Board of Trustees action items, October 23, 2026

The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University approved several resolutions at its regular meeting on October 23, 2026. Full text of the resolutions can be found on the Board of Trustees website.

Consent Agenda: All items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and enacted in one motion. Details regarding Consent Agenda items are provided under Meeting Materials in the link above.

FY2028 Appropriated Budget Request: Operating and Capital

Trustees ​approved the FY2028 appropriated operating budget request totaling $105.0 million, including increases to replenish foregone revenue resulting from the application of state-mandated waivers, for financial aid for students with high financial need to help address equity gaps facing low-income students and improve college affordability for Illinois students, and for support of targeted expansion efforts of high-need disciplines within the State of Illinois. The capital appropriation request totaling $412.5 million was also approved and is instrumental in addressing the goals and priorities articulated in the University's strategic plan and master plan. New capital funding is requested for improvements to Williams and DeGarmo Halls, and replacement of Thomas Metcalf and University High Schools. The capital renewal plan portion of the funds addresses critical facility, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and building envelopes across campus.

Mitigation, Remediation, and Restoration of August 13, 2026, Storm Damage

Trustees approved contracts with CORE Construction Services of Illinois, Inc., SERVPRO, and BELFOR USA Group Inc. totaling $2,741,038.52, for the mitigation, remediation, and restoration of university facilities damaged by the August 13, 2026, weather event that included extreme wind and overwhelming rainfall. The University has filed an insurance claim with its carrier related to losses and provided estimates to Illinois Emergency Management Agency for a Presidential Disaster Declaration request to cover the insurance deductible and other eligible uninsured losses associated with the event.

Design Services for Campus East Building 2

Trustees authorized university staff to procure and contract for architectural and engineering services necessary to incorporate the findings of a program study for the Campus East Building 2, housed at 1711 General Electric Road, and prepare construction documents for the build-out and renovation at a cost of $1,300,000. The program study currently underway will identify the academic programs and administrative offices to be located in Campus East Building 2 and establish the space, infrastructure, technology, accessibility, security, and operational requirements. The cost is funded through Certificates of Participation Series 2026A and 2026B.

Rehabilitate Parking Lots A67 and G67

Trustees authorized university staff to procure and contract for construction services necessary to complete the Parking Lots A67 and G67 Rehabilitation project at a cost not to exceed $1.3 million. The project will include pavement removal and replacement, subgrade evaluation and remediation, grading and drainage improvements, curb and gutter work, pavement markings, traffic and erosion control, site restoration, materials testing, and related construction activities. Construction is expected to begin in late Spring 2027 and will be funded by AFS Parking Reserves.

Purchase Xtract One Advanced Weapons Detection Systems

Trustees ​authorized the purchase of six Xtract One advanced weapons detection systems, including installation, training, annual maintenance services and licensure, for an amount not to exceed $700,000 over the initial purchase period and up to five annual maintenance renewal terms​. Funding will be provided through General Revenue. The systems utilize advanced screening technology to identify firearms and other prohibited weapons while allowing event attendees to move efficiently through security checkpoints.

Purchase Phase 2 Student Information System Enhancement Software

Trustees approved the acquisition and implementation of the HighPoint.io Advisee Relationship Management and Campus Experience modules, with a total cost not to exceed $669,000 for the initial term. The centralized advising platform is focused on the advising and support infrastructure that surrounds academic planning. Similar to the December 2025 purchase of HighPoint.io Degree Planner, Degree Audit, and Schedule Builder modules, the phase 2 implementation will embed inside the existing PeopleSoft installation as a native internal add-on.​ The software will be funded by General Revenue and the Academic Enhancement Fee.

Name the Greg Slawko Theatre Studio

Trustees approved the naming of the Acting Classroom I (Movement) inside the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Commons Building as the "Greg Slawko Theatre Studio" in recognition of financial support to Illinois State University​. This naming reflects and recognizes the generous financial commitment made by Kyle and Steve Scanlon in memory of their brother and brother-in-law. Greg (BFA, '79) was a highly successful, sought-after costume designer for dance, film, and theatre and the University also holds a memorial scholarship with his name.

Name the Cindy Moore Women's Basketball Suite

Trustees ​approved the naming of the women's basketball offices inside CEFCU Arena as the "Cindy Moore Women's Basketball Suite" in recognition of financial support to Illinois State University​. Cindy is a former collegiate softball student-athlete and is a season ticket holder for Women's Basketball, Volleyball, and Football. She firmly believes in providing female student-athletes with opportunities to compete and succeed on the court, on the field, and in life.

Name the Nancy and Rob Northrip Gymnasium

Trustees ​approved the naming of the south gymnasium inside Horton Fieldhouse as the "Nancy and Rob Northrip Gymnasium" in recognition of financial support to Illinois State University​. Long-time supporters of the Redbird Gymnastics program, the Northrips both attended Illinois State University. While studying Early Childhood Education, Nancy (B.S., '80) also competed as a member of the Redbird Gymnastics team. Nancy and Rob established the Northrip Scholarship Fund in 2009.

Award Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters to Michelle Williams

Trustees authorized the conferral of an honorary degree to Michelle Williams, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, author, actress, mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and member of recording group Destiny's Child. The honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) represents one of the University's most distinguished forms of recognition, honoring individuals whose contributions embody the institution's core values. The honorary degree will be conferred during the University's Spring 2027 Commencement Ceremonies, where Williams will be formally recognized for distinguished achievement and contributions. Williams is an alum widely recognized for her versatility. She has delivered standout performances, most notably, in her critically acclaimed portrayal of Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway and currently start as Viola Van Horn in Death Becomes Her on Broadway in New York. She has also been open about her personal experience with depression and has helped normalize conversations around mental wellness, particularly within communities where stigma has historically limited dialogue.