Newly appointed President Aondover Tarhule is focused on positioning Illinois State University to “succeed, thrive, and be resilient” despite nationwide challenges facing higher education.
Appears In“We have a lot of ongoing priorities that I think are transformative for the University,” Dr. Tarhule said. “Whether it’s academic programming, campus renovations, the new College of Engineering, diversity initiatives—these are things we know we need to do as an institution to be resilient.”
Tarhule was named the University’s 21st president at a special Board of Trustees meeting on March 18. The board unanimously approved a four-year contract for Tarhule that will expire March 17, 2028. The transition to the role was immediate and followed Tarhule’s yearlong appointment as interim president and a national search led by a 29-member search committee composed of trustees, students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Tarhule previously served as Illinois State’s provost and vice president of Academic Affairs since 2020.
Dr. Kathryn Bohn ’74, M.S. ’80, Illinois State Board of Trustees chairperson, told Tarhule he has the board’s confidence. “We feel confident in Illinois State’s future and will support leadership in its work to ensure Illinois State continues to grow in strength and prestige, and that students will continue to have access to an Illinois State University education,” Bohn said.
Tarhule said becoming president is more than a personal achievement. “It is the culmination of the dreams that began with an illiterate peasant farmer in Nigeria more than half a century ago,” he said. “While having no formal education, that farmer—my father—had the prescience to understand the transformative power of education and supported his children with every ounce of his will and resources. Dad, I hope you are watching from above. I owe this moment to you.”
Tarhule called on the campus community to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead “with courage, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to our shared values.”
“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,” he said.
Craig appointed interim chief equity and inclusion officer
President Aondover Tarhule announced Dr. Byron Craig, assistant professor in the School of Communication, as interim chief equity and inclusion officer (CEIO). Craig replaced Dr. Doris Houston, who returned to her faculty role in the School of Social Work.
Craig has been at Illinois State for five years and is the co-president of the Queer Coalition affinity group for faculty and staff and a member of the President’s Diversity and Inclusion Council. He was recognized with the University Service and David A. Strand Diversity Achievement awards in 2024, the College of Arts and Sciences Teaching Award (tenure-track faculty) in 2023, and a Living Our Values Award in 2021.
“I am grateful Byron has accepted this vital role,” said Dr. Tarhule. “His dedication and leadership inside and outside of the classroom is exemplary, and I am confident he will continue to champion and enhance our equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts at Illinois State.”
Petree named interim VP for Finance and Planning
Dr. Daniel Petree was appointed interim vice president for Finance and Planning by President Aondover Tarhule. Petree replaced Dan Stephens, who retired January 1 after serving in the role since 2017.
Petree has served as a tenured professor, department and division chair, dean and vice president of finance and planning, and chief financial officer (CFO) for over 25 years at both private and public colleges and universities. Petree retired from full-time work in 2017 but has continued his service as interim dean and CFO at universities throughout the United States.
“I am pleased to welcome Daniel to Illinois State,” said Dr. Tarhule. “He brings a broad range of skills and expertise to this vital role. He also understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing higher education and will play a crucial part in helping shape the University’s fiscal strategies for the short term and beyond.”
School of Creative Technologies receives IBHE approval
The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) approved Illinois State University to transition the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts’ Creative Technologies Program to the School of Creative Technologies.
The new School of Creative Technologies was previously called the Arts Technology Program. It became an official degree program in 1999 with two faculty members and approximately 30 enrolled students. Today, the School of Creative Technologies is home to some of the most popular majors on campus and serves 255 students. It’s expected to grow to over 400 students by 2027.
“With advances in technology software and innovations in interactivity and artificial intelligence, the opportunities for students with a degree in Creative Technologies are endless,” said Jean Miller, dean of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts. “Each Creative Technologies student will be prepared to pursue careers as a game developer, software engineer, video and audio editor, VR/UI/UX designer, digital content specialist, music producer, video animator, or other arts and technology-driven position.”
Engineering bachelor’s programs receive IBHE approval
Illinois State University’s College of Engineering has received official approval of its bachelor’s degree programs from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). The curricular proposals for electrical, mechanical, and general engineering were submitted to the IBHE in August 2023. The college plans to welcome its first class of students in fall 2025.
“The program approval by the IBHE is a vital step in the college’s development and opens the doors for us to be able to start recruiting students,” said College of Engineering Dean Tom Keyser. “Prospective students will see the high-quality educational programs that we will offer and will also appreciate Illinois State’s campus culture, personalized attention, and commitment to student success.”
