Illinois State University: A Legacy of Education, History, and Campus Life

Illinois State University (ISU) stands as a public research university in Normal, Illinois, with a rich history deeply intertwined with the evolution of education in the state. Founded in 1857 as Illinois State Normal University, it holds the distinction of being the oldest public university in Illinois. This article explores the university's history, academic offerings, campus life, and notable figures who have shaped its identity.

From Normal School to Comprehensive University: A Historical Overview

The establishment of Illinois State University coincided with a pivotal moment in Illinois' educational landscape. In the same year, the state's first Board of Education convened, and just two years prior, the Free School Act was enacted. Visionaries like judge and future Supreme Court Justice David Davis and local businessman Jesse W. Fell championed the university's creation.

Initially conceived as a "normal school" dedicated to teacher training, the institution was originally designed as a wide-ranging university with one department of teacher training. The editor of the Bloomington Pantagraph wrote in 1882: "The intention was to gather around the institution the different colleges, - classical, agricultural, industrial, law medical, and the other departments of a university, - until, in the end, the State should have here a grand university, equal to any." Its first classes were held in downtown Bloomington, in Major's Hall. The completion of Old Main in 1860 marked a significant milestone, prompting the relocation of the campus to its present site in what was then North Bloomington, later incorporated as the town of "Normal" in 1865.

Over time, the institution's mission expanded beyond teacher training. On January 1, 1964, the institution's name was changed to Illinois State University at Normal, and then again in 1967 to the current Illinois State University. Today, Illinois State University offers a diverse array of programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, solidifying its status as a comprehensive university.

Academics: A Diverse Range of Programs

Illinois State University has a strong foundation in teacher preparation. The teacher preparation programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and certified by the Illinois State Board of Education.

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The university now offers a range of programs at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. The university is divided into multiple colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Applied Science and Technology, the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, and the Mennonite College of Nursing. In recent years, ISU has expanded its academic offerings with the establishment of a new College of Engineering.

History Department: Exploring the Past, Shaping the Future

The History Department at Illinois State University provides students with the tools to explore and understand the stories of our past to help explain who we are and how we got to where we are today. It's so much more than memorizing names and dates. History students get competitive positions in nearly every field - from business to government to technology to teaching. The department offers two majors, a minor, and a graduate program. Students benefit from small classes and engaged faculty. The department is unique in its wide variety of nearly 100 different courses. Students can explore a wide range of historical topics, from World War II to Women's History to Ancient Greece.

The Master's in History is available as an accelerated program. A History minor pairs well with all majors, allowing students to tailor their minor to focus on their specific interests.

History at Illinois State offers an Accelerated Master’s Degree (AMD) sequence. This option gives high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a master’s degree with only one year of additional study. At Illinois State, you’ll learn critical thinking, writing, research and analysis. In addition to our variety of courses, history offers real-world experiences - such as interning at the David Davis Mansion or McLean County Museum of History. With thirty faculty members and about 450 full-time undergraduate and graduate students, the Illinois State University History department is one of the largest in the state. With a liberal arts background that includes strengths in critical thinking and written communication, students graduating from our program succeed in myriad fields such as business, law, and journalism. Many also pursue graduate education at prestigious institutions nationwide. Since 2010 History faculty and staff have received 46 major university or college awards for teaching, research, or service, while since 2008 they have published 48 books. Dr.

Campus Life: Traditions, Landmarks, and Community

Illinois State University's campus life is vibrant and engaging, marked by traditions, landmarks, and a strong sense of community.

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The Quad: A Central Gathering Place

The Illinois State University campus quadrangle (commonly known as The Quad) is a popular outdoor venue for students and the local community. Lined with benches and shady trees, the site is a popular spot for students to relax, study, and play informal games of sports. Outdoor events such as the annual RSO showcase, Festival ISU and Concerts on the Quad are popular in the campus community.

The ISU Quad is also host to the Fell Arboretum, which is part of a 490-acre site that represents over 154 species of trees from the state of Illinois. Trees on the north side of the quad are from Northern Illinois, and those on the south side of the quad from southern parts of the state.

Residence Halls: Living and Learning Communities

Illinois State University has six residence halls, one apartment complex, and dedicated apartments for upper class and graduate students. These living spaces foster a sense of community and provide students with opportunities for personal and academic growth.

Student Organizations and Activities: A Diverse Range of Interests

Illinois State University offers a wide array of student organizations and activities, catering to diverse interests and passions. From academic clubs and honor societies to sports clubs and multicultural organizations, students have ample opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and engage in activities outside the classroom.

