Aondover Tarhule

Over the last decade, state funding for Illinois State University has dropped by more than a third after inflation. And it has declined as a share of the total university budget for more than three decades. That could change if the state legislature passes a measure this spring.

Jeri Beggs is now officially ISU's athletics director, after serving in that role on an interim basis since May 2023. Beggs was named to the position Wednesday following a national search that began in November 2024.

The newly-dedicated expansion of the nursing simulation lab at Illinois State University already is making a difference in the student experience, according to college leaders and students.

No single cause is responsible for a projected $8 million deficit in this year's budget, says Illinois State University's president, but a series of challenges both specific to ISU and to higher education in general have both contributed to the issue.

Illinois State University's efforts to close a structural budget deficit include current year spending cuts of nearly $5.6 million.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos says he spoke Monday with Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule to come up with ways to prevent large parties from causing havoc on campus and around town.

In a "Dear Colleagues" email to the campus, provost Ani Yazedjian said every ISU division will cut its budget by 2% for the current budget year that began in July.

Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule said Thursday in the annual State of the University address that if the university does nothing, it will have a deficit next year that could grow substantially over the next three years.

A federal contribution to a new STEM/Science Lab Building at Illinois State University could come with the help of U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, who has requested funding for 15 projects in his district, including $15 million for the ISU building.

Aondover Tarhule, who became ISU's 21st president last month after a year in the interim role, said the university is grappling with ongoing delays in the student aid award process, as well as responding to the prevalence of artificial intelligence tech and a looming drop in graduating high school seniors.