Illinois State University – In the News, November 2025

A monthly column featuring the latest media coverage related to Illinois State University, specifically supporting Excellence by Design: 2024-2030 (Strategic Direction IIIC - Enhance Institutional Recognition). NOTE: Links provided below may direct you to third-party websites that are not affiliated with Illinois State University.

The EdUp Experience - November 2, 2025

Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule recently was interviewed by Elvin Freytes and Brent Ramdin on the The EdUp Experience podcast. "The University That Refused to Accept the Demographic Cliff - with Dr. Aondover Tarhule, President, Illinois State University" was published on November 2, 2025″

Summary: As higher education continues to experience a demographic cliff and other challenges, Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule shares his unique personal experience that led him to become the 21st president of the University, while crediting the academic portfolio, supportive faculty and staff, and strategic planning that has helped the University achieve recent success.

The 21st Show - October 22, 2025

Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule spoke with Brian Mackey of The 21st Show, a state-wide program from Illinois Public Media (NPR). The interview is part of a series of occasional conversations on the program with university leaders across Illinois, talking about accomplishments and reflecting on challenges individual schools, and higher education as a whole, are dealing with in 2025. "Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule" was recorded and published on October 22, 2025.

Summary: Illinois State University hit its fourth consecutive year of enrollment growth, with nearly 22,000 students and an increase in its retention rate. President Aondover Tarhule attributes this success to a strong brand, hard work by staff, and intentional program expansion, including new or expanded programs in nursing, engineering, data science, and creative technologies.

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