March 06, 2025
SIU’s Paul Simon Institute to host discussion on expanding educational equity
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Melissa Connelly, CEO of OneGoal, will join Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for a virtual conversation on Tuesday, March 18, to discuss the barriers facing first-generation and low-income students in achieving a college education.
Connelly will speak with John Shaw, institute director, about her work leading OneGoal, a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that all students have an equitable opportunity to achieve postsecondary success.
The discussion, via Zoom at 2 p.m., is free and open to the public, but registration to view the conversation is required. The discussion is part of the institute’s “Understanding Our New World” discussion series. Visit paulsimoninstitute.org/events to register.
She will also discuss strategies for closing the opportunity gap and the role of policy and community engagement in shaping education outcomes, her journey as a first-generation college graduate and her more than 15 years of experience in the education field.
“Melissa Connelly is a creative, hopeful and determined leader in education,” Shaw said. “Her passion for, and commitment to, ensuring that all high school students have an equitable opportunity to earn a postsecondary degree or credential is deeply inspiring.
“We are especially eager to learn about her drive to transform postsecondary advising and support.”
Connelly has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Chicago and a master’s degree from Dominican University.
Attendees are encouraged to submit questions for Connelly on the registration form or email questions to paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu.
More information, a list of the institute’s upcoming events and past speakers and events are available.