During my time at Illinois State University, I have observed many examples of Illinois State University’s excellence in our classrooms, research or creative scholarship, and civic engagement. Illinois State is renowned for its focus on student success. Our commitment to shared governance is second to none, and while more work remains, our progress on equity, diversity, and inclusion has been remarkable.
Appears InYet, we are often reticent about Illinois State’s excellence, perhaps because of our Midwestern modesty. I believe Illinois State should fully embrace and celebrate our accomplishments and show our pride in the University’s excellence.
Our enrollment is robust, and early reports indicate another large, talented group of new students will soon arrive on campus. Our faculty and staff continue to mentor and inspire our students to discover and engage. At the undergraduate level, 96% of our students are from the State of Illinois, positioning us uniquely to contribute to Illinois’ drive for workforce development. Finally, we are fortunate and appreciative of our generous alumni and friends.
This solid foundation allows us to dream bigger and aim for more success across the board, including higher student retention and graduation rates, increased equity, and better post-graduation outcomes. As you read this edition of State magazine, I hope you feel #RedbirdProud and inspired to join us as we prepare to soar even higher to new levels of excellence.
In May, I had the privilege of presiding over Illinois State University’s commencement ceremonies for the first time as interim president. There is nothing more exciting than shaking the hands of our newest alums. From my perspective, watching each student cross the stage as they receive their diplomas is the ultimate embodiment of Redbird pride and success.
As we move ahead as an institution, we will balance respect and love of tradition with the need to be agile and flexible. This will ensure we innovate and continuously improve, navigating emerging challenges confidently while taking advantage of new opportunities. The stories you read in State speak to our ability to honor our cherished heritage as we lead the way for success amid the evolving educational landscape.
I encourage readers to dive into other beautiful stories of Illinois State University from the companion publications Redbird Scholar and Redbird Impact, which focus on research and civic engagement, respectively. Share them, with modesty left at the door, in the knowledge that your Illinois State University is excellent by design.
