Illinois State University received a $3 million gift commitment from State Farm to support the recruitment and retention of faculty and students in the University’s new interdisciplinary data science bachelor’s degree program, which welcomes its first class in fall 2025. 

“I am thrilled to announce State Farm’s generous gift, which will help us continue to lead in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field,” said President Aondover Tarhule. “State Farm’s commitment is an investment in the next generation of leaders, who will learn to harness and interpret big data for the public good. We are deeply grateful for this incredible support and look forward to our continued partnership.” 

State Farm’s contribution provides $1 million for faculty recruitment, offering valuable support and discretionary resources that faculty can use toward research, projects, equipment, and other professional needs related to data science.  

The company has also allocated $2 million toward scholarships. The aid promotes the recruitment and retention of students from underserved backgrounds.

“State Farm is proud of its association with Illinois State University, a key strategic education relationship. Our company employs many Illinois State graduates who help us deliver on our promises to customers,” said State Farm President and CEO Jon Farney ’93. “It is a privilege to make an investment in the new data science program and help advance this important field. We look forward to more Illinois State students and graduates having the opportunity to ethically innovate and excel with data science. This skill set is critical for all industries, including insurance.”

The Illinois State University Board of Trustees approved the major in 2023. 

“Illinois State’s data science program will prepare our graduates to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation in technology, health care, business, public policy, and beyond,” said Illinois State Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Ani Yazedjian. “State Farm’s generosity exemplifies the powerful impact of collaboration between academia and industry.” 

Normal tops Zillow’s college town rankings

Illinois State University’s status as one of the best college towns in the country was confirmed with publication of Zillow’s annual most popular housing market rankings. 

“Normal is home to the Illinois State University Redbirds, and is now Zillow’s most popular college town,” a release from the online real estate platform states.

Normal topped Kent, Ohio, home of Kent State University, which finished second for the second consecutive year. Criteria for the rankings included page-view traffic, the growth of home values, and how quickly homes sell.

Normal, and neighboring Bloomington, have been piling up the honors in recent years. Home to 132,000 residents, the Twin Cities have also been ranked among the top three best college towns in America by College Values Online, based on affordability and safety; and among the Best Places to Live in the United States, by Livability, due to the vibrant arts and entertainment scene, welcoming community, and high quality of life.

Bloomington-Normal offers many opportunities for students after graduation. The community, which is conveniently located within a couple of hours from Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis; and hosts several major employers, including State Farm’s corporate headquarters, COUNTRY Financial, and Rivian Motors.

Nelson named vice president for finance and planning

President Aondover Tarhule announced the hire of Dr. Glen Nelson as vice president for finance and planning. Nelson will report to the president. Nelson most recently served as the vice president for administration and finance/chief financial officer at California State University Monterey Bay and brings 27 years of experience in senior leadership positions at the system, university, and college levels. 

“Dr. Nelson’s broad experience in both the public higher education and business sectors is noteworthy,” Tarhule said. “I am confident he will serve Illinois State well in this critical role, leading and collaborating with stakeholders to build a solid path toward Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence (RISE).”

Nelson and three other finalists visited campus and presented at open forums last December. The finalists also met with various leadership teams, including the RISE Taskforce, to learn about and discuss financial challenges and opportunities the University is currently confronting.

“Illinois State’s success in providing high-quality, student-centered academic experiences with a strong emphasis on community and civic engagement resonated with me,” Nelson said. “The growing enrollment and goals of the strategic plan will require diligent fiscal leadership and planning to preserve the reputation of academic excellence and community engagement for which Illinois State is known.”

Illinois State recognized for student voting

Illinois State University was named a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. The designation recognizes colleges and universities nationwide for outstanding efforts to increase nonpartisan student voter participation.

“It is an honor for the University to be recognized for its continued voter engagement efforts, aligning to our core value of community and civic engagement,” said Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule. “Thanks to a strong action plan developed by the Center for Civic Engagement and the assistance of many campus units, we achieved record-breaking voter turnout numbers this election cycle.”

