CHICAGO, Ill. — Advocate Health Care and Chicago State University (CSU) today announced a new multiyear partnership naming Advocate Health Care the official healthcare partner of CSU Athletics, building on a growing collaboration focused on healthcare education, workforce development and improved health outcomes across Chicago's South Side. The partnership comes as CSU enters its historic first football season as the only NCAA Division I football program in the city of Chicago. The announcement was made during CSU's annual Back-to-School Parade.
As the official healthcare partner of CSU Athletics, Advocate Health Care will provide comprehensive healthcare and sports medicine support for CSU student-athletes, including athletic training, team physician coverage, physical therapy, orthopedic care, primary care, sports psychology, sports nutrition and game-day sideline coverage. Advocate Health Care's logo will also be featured on every CSU game-day jersey across all sports.
The agreement builds on an existing collaboration between Advocate Health Care and CSU to prepare students for careers in healthcare and strengthen the workforce. Advocate nurses already serve as adjunct faculty in CSU's nursing program, and the organizations also partner on a certified nursing assistant program, workforce development initiatives and youth career exploration.
"Chicago State University plays an important role on the South Side, creating opportunities for students and strengthening the neighborhoods it serves," said Dia Nichols, president of Advocate Health Care. "We're proud to build on our relationship with CSU by supporting student-athletes with access to comprehensive care and the expertise they need to stay healthy throughout their athletic careers. Just as important, this partnership creates pathways for students interested in healthcare careers and helps develop the next generation of caregivers."
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to invest in student success, strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve community health across Chicago's South Side. It also builds on Advocate Health Care's longstanding commitment to the region and its ongoing $1 billion investment in South Side communities.
"Advocate Health Care is a true partner to Chicago's South Side, and we're grateful that the commitment now extends to Chicago State University's College of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, our Division I athletic program and the overall health and well-being of our campus community through management of our Wellness Center," said Z Scott, president of Chicago State University. "Advocate's investment in our programs will help prepare the next generation of nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. Many of these graduates will leave CSU to become part of the Advocate Health Care system. With Advocate as our official sports medicine partner, student-athletes from our 17 sports programs will access the high-quality care needed to compete at the highest level. This partnership demonstrates what is possible when two mission-driven institutions join to improve lives, strengthen communities and build a healthier future for all."
The partnership announcement was a featured moment of CSU's annual Back-to-School Parade, a university tradition that welcomes students to campus and celebrates the beginning of a new academic year. Serving as Grand Marshal, Nichols joined students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members in the celebration, highlighting Advocate Health Care's commitment to Chicago State University and the South Side communities both organizations proudly serve.
