Higher Education

Among those who spoke were Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule, Provost Ani Yazedjian, and dean of the college Tom Keyser.

Leaders at both Bloomington-Normal universities say they're pleased with their fall enrollment numbers as they confront the long-dreaded "demographic cliff."

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said health care is about more than treating the sick. It's about a healthy society. Durbin was on the Illinois Wesleyan University campus in Bloomington on Tuesday, talking to students and offering them advice.

Illinois State University leaders say they're "currently consulting with our state officials and legal counsel to determine what this decision means for affected students and the university."

Illinois State University donors set a record amount for giving in the budget year that ended July 1. ISU took in more than $52 million in private support. It is the sixth straight year of increased donations.

The more than 28-acre site at G.E. Road is ready for students to arrive for classes by the start of the 2026 fall semester.

Heartland Community College and Connect Transit have partnered on a new bus line that will stop along the I-55 corridor from Normal to Pontiac. The line will be free for Heartland students.

Heartland is set to regain funding in most programs from last year, following the state's 1% increase in community college funding, but will lose a healthcare training grant.

The long-dreaded enrollment cliff for colleges and universities is here. “I think there's still a path to success for us, but we'll have to be nimble,” said ISU admissions chief Jeff Mavros.

With a combination of state funding and repayment from student fees, the Illinois State University Board of Trustees on Friday approved $84 million in funding for three new STEM facilities. They include a new teaching building, an annex and a greenhouse.