According to data from the McLean County Clerk’s Office, 3,586 people voted in the Bone Student Center during early voting, with 3,233 more voting in the Bone Student Center on Election Day. Both numbers represent record-breaking voter turnout since the campus location became a universal polling place, open to all registered McLean County voters.

ISF announces 2025 season lineup

The nationally renowned Illinois Shakespeare Festival (ISF) announced its 2025 repertory season with offerings including two Shakespeare plays and an Oscar Wilde classic. All plays will run in repertory, June 25 through August 2.

The 2025 lineup includes Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Hamlet, and Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Tickets are on sale now. ISF also offers patron other annual staples, including Theatre for Young Audiences productions and youth summer camps. 

Illinois State hosting DCFS regional training hub

Illinois State University is now home to one of four regional training hubs for the State of Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) thanks to a $2.1 million grant received last year.  

The regional simulation training hub is housed at the Baby Fold in Normal. The simulation experience will promote skill development and confidence in early-career social work professionals, while also giving Illinois State students the ability to observe, learn, and engage in social work simulations.

“The ISU Child Protection Training Academy will serve as an experiential learning center for child welfare practitioners to hone their assessment and engagement skills in a simulated lab setting that mirrors real-life case scenarios.” said Dr. Doris Houston, associate professor of Social Work and director of the Center for Child Welfare and Adoption Studies at Illinois State. “Utilizing professional actors, skilled facilitators, and volunteer medical and legal experts, the sim lab model takes training to the next level by creating an environment for reflective practice that prepares future professionals to effectively engage with families from all walks of life and to ensure the safety and well-being of children.”

Georgia named ombuds

Reginald Georgia ’16 has been hired to serve as Illinois State University’s ombuds.

As a staff member of the Office of the President, the University ombuds is a dedicated professional role that replaces the rotating group of university employees who served together as an ombuds council. The ombuds office will offer active listening and assistance identifying resources and paths to resolution for faculty, staff, and graduate assistants referred to the ombuds by the Dean of Students Office on a broad range of employment-related issues.

“I am pleased to welcome Reginald back to Illinois State in this role that provides support to our faculty, staff, and graduate assistants,” said President Aondover Tarhule. “I am thankful to the search committee and am pleased to have filled this needed role, identified by our shared governance.”

Illinois State team earns spot in undergraduate research program

An Illinois State University team composed of Professor of Anthropology Gina Hunter and undergraduate students Brenna Long and Tara Geyer participated in the Council on Undergraduate Research’s (CUR) 2024-25 professional development program, Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR).

The program, designed to elevate the role of undergraduate research in fostering advocacy and communication, admitted just 63 teams nationwide this year. It trains participants to translate complex research into accessible language and emphasizes the societal impact of their work. Teams also serve as CUR advocacy ambassadors, engaging with policymakers, funding agencies, and media to advocate for research’s value in addressing real-world challenges. Along with participation in the multi-month program, the Illinois State team traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with elected governmental officials and staff. 

Marshal nominations sought for Homecoming 2025 

Plans are underway for Homecoming 2025: Raise the Banner, happening October 13-19.

The Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2025 Homecoming alumni marshals as well as Reggie’s marshals. Applications are available at Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu/Marshals.

To be eligible for alumni marshals, graduates must have celebrated their 50th class reunion, have a strong connection to the University, and be able to attend Homecoming events throughout the weekend. Nominations are due June 3.

Children between the ages of 5 and 9 at the time of Homecoming 2025 whose parent, guardian, grandparent, aunt, or uncle is a graduate are eligible for nominations to be Reggie’s marshals. Deadline to submit is August 23. 

To learn more about events as they are scheduled, visit Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu.

Alumni meeting set

Alumni are invited to the Alumni Association annual meeting at approximately 10:45 a.m. on June 14 to be held tentatively in the Alumni Center. Agenda items include the election of Alumni Association board of director members and officers.

Alumni who have made a gift through the University Foundation in the current or preceding year are eligible to vote at the meeting. Go to Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Association or call (309) 438-2586 for more information on the meeting and selection process.