ISU Holds Their First Presidential Finalist Forum

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University is in the process of selecting a new university president following the sudden resignation of former president Terri Goss Kinzy last year. The finalists for the position will be speaking at public forums throughout the rest of February with the first occurring on Feb. 19 featuring Interim President Aondover Tarhule.  

Aondover Tarhule, Ph.D., began working at the university as the Vice President for Academic Affairs of ISU, and University Provost back in 2020. He then moved up to interim president last year and has held the position ever since. During his time at the university, Tarhule helped establish the College of Engineering, as well as the “Close the Gap” initiative to improve achievement statistics of underrepresented students. Tarhule had plenty to say about his qualifications for the role, and how he sees the future of the university going forward.  

“The key point I want to make is that Universities are experiencing a lot of disruptors and stressors, and they are all going to have to change,” Tarhule said. “The Universities that are able to innovate effectively are going to come out as winners. The biggest challenge in my mind for the next president of Illinois State is to keep Illinois State in the winning column.” 

One of the core values of ISU is diversity, which was a frequent talking point in Tarhule’s message and the focus of the “Close the Gap” initiative. Despite this, there have been numerous incidents targeting marginalized groups on campus. As an advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion, Tarhule’s method for handling the issue is based in quick, effective reactions. 

 “It’s very hard to control how people act,” Tarhule said. “I would ask that you judge us based on how we respond.” 

There are a total of four final candidates that will participate in these types of forums, Tarhule believes his former experience within the university makes him qualified. 

“I’ve had a year learning the role, so I feel like the training period is over,” Tarhule said. “I’ve learned a lot during this time, and I feel ready to go.” 

The next forum will take place on Feb. 22.