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Spring 2022 issue cover showing part of Title IX with sports items in the backgroun

Celebrating the efforts of Redbirds who pushed for gender equity

Volume 23 • Number 1 • Spring 2022

Rewriting the narrative: Redbirds blazed trail for women before Title IX

Born nearly 30 years before Title IX—legislation passed in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities—Dr. Jill Hutchison is among a revolutionary cohort of trailblazing women from Illinois State who dedicated themselves to rewriting the national narrative of women’s athletics.

Learning and leading: Student Affairs prepared Dr. J. Michael Durnil to become a national advocate

Dr. J. Michael Durnil ’83, M.S. ’84, was surprised by the response to The E.W. Scripps Company announcing he would serve as the executive director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee last spring. He was soon interviewed by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and on National Public Radio.

Elisabeth Good sitting at a table with photos and a studio light

Rewriting the script: Alumna Elisabeth Good puts people with disabilities in spotlight

William Shakespeare wrote that the world is a stage, and all humans are actors on it. Elisabeth Good ’15 became convinced at an early age that some have only been invited as spectators, specifically individuals with a disability.

Chemistry Professor Dr. Shawn Hitchcock shines in national spotlight

Illinois State University Chemistry Professor Dr. Shawn Hitchcock receives national recognition.

First Word: Spring 2022

By the time this issue of State arrives, the campus community will be busy preparing for spring commencement ceremonies.

Christine Angela Aganon plays the piano.

College’s unique status gained with gift

A visionary goal set decades ago within the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts and the School of Music has been achieved with ISU now designated an All-Steinway School. Criteria was met with the purchase of three Steinway concert grand pianos and 11 Steinway uprights.

Redbirds complete the mission of this year’s Birds Give Back

For the fourth straight year, Illinois State completed the mission of Birds Give Back, a day where Redbirds come together to celebrate the University. Thanks to our donors, $958,944 was raised from 2,919 gifts, making this year’s edition the University’s second-best giving day ever following last year’s record-setting show of support.

President Terri Goss Kinzy named to National Academies committee

Illinois State University President Terri Goss Kinzy will chair a national committee examining the long-term impact of the pandemic on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers for women.

An image of the sculpture in front of Stevenson Hall.

Dr. Heather Dillaway named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Illinois State University Provost Aondover Tarhule announced the appointment of Dr. Heather Dillaway as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, effective July 16.

redbird plaza statue of Reggie head in the Fall

Illinois State ranked among best public, national universities

Illinois State University is once again ranked among the top public universities in the nation according to the U.S. News & World Report 2022 Best Colleges rankings.

Art installation on ISU Quad celebrates, commemorates immigrants

A thousand 4-by-6-inch flags lined Illinois State University’s Quad for 24 hours, beginning November 1, for a striking art installation honoring National Immigrants Day.

Dr. Brent Teasdale named University Professor

The Office of the Provost announced Dr. Brent Teasdale has been named University Professor for Illinois State University. 

Redbird Esports to move into renovated Bowling & Billiards Center space next fall

Redbird Esports is set to move into a new home next fall.

Nominate alums for Homecoming royalty

Plans are underway for Homecoming 2022: Celebrating Red happening October 10-16.

Illinois State University receives national award for civic engagement

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has recognized Illinois State University with the organization’s 2021 Excellence and Innovation Award for Civic Learning and Community Engagement.

Alumni meeting set for June 11

Alumni are invited to the Alumni Association annual meeting to elect board members and vote to amend the Association’s constitution.

Where are they now? Dr. Lucia Cordell Getsi

This edition of “Where are they now?” features Distinguished Professor Emerita Dr. Lucia Cordell Getsi.

Redbird pitcher Trey Krause posing like he is about to throw a ball

Redbird pitcher Trey Krause focused on the mound while fighting cancer

Facing the World Series of his own life challenges, Illinois State pitcher Trey Krause needed to dream. With some of his most basic life functions suddenly taken from him, he envisioned one day gripping the ball again and letting go of a sweeping curveball coming out of his left hand.

Donors’ pledge advances indoor practice facility

An indoor practice facility for all Redbird teams was approved by the Board of Trustees in December. A month later, a $3 million gift commitment that allows construction of the $11.5 million project to go forward was received.

women's basketball coaches and players high-five on the bench

Redbirds advance to NCAA Tournament

The women’s basketball team extended its season and played in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 14 years by capturing the Missouri Valley Conference championship in March. The NCAA appearance was the sixth overall for the women’s basketball program, with the most recent occurring in 2008.