Interim President Andover Tarhule highlights new programs and renovations in University Address

Photo provided by Illinois State University

NORMAL, Ill. – Interim President Andover Tarhule presented Illinois State University’s State of the University Address on September 21. He addressed the university’s successes and advancements that will be made within the academic year.

He began by acknowledging fellow members and thanking them for their dedication to their work and the university.  Then, Tarhule promoted ISU’s plan to add a College of Engineering and house the departments in the John Green Building on campus.

Tarhule spoke on the three curriculum proposals that were submitted to the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

“We look forward to receiving approval from the IBHE so that we may begin advertising and marketing the engineering programs,” Tarhule said.

New initiatives included three master’s programs in public health, marketing analytics and a STEM master of business administration.

“The program will bring together clinicians, university faculty researchers, and students to focus on innovation in clinical and patient education, health care engineering, data science and cyber security,” said Tarhule.

The new College of Engineering, the Degarmo Hall rebuild, the Mennonite College of Nursing location in Springfield and the awaited programs are in the university’s plans to keep Illinois State competitive.

The Center for Visual Arts Rotunda Classroom renovation is still in progress but is on target for a spring 2024 reopening. The remodel advertised new lecture seating, modern finishes and four new ADA-accessible ramps.

Tarhule said, “10 classrooms were fully renovated and technology upgrades were performed in 122 classrooms.”

He went on to highlight the new student population and its increasing diversity with the latest class.

“32% of our total student population come from traditionally underrepresented groups,” Tarhule said. “Student retention is 81.3% up from 80.3% last year.”

He announced a 3.5% pay increase for faculty and staff effective in January. It is set to balance faculty concerns and fiscal responsibility for the university.