Illinois State University's student spirit organization, RED ALERT, has over 4,100 members, roughly one-fourth of the student body. The ISU Forensics Individual Events team is one of the most successful forensics individual events teams in the country. In 1995, 1999, and 2000 it won the National Forensic Association team championship and in 2005 its team won the American Forensic Association team championship. Illinois State has been selected as the host of the 2011 NFA National Championship. The Illinois State University Greek community was established in 1967.

The school newspaper, The Vidette first published in 1888 as a subscription-based newspaper serving both the university and Town of Normal. ISU owns a public radio station WGLT ("News, Blues and All That Jazz"), which broadcasts on 89.1 in Normal, 103.5 in Peoria, and by streaming audio.

Traditions: Celebrating Redbird Pride

Illinois State University has a number of traditions that foster a sense of community and Redbird pride. The school's fight song is "Go, You Redbirds," a song written specifically for ISU and frequently played at sporting events.

Milner Library: A Hub of Knowledge and Resources

Milner Library has a collection of more than 1.63 million volumes and an ever-increasing number of electronic materials accessible by the Internet to students and faculty. The library's collection is distinguished by materials related to educational theory and policy, curriculum development, and issues related to special education and assistive technology. The Special Collections include extensive Circus and Allied Arts materials and a children's literature collection that features more than 100 first edition volumes signed by author Lois Lenski. Milner Library administers the Jo Ann Rayfield University Archives, which houses selected official records from university departments and organizations, faculty papers, and memorabilia and ephemera on student life.

The Milner Library was named for Angeline "Ange" Vernon Milner (1856-1928), a Bloomington-Normal native and the first full-time librarian of Illinois State Normal University. The current library building, opened in 1976, is the second facility constructed to be a dedicated library. The university library has resided in five campus locations: Old Main (demolished 1958), John W.

Notable Figures: Shaping Illinois State University's Legacy

Throughout its history, Illinois State University has been shaped by the contributions of numerous individuals who have left an indelible mark on the institution.

Dr. June Rose Colby: A Pioneer for Women in Academia

Dr. June Rose Colby, commonly known as “Rose,” carved an outstanding career by overcoming the many professional limitations of women in her era. Colby was home-schooled before the family moved to Freeport, where she attended junior high and high school. As a youth, Colby suffered severe health problems and was confined for months during recovery. Still, she dreamed of higher education and made good on her potential. Colby graduated from Ann Arbor High School and herself entered Michigan in 1874, where she earned a four-year degree. She then taught high school from 1878-83 in Ann Arbor and Flint before leaving to continue her studies at present-day Radcliffe College. Still, she could not find work suitable to her talents. Colby taught high school in Peoria from 1886-92 before joining the staff at Illinois State as a professor of literature.

At ISU, Colby’s workload was extremely demanding. In some cases, she taught over 100 students per semester, and each was required to produce 27 exercises in that time. As a result, Colby sometimes was forced to read 14,000 words of student writing each evening, all week. She also promoted interdisciplinary studies, much like in modern education today, in which faculty of other subjects advocated good English skills. Colby was clearly meant to be a teacher. University historian Helen Marshall writes that Colby “entered into the teaching of Shakespeare with her whole soul. No one would ever forget the way she read poetry. Outside of the classroom, Colby was a dedicated supporter of women’s causes and a fierce advocate of suffrage. For years, she hosted meetings of the Normal Equal Suffrage Association in her home at 302 West Mulberry Street.

In July 1931, Colby retired, ending one of the most influential careers in the history of Illinois State. She had never married, and in many ways, the campus community was her family. At home, she kept a jar of rose petals, each one signifying a happy moment in her life. June Rose Colby died at home on May 11, 1941, and is buried in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Bloomington. In 1962, Colby, along with Edith Irene Atkin, an Illinois State mathematics professor from 1909-40, were honored with Atkin-Colby Hall, a new residence hall.

Clarence R. Ropp: A Devoted Supporter of Agriculture

The building is named for Clarence R. Ropp, a longtime supporter of Illinois State, particularly the agricultural department. Ropp’s work ethic, and commitment to agriculture, knew no limits. Born in Dry Grove Township, west of Normal, on October 1, 1907, Ropp graduated from University High School, then attended Illinois State.

