Illinois State University names new College of Engineering location “Campus East”

Illinois State University has officially named the location of its new College of Engineering at 1709 General Electric Road in Bloomington, Ill., "Campus East." Connect Transit will launch a new bus route between the campuses on Thursday, August 13.

The campus community was invited to share ideas and help select a name for the location in a spring semester poll. Responses from students, faculty, and staff provided strong support for "Campus East" to reflect Illinois State's values, Redbird pride, and a strong connection to the University's future.

"This is not just about building a facility; it's an investment in the future of our Redbirds, solidifying Illinois State's position as a catalyst for innovation and driving economic prosperity."

"This exciting investment in engineering is just the beginning of a vibrant hub for collaboration, research, and experiential learning across disciplines," said Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule.

"The acquisition of Campus East was an incredibly significant financial decision. In the long run, it saves Illinois State at least $150 million in future construction costs needed to support growth in the College of Engineering. The facility opens incredible opportunities for growth, innovation, and enriching student experiences, while strengthening partnerships that elevate our community and the entire state. This is not just about building a facility; it's an investment in the future of our Redbirds, solidifying Illinois State's position as a catalyst for innovation and driving economic prosperity."

The former COUNTRY Financial^® building has been transformed to accommodate up to 700 students and is equipped with high-tech computer and circuit labs, modern classrooms, and collaborative research spaces designed to support hands-on learning and innovation.

In the fall of 2025, the College welcomed its first cohort of more than 160 students to its temporary location in Williams Hall on the Illinois State University campus in Normal, Ill. The full 28-acre property also will include the adjoining 1711 General Electric Road office building, with construction on this section of the complex expected to begin in early 2027. One finished, the building is expected to house additional academic programs and administrative offices.

A solar array is also being installed on the property and is expected to offset the entire Campus East property's electrical consumption by up to 90 percent.

College of Engineering dedication and ribbon cutting, September 8

The Illinois State University Board of Trustees and President Tarhule will host a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting for the College of Engineering's permanent home at Campus East.

The campus community is invited to join us on:

• Tuesday, September 8, 2026
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Reception and self-guided tours will immediately follow ceremony.

The celebration is free and open to the campus community and also will be livestreamed.

Advanced registration is appreciated.

Bus route connecting campuses launches August 13

Connect Transit will launch a new bus route between Illinois State University Main Campus and Campus East on Thursday, August 13.

The "ISU Campus East," route will depart from North Street near Watterson Towers every 20 minutes Monday through Friday to provide easy access for the campus community to commute between campus locations. The weekday route begins from North Street at 7:45 a.m. and departs for the last time from Campus East at 8:30 p.m. The route will also run on weekends starting at 1 p.m. through 8:15 p.m. on Saturdays, and 7:15 p.m. on Sundays.

The route includes approximately 10 stops along the way and is expected to take 15 minutes between locations.