Crystal Alston, senior director of external affairs and marketing, said, “The impacted employees have been notified privately. The college is not releasing a total count at this time.” The restructuring and position eliminations were based on a review of operational needs, service priorities and long-term financial realities.
The cuts are being made to manage the college’s long-term debt, but Alston would not provide the amount.
“The college is not releasing specific budget targets at this time,” she told the Chronicle.
Alston said “no academic programs have been eliminated at this time although the Physical Therapist Assistant program is no longer accepting new students and the Music Production program is under review.”
In the fall semester, PSC served 3,277 students in college credit, developmental and general studies. She said enrollment has been steadily increasing since 2022. The College experienced 10 years of enrollment declines prior to that, including a 20% loss of enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rising operational costs have created additional challenges, and delays in Cook County property-tax payments this fall created a cash-flow strain that required prompt action.
The district’s FY25 budget of $55.62 million comes 31% from property taxes, 26% from tuition and fees, 17% in state support, 16% in federal funding and 11% from other sources, such as investments and rental agreements. The district is working on its FY26 budget now.
In a prepared statement, PSC President Michael Anthony said: “As difficult as these decisions are, they reflect our responsibility to protect the mission of Prairie State College and to remain strong for our students and our community. Our employees are dedicated and talented, and we do not take lightly the effect this has on individuals and their families.
“We have made major improvements to campus facilities, increased student satisfaction and success, and continued to strengthen our academic programs, but change is vital to sustain long-term success.” he said.
In her prepared statement, PSC Board Chair Camiella Williams emphasized her support for the turnaround plan.
“No one wants to see layoffs, and this has been a hard process,” she said. “The board understands why these actions are needed, and we support the work to get PSC on stronger financial footing. We appreciate everyone who continues to stand with the college during this time.”
