Northern Illinois University president Lisa Freeman served on the state's Commission on Equitable Public University Funding. Their task was to create a "data-driven approach" to funding higher-ed.

The current Minnesota governor is no stranger to America's education system, having worked hands-on in classrooms and passed progressive policy measures in K12 and higher ed.

The partnership guarantees TCC students' admission to CNU once they have earned at least 16 credits at TCC with at least a 2.5 GPA. It will also facilitate a CNU grant program for TCC transfer students who have demonstrated financial need, conditional on available funding.

Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas at Austin will get funds to visit more students in rural communities and small towns.