Illinois State University—In the News, November 2025
A monthly column featuring the latest media coverage related to Illinois State University, specifically supporting Excellence by Design: 2024-2030 (Strategic Direction IIIC – Enhance Institutional Recognition). NOTE: Links provided below may direct you to third-party websites that are not affiliated with Illinois State University.
The EdUp Experience – November 2, 2025
Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule recently was interviewed by Elvin Freytes and Brent Ramdin on the The EdUp Experience podcast. “The University That Refused to Accept the Demographic Cliff – with Dr. Aondover Tarhule, President, Illinois State University” was published on November 2, 2025″
Summary: As higher education continues to experience a demographic cliff and other challenges, Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule shares his unique personal experience that led him to become the 21st president of the University, while crediting the academic portfolio, supportive faculty and staff, and strategic planning that has helped the University achieve recent success.
The 21st Show – October 22, 2025
Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule spoke with Brian Mackey of The 21st Show, a state-wide program from Illinois Public Media (NPR). The interview is part of a series of occasional conversations on the program with university leaders across Illinois, talking about accomplishments and reflecting on challenges individual schools, and higher education as a whole, are dealing with in 2025. “Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule” was recorded and published on October 22, 2025.
Summary: Illinois State University hit its fourth consecutive year of enrollment growth, with nearly 22,000 students and an increase in its retention rate. President Aondover Tarhule attributes this success to a strong brand, hard work by staff, and intentional program expansion, including new or expanded programs in nursing, engineering, data science, and creative technologies.
For questions about these media stories, or to learn more about working with the media to share university-related stories, please contact MediaRelations@ilstu.edu.
Latest Publications
- Research and Honors, November 2025Presentations and publications by Illinois State University faculty and staff members.
- November is #WinterReady Month—Stay safe, warm and cyber-savvy, RedbirdsIllinois State University Emergency Management reminds Redbirds to prepare for #WinterReady Month during November.
- Prolific scholar of English and gen AI to keynote the 2026 University Teaching & Learning SymposiumDr. Laura Dumin will keynote the 2026 University Teaching and Learning Symposium.
- MLK Jr. Cultural Dinner featuring Karine Jean-Pierre, January 30, 2026Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House Press Secretary and Special Advisor to President Joe Biden, will be the featured speaker for the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Dinner on Friday, January 30, 2026. Event registration opens on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 10 a.m.
- Preparations underway for WKCFA renovation project, sidewalk closure plannedPedestrian traffic along Beaufort Street will be rerouted starting Monday, November 3, 2025, as construction crews prepare for a two-year project to update and expand Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts (WKCFA).
- Cline and Jasper awarded third year of prestigious ARCS fundingAn interdisciplinary team, led by Illinois State University faculty members Dr. Lea Cline and Dr. Kathryn Jasper, has been awarded a third year of funding through the Advancing Research and Creative Scholarship (ARCS) program, recognizing their continued excellence in interdisciplinary research.
