Dr. Ani Yazedjian was named vice president of Academic Affairs and provost after serving in the position in an acting role since February 2023. She received a five-year contract.
Appears In“Dr. Yazedjian is a highly regarded, confident leader with a strong dedication to our strategic priorities concerning teaching, learning, and research at Illinois State,” said President Aondover Tarhule. “The experience she brings as the University’s chief academic officer provides the stability and valuable insight needed to help guide Illinois State on its trajectory toward excellence.”
Yazedjian previously served as associate provost at Illinois State from 2019-23. The former chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences was named a University Professor in 2013.
“It is an honor to continue to serve Illinois State in this capacity,” Yazedjian said. “I look forward to continuing to strengthen partnerships across the campus and local community as we relentlessly pursue our mission to prepare students to become engaged and informed citizens.”
As acting provost, Yazedjian established and revived professional development opportunities for academic leaders, implemented initiatives to support faculty research and creative activity, and led the development of a framework for online learning and microcredentials. She convened the interdivisional Committee on Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence, shepherded new program development processes, allocated additional funding for student support services, and oversaw the completion of the self-study for the accreditation process of the Higher Learning Commission that is currently underway.
Yazedjian additionally launched a provost fellows program for tenured faculty, reinvigorated a professional development series for academic administrators, conceptualized the campuswide Women as Transformational Leaders event, secured Illinois Board of Higher Education approval for several new academic programs, and implemented the advancing research and creative scholarship program.
“My guiding framework over the last 15 months has been focused on people, programs, and processes grounded in equity and driven by a deep sense of purpose about who we are as an institution and why we do what we do,” Yazedjian said upon her promotion. “This focus will not change.”
Irelan named Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts dean
Dr. Scott R. Irelan was named dean of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts. He succeeded Jean Miller, who retired in June.
“Dr. Irelan brings years of experience as a faculty member, department chair, associate dean, and administrator to his new role as dean of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Ani Yazedjian. “He also brings a strong record of accomplishments related to program development; strategic planning; and faculty, staff, and student success using an equity-focused approach.”
Irelan previously served as an associate dean at Western Michigan University. He began his career as a faculty member in Illinois State’s College of Fine Arts. “Returning to a place that shaped the trajectory of my academic career feels like a fitting continuation of that journey,” Irelan said. “The Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts has an outstanding reputation, and the momentum behind its current initiatives is truly impressive. It is both an honor and a privilege to be chosen to serve as the next dean, and I look forward to our collective future.”
Illinois State recognized in U.S. News & World Report rankings
Illinois State University continued to rank among the top 100 “Best Value Schools” and “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” in the U.S. News & World Report 2024 “Best Colleges” rankings. Illinois State also ranked among the top public universities and top national universities in the United States.
Illinois State ranked 65th in “Best Value Schools” and 32nd in “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.” Illinois State also ranked among the nation’s best in “Top Public Schools” (112th), “Top National Universities” (209th), “Best College for Veterans” (147th), “Top Performer on Social Mobility” (198th), and “Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs” (112th).
Committee formed to explore responsible AI use
The Committee on the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was formed to create a strategic plan concerning the ethical usage of AI and collaboratively address its increasing prevalence and adoption. The 30-member group composed of faculty, staff, and students met for the first time in April. Chairs Charles Edamala, vice president of Technology Solutions and chief technology officer, and Dr. J. Cooper Cutting, assistant vice president for Academic Planning, outlined the committee’s goals.
“Ideally, what we would like ISU to do is at least come out with a draft of a statement of, ‘This is our stance on AI and the responsible use of AI at the University,’” said Cutting.
President Aondover Tarhule provided opening remarks at the inaugural meeting. “My hope is that we’ll tread this frontier confidently,” Dr. Tarhule said. “Illinois State will serve as a model for harnessing the benefits and managing the potential risk of AI for the benefit of the campus community, and I am filled with anticipation for all we can accomplish in shaping the trajectory of AI at Illinois State.”
Redbird Esports wins three titles at inaugural MVC Championships
Illinois State University swept the Missouri Valley Conference Esports Championships, securing wins in all three titles at the inaugural league championships hosted on campus in April. The Redbirds emerged victorious in both Overwatch and Rocket League to remain undefeated throughout the entire regular season and playoff run. Redbird Esports also earned a win in Super Smash Bros.
“I’m thrilled Illinois State was able to showcase our gaming facilities to support and host the inaugural MVC Esports Championships,” said Redbird Esports Director David Kirk, M.S. ’16. “The energy we saw from the students and teams who traveled to Normal was electric and an experience I have no doubt will stick with them the rest of their lives.”
