The Illinois State University Board of Trustees today named Dr. Aondover Tarhule1 as the University’s 21st president. Trustees also approved a four-year contract for Tarhule that will expire March 17, 2028. The transition to the new position takes place immediately following Tarhule’s year-long interim president appointment and a national search, led by a 29-member search committee composed of trustees, students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
“The national search for the University’s next president was highly recommended through our shared governance partners, and the process was represented with a strong cross-section of stakeholders,” said Dr. Kathryn Bohn, Illinois State Board of Trustees chairperson. “The Board of Trustees determined that not only is Dr. Tarhule known to our campus community, but his strategic and visionary perspective helped him stand out in a very competitive field of candidates. He is an approachable leader who brings a high level of integrity, knowledge, and thought to conversations that will continue our institution’s 167-year legacy well into the future. I’m proud to say he’s earned our trust and the title of president.”
“He is an approachable leader who brings a high level of integrity, knowledge, and thought to conversations that will continue our institution’s 167-year legacy well into the future. I’m proud to say he’s earned our trust and the title of president.”
Dr. Kathryn Bohn
Leaders of the University’s shared governance teams also serving on the presidential search committee echoed confidence in Illinois State’s new president. (shared below)
Tarhule was appointed interim president on February 17, 2023. He joined Illinois State University in 2020 as vice president for academic affairs and provost, also serving as a professor in the Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment. He previously served as vice provost and dean of the Graduate School at Binghamton University (State University of New York) and was executive associate dean and department chair in the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences at the University of Oklahoma. He is a prolific researcher and widely published scholar.
“I must express my deepest appreciation to the Board of Trustees for entrusting me with this vital leadership role; your confidence in me is both humbling and inspiring,” said Tarhule. “To our community stakeholders, your faith and passion for all things Illinois State makes the Bloomington-Normal, surrounding area, and Illinois State communities unique. From the moment I stepped on campus to interview for the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs, the community’s investment and dedication to the success of Illinois State was clear and heartwarming. Under my leadership, Illinois State will remain visible, engaged, and a collaborative partner committed to improving the quality of life and enhancing the sense of belonging for everyone in our community.”
“Under my leadership, Illinois State will remain visible, engaged, and a collaborative partner committed to improving the quality of life and enhancing the sense of belonging for everyone in our community.”
Dr. Aondover Tarhule
Born and raised in Nigeria, Tarhule is a first-generation college student, earning a bachelor’s degree in geography and a master’s degree in environmental resources planning from the University of Jos, Plateau State, in Nigeria. He later earned a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in geography from McMaster University in Hamilton (Ontario, Canada), then received a post-doctoral fellowship from the Canadian Science Advisory Council to conduct research at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. He is married to Dr. Roosmarijn Tarhule2 who is a CPA with a Master of Accountancy, and a Ph.D. in geography. They have two adult children, son Sesugh3 of Boston and daughter Doobee4 of Amsterdam.
What others are saying about Dr. Tarhule’s appointment as president
- Eduardo Monk Jr., Student Government Association president: “Dr. Tarhule is a wonderful advocate for the values and students of Illinois State University. The Student Government Association is delighted to continue working alongside him for the betterment of our campus community. I am grateful towards the Board of Trustees for their transparent and inclusive search process.”
- Dr. Martha Horst, Academic Senate chairperson and Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, School of Music professor: “Dr. Tarhule has a clear vision of how to lead Illinois State University through our next crucial stage of development and growth. As a former faculty member, chair, dean, and provost, he understands the concerns and perspectives of faculty and is willing to sit down and work with us.”
- Dr. Derek O’Connell, A/P Council member and academic advisor: “I’m thankful for the opportunity to have a voice in and be part of the search process. My time on the committee provided a valuable opportunity to see how the idea of shared governance works in practice at Illinois State. It is my hope that Dr. Tarhule will help Illinois State reach greater levels of impact and visibility in the region and beyond, while keeping it true to its mission as a student-centered comprehensive university.”
- Justin Lawson, Civil Service Council member and Housing staff: “It was an honor to serve on the Illinois State Presidential Search Committee, representing the Civil Service Council. I am confident that President Tarhule will be a great leader and continue to add to the legacy of our thriving University. I was quite impressed with his commitment to shared governance by actively engaging with and supporting faculty and staff professional development, as well as continuing the effort to recruit and retain a diverse faculty and staff. Additionally, his passion for our students’ success is unmeasurable; under his leadership, I know we will continue to increase our graduation rate and that he will keep our students top of mind with every decision he makes.
- Leanna Bordner, Illinois State Athletics Chief Operating Officer/Senior Woman Administrator: “I am honored and humbled to have been a part of this process. It provided me opportunities to spend time with campus members and our Board of Trustees to learn more about important issues in all areas of campus. We need a leader to unite all facets of our University, internal and external, and Dr. Tarhule is well equipped to do so. He will continue to lead, while listening and learning as we shape our future together. Teamwork is important to Dr. Tarhule, and he is willing to roll up his sleeves to assist with our needs to be successful to get committed campus partners to move all our University initiatives forward.”
- Tim Griffin, Illinois State University Alumni Board president: “I am extremely honored and humbled to have served as a representative for more than 235,000 living alumni in the University’s search for the next president. Dr. Tarhule’s experience and operational knowledge stood out as he outlined our history, our current status on key issues, and his plan for our future. He understands the challenges and opportunities facing both higher education as a whole and those that specifically pertain to Illinois State, including campus housing, expansion of our nursing program, and the establishment of the College of Engineering. I believe Dr. Tarhule is prepared to move forward with the University’s current initiatives and improve both graduation and retention rates.”
