Illinois State University facts for kids
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Former names
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Illinois State Normal University (1857–1964) Illinois State University at Normal (1964–1967) |
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| Motto | Gladly We Learn and Teach |
| Type | Public research university |
| Established | 1857 |
| Founder | Jesse W. Fell |
| Accreditation | HLC |
| Endowment | $204 million (2023) |
| Budget | $509.3 million (2023) |
| President | Aondover Tarhule |
| Provost | Ani Yazedjian (acting) |
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Administrative staff
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3,563 |
| Students | 20,989 (2023) |
| Undergraduates | 18,450 |
| Postgraduates | 2,539 |
| Location |
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United States
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| Campus | Urban campus, 1,180 acres (477.5 ha) |
| Language | English |
| Newspaper | The Vidette |
| Colors | Red and White |
| Nickname | Redbirds |
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Sporting affiliations
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NCAA Division I FCS MVFC — MVC |
| Mascot | Reggie Redbird |
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Illinois State University (ISU) is a large public university in Normal, Illinois. It started in 1857 as Illinois State Normal University. It is the oldest public university in Illinois.
ISU is well-known for training teachers. It is one of the top ten universities in the U.S. that produces teachers. The university also does a lot of research.
The school's sports teams are called the "Redbirds." This name comes from the state bird, the cardinal. They play in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Contents
History of ISU
ISU was founded in 1857. This was the same year Illinois created its first Board of Education. Important people like David Davis helped start the school. Abraham Lincoln, who later became president, helped with the school's legal papers.
The university was first called Illinois State Normal University. It was the first state university in Illinois. Classes first met in downtown Bloomington.
In 1860, the school moved to its current campus. This area was then called North Bloomington. In 1865, the town was named "Normal" after the university.
The school was first meant to be a big university with many different subjects. But it mainly focused on training teachers. A "normal college" was a school that trained teachers. Over time, it grew to offer many other subjects.
The school's name changed in 1964 to Illinois State University at Normal. In 1967, it became Illinois State University.
The university's motto is "Gladly We Learn and Teach." This means students are happy to learn, and teachers are happy to teach.
Special Schools at ISU
Illinois State University has two special schools. They are called laboratory schools. These are University High School and Thomas Metcalf Laboratory School.
The Bloomington/Normal Japanese Saturday School also uses the Thomas Metcalf School. This school helps Japanese children learn their language and culture on weekends.
What You Can Study at ISU
ISU started as a college for teachers. Today, it offers many different programs. You can earn bachelor's, master's, and even doctoral degrees.
The university is approved by the Higher Learning Commission. Its teacher programs are also approved by national groups. This means the education you get there is high quality.
In 2022, the university started plans for a new College of Engineering. This college will offer degrees in general engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The first students are expected to join in 2025.
Colleges at ISU
ISU has several colleges where students can study different subjects:
- College of Applied Science and Technology
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- Mennonite College of Nursing
- Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts
University Rankings
| USNWR National University | 209 |
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| Washington Monthly National University | 106 |
| Forbes | 245 |
Universities are often ranked to show how good they are. In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Illinois State University among the top national universities. It was ranked 209th overall. Among public national universities, it was ranked 112th.
Forbes magazine also ranked Illinois State. It was #245 out of 500 American colleges.
Student Life at ISU
In fall 2021, about 20,233 students attended ISU. Most were undergraduate students. More than half of the students are female. About 28.8% of students are from minority groups. Students come from 69 different countries.
The Quad
The Illinois State University campus has a large open area called The Quad. It was designed by William Saunders. It is a popular place for students to relax, study, and play games. Many outdoor events happen here, like concerts and showcases for student groups.
The Quad is also home to the Fell Arboretum. This is a special collection of over 154 types of trees from Illinois. Trees from northern Illinois are on the north side of the Quad. Trees from southern Illinois are on the south side.
Milner Library
Milner Library has over 1.63 million books. It also has many online materials that students can use. The library is known for its collections on education and children's literature. It has many first edition books signed by author Lois Lenski.
Milner Library also has special collections about the circus. It is a place where government information is stored. In 2007, the library won a national award for its public relations.
The library also has the Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield University Archives. This is where old records from the university are kept. You can find papers from professors and items about student life. Many old university publications are available online.
The Milner Library is named after Angeline "Ange" Vernon Milner. She was the first full-time librarian at the university. She helped organize over 40,000 items in the library.
The current library building opened in 1976. It is the second building built just for the library. The university library has been in five different places on campus over the years.
Where Students Live
Illinois State University has six residence halls and one apartment complex. There are also special apartments for older students and graduate students. These places are managed by the university's housing services.
