Western Illinois University launches inland maritime industry pipeline

The university is creating a multi-state consortium to strengthen the labor force for Midwestern inland waterways and maritime industries.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 5:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a ship's anchor repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the pop art aesthetic and conceptual focus on maritime industry workforce development.A new educational consortium aims to build a pipeline of skilled workers for the Midwest's vital inland maritime industry.Macomb Today

Western Illinois University is launching the Corn Belt Ports Rural Logistics & Maritime Training & Education Consortium, a multi-state initiative across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin aimed at getting students to join the inland maritime industry. The consortium brings together 10 higher learning institutions to align educational programming with the needs of employers operating in inland waterways and maritime industries.

Why it matters

The inland maritime industry is a crucial part of the Midwest's transportation and logistics infrastructure, but has faced labor shortages in recent years. This new consortium aims to build a pipeline of skilled workers to support the growth and operations of businesses along the region's inland waterways.

The details

The Corn Belt Ports Rural Logistics & Maritime Training & Education Consortium will work to strengthen the labor force for employers operating in inland waterways and maritime industries across the Midwest. The initiative brings together 10 higher learning institutions, including John Wood Community College, to align educational programming with the needs of these employers.

  • Western Illinois University is launching the new consortium in April 2026.

The players

Western Illinois University

A public university located in Macomb, Illinois that is leading the creation of the Corn Belt Ports Rural Logistics & Maritime Training & Education Consortium.

Corn Belt Ports Consortium

The organization that Western Illinois University is collaborating with on the new maritime industry pipeline initiative.

Mark Mossman

The Provost of Western Illinois University who stated that this new consortium is another example of the university's commitment to economic growth and development in the region.

John Wood Community College

One of the 10 higher learning institutions that is part of the Corn Belt Ports Rural Logistics & Maritime Training & Education Consortium.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Western Illinois University has long been a leader in workforce development. This is another example of commitment to economic growth and development in the region.”

— Mark Mossman, Provost

What’s next

The Corn Belt Ports Rural Logistics & Maritime Training & Education Consortium will begin enrolling students in its new educational programs starting in the fall 2026 semester.

The takeaway

This new consortium led by Western Illinois University demonstrates the university's focus on preparing the next generation of workers for the inland maritime industry, which is a critical part of the Midwest's transportation and logistics infrastructure.