Illinois State’s Overwatch team also captured four national tournament titles during the spring semester.
College of Engineering welcomes inaugural administrators
Illinois State University’s College of Engineering named Dr. Matthew Aldeman its founding associate dean of engineering and Branden Delk its first director of equity, diversity, inclusion, and student success.
Aldeman previously served as an associate professor in Illinois State’s Department of Technology. He is a U.S. Navy veteran, having served as a reactor electrical division officer on the USS John C. Stennis, and as a gunnery officer and legal officer on the USS O’Bannon. “I am thrilled to join the team in the new College of Engineering, where we will prepare students for rewarding careers in mechanical, electrical, and general engineering,” Aldeman said.
Delk has served as coordinator of equity, diversity, and inclusion in Illinois State’s Admissions Office since 2021. “I’m excited to start promoting the College of Engineering to middle schools, high schools, community-based organizations, community colleges, and other potential student pipeline sources,” Delk said.
Donors recognized at Gratitude Gala
The second annual Gratitude Gala honored donors from several of Illinois State’s giving societies, recognizing the generosity and philanthropic commitment of some of the University’s greatest ambassadors.
Wonsook Kim ’75, M.A. ’76, M.F.A. ’78, and Thomas Clement were presented the Redbird Philanthropist Award, State Farm received the Investor in Excellence Award, the Wheeler Foundation earned the Innovation in Philanthropy Award, and Nancy Ridenour received the Above and Beyond Philanthropist Award.
“You are investing in students’ futures in immediate ways, such as in the case of scholarships, but some of your philanthropy may not be quite evident for years, or even decades,” Illinois State President Aondover Tarhule told event guests. “What’s even more exciting is seeing this commitment only growing stronger over the years.”
Birds Give Back surpasses goals
Illinois State University’s sixth annual Birds Give Back on February 22 surpassed goals with over 4,200 total gifts and $1.6 million raised in challenges, pledges, and gifts. Over 50 challenges were issued by Redbird alumni across various colleges and departments to celebrate the annual day of giving.
“This is more than teamwork; it’s the spirit of Redbirds in action,” said Vice President for University Advancement Pat Vickerman. “Our collective enthusiasm and philanthropy continue to energize our future, reaffirming the incredible power and impact of our united efforts for Illinois State.”
Parsi wins Diverse Voices Playwriting Initiative
The Crossroads Project selected Novid Parsi’s The Life You Gave Me as winner of the 2024 Diverse Voices Playwriting Initiative, a new play development program for BIPOC playwrights. The Crossroads Project is an advocacy committee comprising faculty, staff, and students that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Parsi’s play about an Iranian American man’s relationship with his mother was selected from over 100 submissions. He provided a workshop and a staged reading on campus in April. “The Life You Gave Me is partly about the perceptions that writers of color must face in order to be heard, and how those perceptions ultimately shape the narrative,” Parsi said.
Illinois State, State Farm develop VR-based driving platform
A partnership between Illinois State University and State Farm Insurance has produced a virtual reality (VR) platform for teen drivers, placing them in scenarios they may encounter on the road like heavy traffic, unexpected deer crossings, and rolling fog.
The immersive VR platform allows a driving coach to configure different hazardous scenarios and highlight students’ deficiencies and successes in a post-session debriefing. “The goal is to create a scenario-based learning environment where teen drivers can experience various road driving situations without being exposed to physical dangers,” said Dr. Isaac Chang, associate professor in Illinois State’s Department of Technology.
Feedback sought in reaccreditation process
Illinois State participates in a 10-year cycle of accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and 2024 is the end of the current cycle. The University has been accredited since 1913 by the HLC. The HLC’s decision to grant or deny accreditation is pivotal to the University’s legacy and affects the campus community and beyond.
There are several requirements Illinois State must complete by this fall. One of those requirements is soliciting public comments to determine how the University is ensuring student success. Feedback from the community is very important to the University’s reaccreditation process.
Directors chosen for Alumni Association
Three alumni were elected to three-year terms on the Alumni Association Board of Directors (AABD). They include Breana Brown ’17, of Normal, an academic advisor for Illinois State University’s University College; Matt Coates ’11, of Normal, a board member for the Illinois Prison Review Board; and Dr. Marcos Fernandez ’80, of Lafayette, Indiana, a professor of animal science at Purdue University.
Susan Nelson-Brown ’78 is president. Karyn L. Aguirre ’86 is vice president/president-elect. Julia Durnell ’19, M.S. ’22, is secretary. Stan Shingles ’82, M.S. ’88, is treasurer. Tim Griffin ’93 serves as past president.
Interest for the AABD is sought each year. For more information on how to get involved, visit Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Association.
