Andy Morgan introduced Illinois State University President,
Aondover Tarhule.
Dr. Tarhule was named the 21st president of Illinois State University on March 18, 2024, after serving as interim president for one year. He arrived at Illinois State in 2020 to serve as vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. Before arriving at Illinois State, Dr. Tarhule served as vice provost and dean of the Graduate School at Binghamton University in New York, and as executive associate dean and department chair in the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences at the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Tarhule was born and raised in Nigeria, where he started his post-secondary education as a first-generation college student. He earned a bachelor’s degree in geography and a master’s degree in environmental resources planning from the University of Jos, Plateau State, in Nigeria. He later earned a second master’s degree and a doctoral degree in geography from McMaster University in Hamilton.
Dr. Tarhule shared information about Illinois State's enrollment, which has been growing. ISU is 1 of 3 public institutions in Illinois whose enrollment has been increasing, including University of Illinois and UIC. The nursing program, specifically, has been growing significantly. Federal policies are impacting international enrollment, making it more difficult for students around the world to attend US institutions.
Fundraising efforts have been extremely successful, with $44M raised last year. These funds are being used for a number of programs and projects, including new buildings on campus. A new fundraising campaign is starting soon to further impact students and the ISU campus.
The Redbirds have had success on the fields and courts lately, with the football team participating in the national championship, and the men's and women's basketball teams both qualifying for the final four in the NIT tournaments.
