As we approach the start of an academic year, this is a great time for reflection. There is value in pausing to consider all we have accomplished and envision new goals. The exercise is equally significant for an institution. After my first year as president of Illinois State, it’s clear we stand firm on our foundation while also expanding to keep pace with our evolving world.
Appears In
Top of their game: New head coaches Allie Matters, Ryan Pedon aim to elevate Redbirds
A Day in the Life: Students play vital role in recruiting Redbirds
Pause for applause: Summer 2022
State editor Susan Blystone ready to write next chapter
Freshman gymnast Jaye Mack rises to NCAA tournament
Where are they now? Owen Miller
Redbird legacy: Spring graduation gives family three generations of ISU alumni
Class notes: Summer 2022
In memory: Summer 2022
Then and now: Welcome Week
Thanks to you: Alumni support first-generation students through Dunaway Family Dean’s Scholarship
Practice facility pledge honors administrator
Top accolades for two student-athletes
Where are they now? Pete Guither
Redbird trivia: Summer 2022
Closing the gap: ISU-led tutoring program aims to help students impacted by COVID learning disruptions
Three chosen as directors for Alumni Association
Engineering the future: Plans for new college fit ISU’s mission
Women’s teams take Valley championships
Half Century Club reunion plans set
What’s next? Alumna Patti Hart answers how to revel in retirement
Helping humanity goal of alum Dr. Robert Shorty’s corporate work
Amazon Prime Video to feature Illinois State students in The College Tour series
Scholarship memorializes anthropologist and ISU Faculty Emeritus Edward B. Jelks
Ian Freeman named Goldwater Scholar in physics
Illinois State graduate programs advance in U.S. News & World Report rankings
Illinois State awarded $403,900 NSF grant for state-of-the-art electron microscope
Illinois State University announces $4.5 million Faculty Diversity Enhancement Program
College of Business accreditation extended by AACSB
Mark Wyman honored with Illinois State Historical Society Lifetime Achievement Award
New graduate program in English education approved for summer 2022
Grigsby selected as member Of 2022 College Football Hall of Fame Class
How ISU can do both is exemplified in this issue of State. The University’s legacy and reputation as the teacher of teachers is strengthened with a statewide program coordinated through the College of Education. The Illinois Tutoring Initiative will create partnerships with school districts and educators across the state to help students rebound in their learning after the interruptions created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Illinois State’s effort to meet professional needs is simultaneously expanding with creation of a College of Engineering that has been approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and Illinois State’s Board of Trustees. We will create an academic program that prepares electrical, mechanical, and general engineers to enter fields facing a shortage of workers and needing increased employee diversity. Our college will grow and diversify the STEM pipeline by providing opportunities for historically underrepresented and underserved individuals. This equity lens makes the program that is expected to launch in 2025 unique and essential.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion is the focus of another story in this issue, with the work of alumnus Robert Shorty highlighted. As director of the global DEI team at Nike Inc., he is involved in transitional work to bring equal opportunities throughout the corporation that reaches around the world.
You can also meet two new head coaches. Ryan Pedon is leading the men’s basketball team, while Allie Matters is at the helm of volleyball. Their dedication to their sport as student-athletes and while rising to the role of head coach is inspiring. Fans will agree with me that the future is bright for both teams.
Readers who are ready to leave the work routine and begin retirement will find inspiration and ideas from the feature about alumna Patti (Sarles) Hart. A corporate executive for decades, she shares her advice on how to not only manage this important stage of life but rethink the concept of retiring.
The programs and people presented in this issue make it clear that Redbirds excel as they rise to every challenge. Take a moment to reflect on your own journey and the ways Illinois State prepared you for where you are today and are going tomorrow.
