Illinois State University

About

Stories, campus updates, photos, video and more from Illinois State University, Illinois’ first public university.

Story

Founded in 1857, Illinois State University was the first public university in the state and is one of the Midwest’s oldest institutions of higher education. It is a coeducational, residential university. Its 34 academic departments in six colleges offer 67 undergraduate programs in more than 188 fields of study. The Graduate School coordinates 39 master’s, two specialist, and nine doctoral programs.

The 350-acre campus includes more than 60 major buildings with state-of-the-art technology, and Watterson Towers is one of the most unique structures, as this residence hall is the tallest building between Chicago and St. Louis. Other major facilities include a Center for the Performing Arts, a 360-acre farm, Bone Student Center and Braden Auditorium, a University Planetarium, Redbird Arena, and Hancock Stadium. From meeting facilities to cultural opportunities through the arts, and excitement of numerous sporting events each year, ISU is a vital part of the Bloomington-Normal community.

Mission

We at Illinois State University work as a diverse community of scholars with a commitment to fostering a small-college atmosphere with large-university opportunities. We promote the highest academic standards in our teaching, scholarship, public service and the connections we build among them. We devote all of our resources and energies to creating the most supportive and productive community possible to serve the citizens of Illinois and beyond.