Not surprisingly, the Ropp family was a statewide force in 4-H, serving as a leader for 40 years. He attended the national 4-H camp in 1927 and was one of the first five national 4-H Alumni recipients. In 2003, the Ropp family was honored at the Illinois State Fair with the Illinois 4-H Family Spirit Award.

Through it all, Clarence Ropp never lost his devotion to Illinois State. From 1953-63, he was a resident member of the Teachers College Board, considered a forerunner to the Board of Regents (and, in turn, to today’s Board of Trustees). He was a familiar face to countless Illinois State students and friends.

In addition, Ropp delivered the invocation at multiple Illinois State functions, including the dedication of the Centennial Building for Fine Arts on November 19, 1959. In his role on the Teachers College Board, Ropp even influenced the naming of the building, believing it should be named “Centennial” rather than for a single individual. However, Ropp recommended that the theater should be named for the first head of the ISU music, the legendary Frank W.

In December 1957, Ropp explained the meanings of the contents of a time capsule that was removed from the cornerstone of Old Main. Ropp nearly had a different building named for him on campus. In 1967, the University discussed plans for a new dorm at the corner of Locust and School streets that was to be named for Ropp. Fourteen years later, his name was given to the agriculture building, which was a bargain in any era; the cost of the state-of-the-art building was a mere $1.68 million. For all of his contributions to Illinois State, Clarence Ropp, who died on December 18, 1985, was still a farmer at heart.

Old Main: A Symbol of Illinois State University's History

For decades, Old Main had been the sole campus building at Illinois State. The three-story structure was topped by a striking bell tower, whose tones had become a signature of daily life at Illinois State. But even then, there were concerns about the building’s design.

However, the bell tower continued to deteriorate and by 1932, it was actually leaning to one side. As a result, steel beams were installed for support from the basement to the attic. The problems reached a head in a sudden development on February 21, 1946 when longtime ISU President Raymond Fairchild, who was on his way to Cleveland for a speaking appearance at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, was called to Springfield. That afternoon, Fairchild appeared before the faculty at Capen Auditorium to deliver the news. An evacuation of the 24 classrooms of the second and third floors of Old Main was ordered within 48 hours. Students were informed at an assembly on February 22. The move created an emergency need for space. Still, there was a bright spot that reflected the University’s academic strength.

The impending doom of Old Main became obvious to everyone, particularly as protective fencing was erected around the building. University administration made the decision to remove the bell tower and the third floor, keeping the lower two floors intact. At the time, many feared that the building would soon be demolished. The senior class of 1946 was especially concerned, as a longtime commencement tradition was the walk-through of Old Main by the graduating class to close the ceremony.

On May 22, 1946, the bell tower was removed from Old Main. Students and faculty gathered to watch the removal, which signified the loss of a signature piece of the University’s history. The sight of the revamped Old Main, missing a story and with a mundane roof, was startling to the campus community. There were loud calls to restore the building, and the bell tower, among the alumni base. Discussions of a replica of Old Main, possibly five stories high, were also considered. But the difficult decision to raze the building was finally made. The removal of the tower was, in many ways, the beginning of the end of Old Main, which had served the campus since 1860.

Mother's Day Celebrations at Illinois State University

On a more serious note, the University held annual celebrations of Mother’s Day in grand style. Starting in 1920, Mother’s Day services were a rite of spring at Illinois State, and were often part of a weekend packed with activities. In that era, the University Club and the Women’s League spearheaded the celebrations. In 1951, four major events highlighted the observance of Mother’s Day. The Vidette reported that “festivities in honor of Redbird Moms will begin” on Friday, May 4, “with the thirty-second annual Stunt Show,” in which four students organizations “will join with faculty to present skits.” A “faculty stunt” concluded the show. Another part of the celebration in 1953 was the sophomore cotillion. Celebrations of the holiday could also be heard over the local airwaves in 1948.

Mother’s Day also took on added meaning with a campus landmark. The bell to Old Main, which was removed when the tower was taken off the building in 1946, was erected as a memorial on the Quad in 1955. The festivities continued into the 1960s, with the tradition of hosting Mother’s Day celebrations a week before the real holiday. The Mother’s Day celebrations at Illinois State eventually faded from view.

Enrollment and Rankings

As of September 2024, total on-campus enrollment was 21,546, with 19,107 undergraduate students and 2,439 graduate students. The total amount of first time in college students at Illinois State University is 4,285. As of 2019 56.6 percent of students are female, while 43.4 percent are male. About 28.8% of all students were from minority groups. There are currently 613 international students.

Illinois State University consistently receives recognition in national rankings.

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