Illinois State University – the first
public university in Illinois – was founded in 1857 as a normal
university to prepare the state's teachers. The University consequently
has a rich heritage as the state's leader in all facets of teacher
education, from classroom instruction to educational administration and
national policy setting. Its
early emphasis on teacher preparation is reflected in a values-based
commitment to creating an optimal learning environment for all Illinois
State University students.
While preparing teachers remains a strong
emphasis at Illinois State, the University’s offerings have expanded
over time. There are six colleges, including Arts and Sciences, Applied
Science and Technology, Business, Education, Fine Arts, and Nursing.
Collectively they offer more than 160 major/minor options. In addition
to teacher education, baccalaureate programs are offered in the
biological, physical, social, and applied sciences; humanities;
technology; business; professional programs; and the fine and performing
arts. Illinois State is committed to providing graduate education in
areas of programmatic strength and need at master’s and doctoral levels
as well. Milner Library supports the University community’s
opportunities for learning and scholarship with its varied collections,
services, and resources. The
University’s Honors program promotes and enhances students’ academic and
social experiences.
Academic excellence
results in the acquisition, synthesis, dissemination, and creation of
new research knowledge that invigorates undergraduate and graduate
education. Mission-driven public service and outreach activities
complement the University’s teaching and research functions and help
expand the horizons of knowledge and culture among students, colleagues,
and the general citizenry. For example, the University is distinguished
as the only public university in Illinois to be classified as a National
Doctoral/Research University by the Carnegie Foundation for the
Advancement of Teaching. It is the only public university in Illinois
classified by the Carnegie Foundation as being ‘more selective’ among
those institutions where transfer students constitute at least 20
percent of entering undergraduates.
Students, faculty, and staff work together as
partners in a unique culture of strong shared governance that has
strengthened relationships within the University community, as well as
external communities. Illinois State University promotes a culture of
comprehensive and continuous planning as evidenced by the University’s
strategic plan, as well as a number of other operational plans that
advance the goals of Educating Illinois.
These complementary plans include, for example, the
Information Technology Strategic Plan, the Long-Range Plan for
Housing and Dining, and the Campus Master Plan.
The University has nearly 170,000 living alumni
located across the country and the world -- over 110,000 in Illinois.
In addition to the over 20,000 students enrolled on-campus, the
University provides credit and non-credit courses and services to an
additional 55,000 people each year.
Click here to view other sections of Educating Illinois 2008-2014
Mission Statement
Vision Statement
Core Values
Goals
Strategies
©2009 Illinois State University • An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity.• Privacy Statement • Mail comments to: EducatingIllinois@IllinoisState.edu