Dr. Vijay Devabhaktuni and Dr. Nesrin Ozalp were named the founding chairs of electrical and mechanical engineering, respectively, in August 2023.
McHale wins Diversity Film Script Award
School of Communication Professor John McHale and co-author Xavier Jackson won the 2023 Santa Barbara International Diversity Film Script Award for their script, Nurses Versus the Virus, a dramatic feature film about a Black male nurse on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is an honor to be recognized for my work with state-employed nurse Xavier Jackson, who has been a dear, beloved friend for 15 years,” Dr. McHale said. “As an older writer, by Hollywood standards, it is satisfying to know I have spent decades developing my ability to write a compelling and provocative film script that celebrates the work of nurses.”
Driving Change grant to benefit inclusivity in STEM
A cross-disciplinary team of faculty and staff at Illinois State University has received a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Driving Change program, which aims to initiate lasting culture change on research university campuses by creating a more inclusive learning environment. The program focuses on undergraduate students who have historically been excluded from STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) studies.
The Illinois State program will provide support to these students so that they may excel and become leaders in the STEM field, as well as professional development opportunities for STEM faculty and staff. The initiative, titled Science-IS-U Scholars as Catalysts for Institution Change in STEM, is led by faculty and staff from across campus.
Stein wins Kavli Foundation award
Dr. Wolfgang Stein, professor of neurophysiology, was one of seven international researchers to receive Neurobiology and Changing Ecosystems Kavli Exploration Awards. The awards, which total $3.7 million, will fund three projects pursuing investigations into how nervous systems may enable organisms, such as crustaceans, cephalopods, and zebrafish, to adapt to environmental challenges that may have influences on neurophysiology and behavior.
“Dr. Stein’s research is incredibly timely given the clear effects of climate change on essentially all organisms; it is imperative that we learn as much as we can about how they respond to this environmental challenge,” said Dr. Rachel Bowden, director of the School of Biological Sciences. “I am very pleased that the Kavli Foundation recognized the merits of this work—it is a well-deserved honor for Dr. Stein.”
WKCFA dean announces retirement
Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Dean Jean Miller will retire on June 30 after serving as dean for over eight years.
Miller arrived at Illinois State in 2015 after serving as a faculty member, chair, associate dean, and dean at five universities. In her Illinois State role, Miller supports the School of Music, School of Theatre and Dance, Wonsook Kim School of Art, Creative Technologies Program, University Galleries, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, and Center for the Performing Arts.
“Every academic role I have had has brought exciting possibilities, but ISU has been special,” Miller said. “It is the people. It is ISU’s relationship to Central Illinois communities. It is about how much the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts alumni, faculty and students, donors, and the campus respect and celebrate fine arts.”
Media Relations and Strategic Communications welcomes new director
Chris Coplan was named director of Illinois State University Media Relations and Strategic Communications. Coplan succeeds Eric Jome, who retired in December 2023.
Coplan most recently served as public relations supervisor at COUNTRY Financial. He previously served as director of communications and community engagement at Peoria Public Schools; evening producer at WEEK-TV in East Peoria; and producer, anchor, and reporter at KOMU-TV in Columbia, Missouri.
“We are excited to welcome Chris to this expanded role leading the Media Relations and Strategic Communications team,” said Chief of Staff Katy Killian ’92, M.S. ’14. “As we rebrand the department to align with a more strategic emphasis, I am confident Chris’ extensive experience in media and public relations will bring a fresh perspective and invaluable insight.”
Homecoming marshal nominations sought
The Alumni Association seeks nominations for 2024 Homecoming alumni marshals and Reggie’s marshals. Applications are available at Homecoming.
IllinoisState.edu/Marshals. Homecoming 2024: Relive the Moments is September 23-29.
Alumni marshal nominees must be graduates who have celebrated their 50th class reunion, have a strong connection to the University, and are able to attend Homecoming events. Nominations are due June 3. Additionally, children ages of 5-9 at the time of Homecoming whose parent, guardian, grandparent, aunt, or uncle is an Illinois State graduate are eligible for nominations to be Reggie’s marshals. Nominations are due August 23.
More information is available at Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu.
Alumni meeting set for June 15
The Alumni Association will hold its annual meeting June 15. Agenda items include the election of Alumni Association board of director members and officers. Alumni are invited to attend. Those who have made a gift through the University Foundation in the current or past year are eligible to vote. More information is available at Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Association.
