Emmanuel Segbedzi Sworn in as Student Member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education

(LEBANON, Ill., October 17, 2022) – Emmanuel Segbedzi, a senior at McKendree University, was recently named a Student Member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). The computer science major was appointed to join the Student Advisory Committee on the Board on August 18 and was officially announced a student board member by Executive Board Director Ginger Ostro on September 27 in Springfield.

A native of Accra, Ghana, Emmanuel’s duties as a board member will consist of participating in statutory roles by analyzing the needs and requirements of Illinois’ higher education system and modifying policies that guide the state’s system of public and private colleges and universities regarding budgets, program approval, grants administration and more.

“I firmly believe in taking a collaborative approach to solve a problem, so when I saw the position of a student board member, I knew it was my call to attend,” Emmanuel said. “I have seen the work of IBHE in articles, news and social media, and it inspired me because I saw the teamwork and vision in action. I love working with a team to achieve a common goal, and I know my experience in leadership as a Student Government Association president at McKendree has prepared me for this role. I look forward to becoming a valued contributor to this phenomenal organization.”

At McKendree, Emmanuel has served as the president of the Student Government Association (SGA), a New Student Orientation (NSO) peer, a student chaplain, a resident assistant, and a Robotics Club coordinator. He is involved with the Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service, is a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and was last year’s recipient of the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award at the University. After graduation, Emmanuel plans to work as a network engineer and participate in a seasonal role with the United Nations serving in Australia or the Caribbean countries.

The IBHE consists of 16 members: 10 public members and six members hailing from Illinois universities, including two student members. The Board has statutory authority to oversee all private businesses and vocational schools in the State of Illinois. IBHE grants approval to an institution to operate and offer specific programs and/or courses of study as instructed by the PBVS Act of 2012 and the Administrative Rules adopted to implement the Act.