Watterson Towers
Watterson Towers is the biggest residence hall on campus. It is also one of the tallest student residence halls in the world. It offers great views of the area. Watterson has special areas for quiet study or for students who prefer a substance-free environment. It was built between 1968 and 1970. It is named after Arthur W. Watterson, a geography professor. Watterson was greatly updated from 2010 to 2012.
East Campus Halls
Hewett and Manchester Hall are on East Campus. They were built in 1966. They are named after Edwin C. Hewett, a former university president, and Orson L. Manchester, a former dean.
Most floors in these halls are coed (for both male and female students). Some floors are just for male or female students. There are also special floors for students studying art, business, or music. Other floors are for students who want a quiet place or a substance-free living space.
These halls were updated in 2008–09. Their dining center was changed into the Julia N. Visor Center. This center offers free tutoring and other help for students.
West Campus Halls
Haynie, Wilkins, and Wright Hall are on West Campus. They are sometimes called "The Tri Towers." They are close to the sports arenas. These halls have floors for ROTC students, wellness, substance-free living, and quiet study. They were built in 1962. They are named after important people in the university's history.
Cardinal Court Apartments
In 2012, ISU opened the new Cardinal Court Apartments. These apartments offer a living style similar to off-campus apartments. But they still have the benefits of university housing. The old Cardinal Court was for married couples and graduate students. The new one is more modern.
Student Activities
The school newspaper is called The Vidette. It started in 1888. In 2021, it stopped printing paper copies and became an online-only news source.
ISU also has a public radio station, WGLT. It plays news, blues, and jazz music. Its call letters come from the school's motto: "Gladly-Learn-Teach." There is also a student radio station, WZND. TV-10, part of the School of Communication, creates local TV news.
ISU has over 400 student organizations. These groups are called "RSOs" (Registered Student Organizations). They offer many activities, from sports to national student groups. Every year, there is an event called Festival ISU. RSOs set up booths on the Quad to tell students about their groups.
One of the largest student spirit groups in the U.S. is RED ALERT. It has over 4,100 members. This group was started in 2006 to support university sports teams.
ISU is home to the Gamma Phi Circus. It is the oldest college circus in the world, started in 1929. It is one of only two college circuses in the U.S.
The Student Government Association at ISU helps students have a voice. Student members serve on the Academic Senate. This group includes students, teachers, and staff.
Greek Life
Illinois State University has a Greek community. This includes fraternities and sororities. More than 10% of the students are part of Greek Life.
Top Teams at ISU
The ISU Forensics Individual Events team is very successful. They have won national championships in public speaking and debate. Famous alumni from this team include Nelsan Ellis, an actor from True Blood.
The Illinois State football team is often ranked high in FCS football.
The Illinois State Club Baseball team was ranked #18 in the country in 2010.
The Illinois State University Mock Trial Team has been successful since 1987. They compete in college mock trial tournaments.
Sports at ISU
The school's fight song is "Go, You Redbirds." It is played at sports events. The Alma Mater song is "Glory Hast Thou."
ISU also has three club ice hockey teams. They play at the Grossinger Motors Arena in downtown Bloomington.
Famous People from ISU
The Illinois State University Alumni Center helps connect over 215,000 former students. It also serves current students and staff.
University Presidents
- Charles E. Hovey (1857–1862)
- Richard Edwards (1862–1876)
- Edwin C. Hewett (1876–1890)
- John Williston Cook (1890–1899)
- Arnold Tompkins (1899–1900)
- David Felmley (1900–1930)
- Harry A. Brown (1930–1933)
- Raymond W. Fairchild (1933–1955)
- Robert Gehlmann Bone (1956–1967)
- Samuel Braden (1967–1970)
- David K. Berlo (1971–1973)
- Gene A. Budig (1973–1977)
- Lloyd Watkins (1977–1988)
- Thomas Wallace (1988–1995)
- David A. Strand (1995–1999)
- Victor Boschini Jr. (1999–2003)
- C. Alvin Bowman (2004–2013)
- Timothy Flanagan (2013–2014)
- Larry Dietz (2014–2021)
- Terri Goss Kinzy (2021–2023)
- Aondover Tarhule (2024-Present)
Fun Facts and Legends
Some people say that the ghost of Angeline Vernon Milner, the first librarian, still haunts Williams Hall. This building used to be the library.
Gallery
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Illinois State University quadrangle, Felmley Hall of Science
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College of Business Building, Watterson Towers at sunset
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Illinois State University, Fell Hall
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Illinois State University, Moulton Hall
See also
In Spanish: Universidad Estatal de Illinois para niños
