10 Interesting Facts about Illinois State University

Illinois State University (ISU) is a public research university located in Normal, Illinois, and was founded in 1857.

ISU is the oldest public university in the state of Illinois that is still operating under its original name.

The university offers more than 160 undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, fine arts, humanities, science, and technology.

ISU has a diverse student body, with more than 20,000 students from all 50 states and over 75 countries.

The university is known for its strong teacher education program and is the largest producer of teachers in the state of Illinois.

ISU has a long history of excellence in athletics, with its teams known as the “Redbirds” competing in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) in 19 intercollegiate sports.

The university has state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including Redbird Arena (basketball and volleyball), Hancock Stadium (football), Duffy Bass Field (baseball), Marian Kneer Softball Stadium, and Adelaide Street Field (soccer).

ISU is home to the Mennonite College of Nursing, which is one of the oldest and most respected nursing programs in the state of Illinois.

The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented various environmentally-friendly initiatives, such as renewable energy, water conservation, and waste reduction programs.

ISU has produced many successful alumni in various fields, including business, education, politics, entertainment, and sports. Notable alumni include former U.S. Senator John Edwards, former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, and comedian Jane Lynch.