Full transcript: https://alumni.illinoisstate.edu/podcast/tarhule/index.phpPresident Aondover Tarhule was appointed the 21st president of Illinois State University on March 18 and, in this episode of Redbird Buzz, he shares what the first few weeks of his presidency have looked like, details of the path he took to get to this point, and how he hopes to create a legacy at the University.Dr. Tarhule arrived at Illinois State in August of 2020 to serve as vice president for Academic Affairs and provost, was appointed interim president in February of 2023, and is now leading the University in his new role as permanent president. Tarhule, a first-generation college student, holds a Ph.D. in geography and has more than 27 years of experience in higher education in both academic and administrative roles.In this episode, learn more about Tarhule's childhood in rural Nigeria, the role his father played in his education and professional trajectory, and the story behind the many hats he wears (both literally and figuratively) on campus. You can also read more about Tarhule in this May's State magazine.
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- 7:46Celebrating 20 Years of Nature at Illinois State's Autumnal Festival | Rooted in RedIllinois State University’s Horticulture Center will celebrate its 20th anniversary during the annual Autumnal Festival on Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14. This year’s theme, The Refrains of Nature: Revealing the World’s Hidden Patterns, will showcase the intersection of art, science, and community in the gardens.Director of the Horticulture Center Jessica Chambers ’93, who has led the center since its founding, said the anniversary offers a moment to reflect on how far the center has come. When she started 20 years ago, the land was a corn and soybean field with only a conceptual plan.“Pretty quickly, I realized that without any support or funds, that conceptual plan was going to take a long time,” said Chambers. “So then, I looked at it and I thought, ‘OK, what can I do?’ That was the prairie. That was really the first garden we started.”The prairie remains Chambers’ favorite feature of the Horticulture Center. She said it has taught her respect for Illinois’ natural history and offered a way to educate visitors.“Every time we have a visitor, I’m trying to share, educate, and just show them some really cool prairie plants,” she said. “Most Illinoisians don’t understand or grasp prairie at all.”The Horticulture Center’s growth has been fueled by students, volunteers, and community partnerships. Chambers said the Autumnal Festival is not just a fundraiser but also a celebration of the people who sustain the center.“Volunteers have become family,” she said.She said that the festival is designed to offer more than entertainment.“What makes it different than other fall festivals is that we really try—and I thoroughly believe in this noble pursuit of education—to make sure people learn something new,” she said. “In recent years, we’ve also added more art elements, from student showcases to volunteer artwork, because bringing nature and art together creates a really meaningful experience.”Learn more:Follow Illinois State University Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisStateUniversity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illinoisstateu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/Illinois-State-University TikTok: https://www.TikTok.com/@illinoisstateu
- 0:27Redbird VolleyballRedbird Volleyball owns the court this weekend in the Linda Herman Volleyball Classic! 🏐 Be there at CEFCU Arena to cheer on the Birds against Miami, Cincinnati, and Illinois.
- 0:06Black Out merchGear for blackout game = secured 🖤 Hoodies, crews, tees + hats are in at the Redbird Spirit Shop. #BackTheBirds this Saturday at 6 p.m. as our Birds take on Morehead State!
- 2:35Bloomington-Normal, our HometownSee why Bloomington-Normal is routinely ranked among the top college towns in the country based. Illinois State University Redbirds enjoy great food, a safe community, fun things to do, and opportunities for jobs or internships. We can't wait for our hometown to become your home away from home.
- 1:22Back to school at Illinois StateCampus is alive with Redbird spirit! From hammocks and study sessions beneath the quad's leafy canopy, to sipping Starbucks between classes—the energy is real, and the memories are just getting started.
- 2:29An inside look at residential life at Illinois State UniversityAll residence halls are within walking distance from the Illinois State University's picturesque Quad. Each area provides its own unique feel. No matter which campus area you live in, you can expect a sense of community, individual attention, support services to help you succeed, and a connection to Illinois State University that is second to none!
