The following was distributed by the Office of the President to the Illinois State University campus community on the first day of the spring 2026 semester.

Fellow Redbirds,

Welcome to the start of the spring 2026 semester at Illinois State. I hope each of you has had time over the past few weeks to rest, recharge, and prepare for the months ahead. Whether you are teaching, studying, supporting others, or taking on new leadership roles this spring, your contributions matter. You contribute to shaping the University's 168-year legacy and help prepare us for our future. Thank you!

Here are a few updates as we look ahead to the spring semester.

Spring Enrollment

Official data will be available after the tenth day of classes, but as the semester begins, total enrollment remains strong and similar to spring 2025. Fall 2026 recruitment efforts are underway. Undergraduate applications are strong, and graduate applications have maintained a robust three-year upward trend.

Strategic Planning

During the fall semester, I worked with the Cabinet to establish the Strategic Initiative Fund to support implementation of the goals outlined in our strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2030. The fund allocates $500,000 for one-time financial awards to support strategic initiatives that directly address and advance the goals and metrics outlined in the plan. I am delighted that the inaugural call for proposals generated many applications from across the University. After a comprehensive review, the Cabinet approved 10 projects, reflecting a broad range of thoughtful initiatives across colleges and departments. Please watch for the next round of applications.

Budget Update

Work continues on the University's budget redesign process. FY27 general revenue budgets have been shared with divisions to support near-term planning. Additional analysis and refinements are ongoing with colleges and AVP units. Budget allocations incorporate the latest academic and financial data and reflect the University's ongoing commitment to transparency, data-driven decision-making, and strategic stewardship under the RISE initiative. Communications will continue throughout the spring semester to keep the campus informed about the budget process.

University Advancement

This past fiscal year marked the strongest private gift support in Illinois State's history, thanks to the generosity of our donors. Building on the momentum of Redbirds Rising, which secured $181 million, we are now shaping the University's next comprehensive campaign. This effort reflects our shared belief in the power of philanthropy to positively impact students' lives and elevate Illinois State to the next level of excellence.

We invite you to submit your ideas for strategic funding priorities that could become future campaign initiatives by Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Ideas should show how private support can advance the goals in Excellence by Design: 2024-2030 and the distinctive aspirations of your college or unit.

Legislative Affairs

We continue to closely monitor policy developments at the federal and state levels. One recent state-level update is the Biven's Act. For higher education, the Act amends the Public Higher Education Act, requiring Illinois schools to submit procedures to the state for approving requests from law enforcement agents to enter campus. Additionally, as required by law, the Government Relations website includes contact information for students, faculty, and staff who want to report immigration-related activity on campus.

Campus Construction Initiatives

This semester brings exciting construction progress across campus:

• The Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts transformation project-
  • A Groundbreaking ceremony is set for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 11 a.m. This milestone reflects years of planning and underscores our belief in the arts as vital to student success. While site preparation is already underway, I am thrilled to formally launch this multi-year construction project, set for completion in 2028. A livestream of the event also will be available on the University's YouTube channel.

• Future home of the College of Engineering-
  • Renovations are on schedule at 1709 General Electric Road, Bloomington, with substantial completion anticipated by this summer. The Board of Trustees recently approved the installation of a solar energy system at this site, which is expected to offset approximately 80-90% of electricity consumption and serve as a living laboratory for students interested in renewable energy.

• South Campus Housing-Dining Project-
  • After a pause of the project, the Board of Trustees re-approved the pre-construction services budget at their special meeting in December 2025, allowing the University to move forward with the planning and design of a future 900-bed residential hall and 450-seat dining center at the former site of Atkin-Colby and Hamilton-Whitten Residence Halls.

Upcoming Events

In the coming weeks, I hope to see you at these events:

• In January, we'll celebrate the now sold-out Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Dinner, featuring Karine Jean-Pierre.
• February brings our annual Founding Celebration, including the Old Main Bell Ringing and Awards Ceremony. Nominations for bell ringers are now open.
• The Presidential Speaker Series returns April 2, with a guest to be announced soon.

Finally, although the FCS National Championship game didn't end the way we hoped, there is no denying that this season was a remarkable achievement for Illinois State Redbird football. From start to finish, this team demonstrated grit, determination, and excellence, capturing the hearts of fans across campus and the country. Congratulations to the student-athletes, coaches, and staff on an extraordinary season. Your hard work, resilience, and Redbird pride inspired us all-and you made the entire Redbird community incredibly proud. We'll celebrate our Redbirds at a special event at CEFCU Arena on Wednesday, January 14, at 5 p.m.

As we begin the spring semester, I am excited about what we can achieve together. Illinois State University thrives because its campus community is dedicated to its mission and success.

I wish you a safe, productive, and rewarding spring semester. As always, I am grateful to be part of this community with all of you.

Go You Redbirds!

Aondover Tarhule, Ph.D.
President