Illinois state Rep. Will Davis, D-Homewood, a 1989 SIU Carbondale graduate, will speak at an open house at SIU’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on Friday, Nov. 6. With Davis are Linda Baker, interim institute director (left) and Matt Collinsworth, institute associate director. (Photo provided)
October 30, 2026
SIU’s Simon Institute hosts alum, Illinois state Rep. Will Davis for open house Friday
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute will host an open house on Friday, Nov. 6, featuring a special appearance by alumnus and Illinois state Rep. William “Will” Davis. The event will bring together institute staff, friends and supporters for an opportunity to connect and discuss issues shaping Illinois public policy.
The open house is from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Forestry Building, 1231 Lincoln Drive, on SIU’s campus. Davis, D-Homewood graduated from SIU with a degree in political science in 1989. During the event, he will reflect on the Nov. 3 election results, discuss priorities for the upcoming legislative veto session and take questions from the audience. Discussion topics will also include school funding reform, state budget accountability and other issues affecting Illinois communities.
Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required.
“Rep. Davis has dedicated his career to public service and addressing issues that affect communities across Illinois,” Linda R. Baker, interim institute director, said. “We’re pleased to welcome him back to campus as a fellow Saluki and provide an opportunity for our community to hear his perspective on the recent election, the state’s upcoming legislative session and important questions surrounding education funding and responsible budgeting. Bringing public officials and community members together for thoughtful conversation is an important part of fostering informed and engaged citizenship.”
Davis represents the state’s 30th district in the Illinois House of Representatives, which includes parts of the city of Chicago, along with several southern and south-suburban municipalities and townships in Cook County. Voters first elected Davis to the state house in 2003.
He has been a longtime advocate for education funding and public accountability. He served as the chief House sponsor of Senate Bill 1947, which established Illinois’ Evidence-Based Funding model for public schools. He is also a founding member of the Better Funding for Better Schools Coalition and serves as chairman of the House Appropriations–Elementary and Secondary Education Committee. Davis is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
The open house will provide attendees with an opportunity to hear directly from a state lawmaker, exchange perspectives on the issues facing Illinois and connect with others interested in public policy and civic engagement, Baker said. It also offers an opportunity to learn more about the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and its work to promote ethical conduct in government, responsible citizenship and greater public understanding of policy issues.