The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University approved several resolutions at its regular meeting on July 25, 2025. Full text of the resolutions can be found on the Board of Trustees website.    

Consent Agenda: All items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and enacted in one motion. Details regarding Consent Agenda items may be found on the website.

Approval of 2026 Board Meeting Calendar

The Board of Trustees approved the recommended 2026 meeting calendar and requested that it be posted and published in accordance with the Open Meetings Act no later than December 1, 2025.

Authorization to Approve FY2026 Operating Budget

Trustees approved the FY2026 Budget for Operations totaling $566.3 million. As the University transitions to a new budget calendar and process for FY27, the FY26 budget will anchor budgets to projected operating revenues. While a projected three percent increase in state appropriations (one percent base increase and two percent at the Governor’s discretion) is not yet realized, a contingency plan is in place should the additional two percent (approximately $1.6 million) appropriation not be released.

Authorization to Issue Auxiliary Facilities System Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2025

Trustees voted to authorize the issuance of its Auxiliary Facilities System Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2025 to prepay and refund Series 2020A Bonds. The Series 2020A Bonds were previously used to finance renovations of Watterson Residence Hall, including HVAC upgrades and facilities, furnishings, and equipment related thereto and the renovation of 301 S. Main Street for a Multicultural Center, in the aggregate principal amount of $36,950,000, of which $31,690,000 is currently outstanding.

Authorization to Approve Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Building Project

Trustees formally approved the State of Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) project for the demolition of Centennial West, renovation to portions of the Center for Visual Arts and Centennial East, additions to the Center for Performing Arts and the Center for Visual Arts, and the new construction of a Commons Building in place of the original Centennial West in the amount of $82,745,258. The State of Illinois via the CDB announced full funding of the revised project budget in 2024.

Authorization of Illinois Department of Transportation Temporary Easement

The Board of Trustees issued a five-year temporary construction easement to the State of Illinois, Department of Transportation for .12 acres at 210 North Main Street, Illinois State University’s Classroom Building #2 used for classroom space for the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts (WKCFA). For the sum of $2,500, the easement will help facilitate the Illinois Department of Transportation’s plans to improve US Business Route 51.

Authorization to Name the Rich Olson Press Box

Trustees approved the naming of the press box at Duffy Bass Field as the “Rich Olson Press Box,” in recognition of financial support to Illinois State University. Olson is an alum, former Redbird baseball player, and proud supporter of Redbird Athletics. He was a three-year letterwinner as a second baseman and received all-conference honors. He was coached by Duffy Bass during his time at Illinois State,

Authorization to Name the John Eymann Student Success Suite

Trustees approved the naming of the student success suite in the State Farm Hall of Business as the “John Eymann Student Success Suite” in recognition of financial support to Illinois State University. Eymann was a 1977 graduate of the College of Business. While earning his degree, he also found a passion for storytelling while working at WZND. He went on to work for BP Amoco as well as public radio and television stations in Houston, Texas.

Authorization to Name the ADM Lecture Hall

Trustees approved the naming of the lecture hall in the College of Engineering the “ADM Lecture Hall” in recognition of financial support to Illinois State University. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has been a strong, highly engaged supporter of Illinois State University since 1982. ADM has established numerous funds for facilities, programs, faculty fellowships, undergraduate research, registered student organizations, and scholarships.

Authorization to Name the Jay and Lori Bergman Field

Trustees approved the naming of the football field at Hancock Stadium the “Jay and Lori Bergman Field” in recognition of financial support to Illinois State University. Jay Bergman is a 1970 graduate with a degree in business administration. He has built a distinguished career as CEO and Chairman of Petco Petroleum Corp and also is the Majority Owner and Chairman of First Secure Bank Group. His leadership and generosity have made a lasting impact at Illinois State, where he has served on both the Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board. He also served on the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Lori enjoyed professional success as the Director of Training and Purchasing for First Secure Bank Group and was a dedicated fan of Redbird Athletics.

Recognition of Trustee Scott Jenkins

Scott Jenkins was appointed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to the Board of Trustees of Illinois State University and participated in his first meeting on February 17, 2023. He served the Board of Trustees with a high standard of professional integrity to the lasting benefit of Illinois State University.

The Board of Trustees expressed its sincere appreciation to Scott Jenkins for his tireless efforts as a trustee on behalf of Illinois State University and conferred on him the honor and title of Trustee Emeritus for his outstanding service and dedication to Illinois State University.