Illinois State University – the first public university in Illinois – was founded in 1857 as a normal university to prepare the state's teachers. The University consequently has a rich heritage as the state's leader in all facets of teacher education, from classroom instruction to educational administration and national policy setting. Its early emphasis on teacher preparation is reflected in a values-based commitment to creating an optimal learning environment for all Illinois State University students.
While preparing teachers remains a strong emphasis at Illinois State, the University’s offerings have expanded over time. There are six colleges, including Arts and Sciences, Applied Science and Technology, Business, Education, Fine Arts, and Nursing. Collectively they offer more than 160 major/minor options. In addition to teacher education, baccalaureate programs are offered in the biological, physical, social, and applied sciences; humanities; technology; business; professional programs; and the fine and performing arts. Illinois State is committed to providing graduate education in areas of programmatic strength and need at master’s and doctoral levels as well. Milner Library supports the University community’s opportunities for learning and scholarship with its varied collections, services, and resources. The University’s Honors program promotes and enhances students’ academic and social experiences.
Academic excellence results in the acquisition, synthesis, dissemination, and creation of new research knowledge that invigorates undergraduate and graduate education. Mission-driven public service and outreach activities complement the University’s teaching and research functions and help expand the horizons of knowledge and culture among students, colleagues, and the general citizenry. For example, the University is distinguished as the only public university in Illinois to be classified as a National Doctoral/Research University by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. It is the only public university in Illinois classified by the Carnegie Foundation as being ‘more selective’ among those institutions where transfer students constitute at least 20 percent of entering undergraduates.
Students, faculty, and staff work together as partners in a unique culture of strong shared governance that has strengthened relationships within the University community, as well as external communities. Illinois State University promotes a culture of comprehensive and continuous planning as evidenced by the University’s strategic plan, as well as a number of other operational plans that advance the goals of Educating Illinois. These complementary plans include, for example, the Information Technology Strategic Plan, the Long-Range Plan for Housing and Dining, and the Campus Master Plan .
The University has nearly 170,000 living alumni
located across the country and the world -- over 110,000 in Illinois. In addition to the over 20,000 students enrolled on-campus, the
University provides credit and non-credit courses and services to an
additional 55,000 people each year.
