Board of Trustees action items, October 17, 2025
The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University approved several resolutions at its regular meeting on October 17, 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 are provided under Meeting Materials in the link above.
Authorization to Approve FY2027 Appropriated Budget Request: Operating and Capital
The Board of Trustees approved FY2027 operating budget and capital appropriation funding requests to the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The operating budget request totals $102.2 million and includes increases for replacement revenue to cover state mandated waivers, student financial aid for need-based students, and expansion support for high need disciplines of engineering and nursing. The capital appropriation request totals $445 million to address goals and priorities outlined in the University’s strategic plan, including new STEM/Science Lab and Mennonite College of Nursing buildings; Milner Library, Williams Hall, and DeGarmo rehabilitation projects; replacement of Thomas Metcalf and University High schools; and a capital renewal plan to address critical facility, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and building envelopes across campus.
Authorization for Consulting Services for Budget Model Implementation
Trustees authorized an extension of consulting services to assist the University in ensuring the successful implementation of strategic budget and financial management practices at a cost not to exceed $375,000. The implementation work will be paid by General Revenue and Auxiliary Facilities Systems (AFS) funds and will include operationalization, change management, and communication support.
Authorization to Purchase Financial Planning and Analysis System
Trustees authorized the purchase of a financial planning and analysis system. The system will provide the University the ability to more effectively align resources with objectives, improve financial transparency, and advance efficiencies in managing budget processes. The software cost and two years of implementation services will be paid from General Revenue and Auxiliary Facilities Services (AFS) funds, not to exceed $1,750,000.
Authorization to Approve the Remodel of the Linkins Dining Center Dish Room
Trustees approved a remodeling project for the Linkins Dining Center Dish Room with funding from EMDH Bond reserve funds not to exceed $850,000. Having reached the end of its operational life, the dish room is a high-volume, continuous-operation facility that processes thousands of plates, glasses, and utensils daily. The remodel will replace outdated infrastructure with new, energy-efficient equipment to increase operational efficiency.
Approval to Replace the Hancock Stadium Video Board
The Board of Trustees approved the acquisition and installation of a new video board system for Hancock Stadium. The outdoor 31.5 feet high by 64.3 feet wide Daktronics LED video board replaces the existing board that was installed in 2013 and has reached the end of its service life. The $2,000,000 replacement project is funded through private donations made to the Illinois State University Foundation.
Authorization to Name the Melinda Fischer Field
Trustees approved the naming of the field at Marian Kneer (Softball) Stadium as Melinda Fischer Field in recognition of financial support to Illinois State University. Group funds were raised to honor Melinda’s legacy as a two-time alumna and former head softball coach, who amassed 1,159 wins over 37 seasons. Her record led her to become the winningest head coach in both Illinois State and Missouri Valley Conference history.
Latest Publications
- Kristen Bernas Honored as First LOVE Award Recipient for Exemplary CollaborationIllinois State University proudly recognizes Kristen Bernas as the inaugural recipient of the Living Our Values in Excellence (LOVE) Award, a distinction that celebrates individuals who embody the University’s core values as outlined in Excellence by Design 2024–2030, the University’s strategic plan. Kristen, an office administrator in the Department of Accounting, was selected for her
- Illinois State professors and alum honored with Outstanding Paper Award for groundbreaking study on inmate handbook readabilityDr. Jessie Krienert and Dr. Jeffrey Walsh from Illinois State University, along with alum Malia Kohls, won the 2025 Outstanding Paper Award from the Midwestern Criminal Justice Association.
- Make a lasting impact by mentoring a Redbird studentCareer Services invites you to join the Alumni Mentor Network, where your experience becomes a powerful tool for student success.
- Queer Talks to explore Girth & Mirth clubs November 19Queer Coalition, Illinois State's sponsored LGBTQIA+ faculty, staff, and graduate student affinity group, invites the University community to attend a lunchtime presentation November 19 by Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program Interim Director Dr. Jason Whitesel on the history and visual representation of Girth & Mirth clubs from their advent in 1970s San Francisco through their last hurrah in the early 2000s. This event will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in 401 Stevenson Hall.
- Creatively critical tech virtual fall 2025 speaker seriesThis fall, the Creatively Critical Tech: Research + Practice + Design virtual speaker series will host four leading scholars whose work advances innovative and inclusive research, art, design, and practice with emerging technologies and media.
- Nominations open for 2026 Strand Diversity and staff awards through November 21Nominations are open through Friday, November 21, at 4:30 p.m., for the 2026 David A. Strand Diversity Achievement Award, Administrative/Professional and Civil Service Distinguished Service Awards, Administrative Professional Emerging Leader Award, Team Excellence Award, and the Environmental Stewardship Award.