Illinois State University’s Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 17 saw the introduction of Trustee Kriss Lutt and the approval of the operating and capital budget requests for 2027.
Lutt is the president of sustainable materials and strategic initiatives at Archer Daniels Midland.
“It’s a great honor and pleasure for me to join the Board of Trustees. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study for an MBA here at [ISU] and graduated in 2006,” Lutt said.
“That really was the beginning of a long and fantastic relationship that I’ve been able to have with the university, both as an alumnus and as a member of the board of advisors for the College of Business,” Lutt continued.
The trustees also discussed the new budget model and approved funding for consulting services to implement the budget.
The 2027 operating budget request totals $102.2 million, representing a 24.3% increase from the 2026 budget. The increases will cover state-mandated tuition waivers, student financial aid for need-based students and support for the engineering and nursing programs.
The capital appropriation request was $445 million. It is aimed at addressing various projects, including new buildings for the Mennonite College of Nursing and rehabilitation projects for Milner Library, Williams Hall and DeGarmo Hall.
ISU President Aondover Tarhule highlighted the difficulties in making budget cuts.
“The actions we took were difficult, even painful, including forgoing a campus wage program,” Tarhule said. “Due to the tough decisions and sacrifices, the FY2025 budget is projected to balance after nearly $12 million in cost savings were implemented over the last year.”
Chairperson Kathryn Bohn also clarified the role of the new budget.
“While we may have a new budget in place, it’s important to remember that this alone won’t make our financial challenges vanish,” Bohn said.
“The budget model is a tool for informed decision-making, not a source of new funds. Its value lies in offering fresh insights into how existing resources can be allocated, not in increasing those resources themselves,” Bohn continued.
The trustees also approved allocating $375,000 towards consulting services.
“The initial consulting engagement is nearing completion, and the university is moving into the next phase of deploying a new budget model and supporting process,” Tarhule said.
“Additional professional services are required during this phase to assist the university in assuring the successful implementation of the strategic budget practices and financial management processes,” Tarhule continued.
The trustees also approved the purchase of a financial planning and analysis system, which will cost up to $1.75 million.
Tarhule explained that current university budgets are stored across multiple platforms and that an integrated system will be more effective for their new budget model.
The board also authorized an $850,000 remodel of the Linkins Dining Center dish room. According to Tarhule, the current equipment faces “significant deterioration.”
The softball field at Marian Kneer Stadium will be named Melinda Fischer Field to honor the former softball head coach. Fischer won 1,159 games in her 37 seasons as head coach, which is the most by any head coach in Missouri Valley Conference history.
“I think of her as a true Redbird and someone we should all aspire to be as Redbirds. She’s given so much to ISU, and she continues to be involved at ISU,” Bohn said.
Hancock Stadium will be receiving a $2 million video board, replacing the current board, which was installed in 2013.
“Technological advancements in display, resolution, audio and control systems have made the current system outdated in comparison to peer institutions,” Tarhule said.
“Upgrading the video board is essential to enhance the in-game experience for fans, student-athletes and broadcast partners while maintaining the university’s ability to host high-profile events,” Tarhule continued.
Jason Stefanich, an ISU food service worker and executive board member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1110, expressed his frustration during public comment about contract negotiations.
“Our first bargaining session was held on April 3. We have completed 23 sessions, and we are far from reaching an agreement … most of our wages are not a living wage,” Stefanich said.
The next Board of Trustees meeting will take place Nov. 6-7 at ISU.
