# Illinois State University

> public university in Normal, Illinois

**Wikidata**: [Q558922](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q558922)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois_State_University)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/illinois-state-university

## Summary
Illinois State University (ISU) is a public university located in Normal, Illinois, founded in 1857. It is a land-grant institution with multiple colleges, including Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, and Engineering, serving over 20,000 students. ISU is classified as a doctoral university with high research activity and is affiliated with organizations like the American Council on Education.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1857 by Jesse W. Fell as Illinois State Normal Institute.
- Located in Normal, Illinois, with a campus at 40.51076° N, 88.99346° W.
- Enrolls approximately 20,720 students (as of 2020).
- Admission rate: 81% (2020), with a yield rate of 27%.
- Member of the American Council on Education, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
- Offers 120+ undergraduate and graduate programs across seven colleges.
- Home to the Milner Library, Duffy Bass Field, and CEFCU Arena.
- Classified as a "doctoral university: higher research activity" by Carnegie Classification.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Illinois State University founded?
A: Illinois State University was founded in 1857 as the Illinois State Normal Institute by Jesse W. Fell.

### Q: How many students attend Illinois State University?
A: As of 2020, Illinois State University had approximately 20,720 students.

### Q: What are the main colleges at Illinois State University?
A: The university includes the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Engineering, College of Applied Science and Technology, Mennonite College of Nursing, and Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts.

### Q: What is the admission rate at Illinois State University?
A: The admission rate at Illinois State University was 81% in 2020, with a yield rate of 27%.

### Q: What are some notable facilities at Illinois State University?
A: Notable facilities include Milner Library, Duffy Bass Field, CEFCU Arena, and the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts.

## Why It Matters
Illinois State University plays a significant role in higher education, research, and community development in central Illinois. As a land-grant institution, it emphasizes practical education and public service, preparing students for careers in various fields. The university’s research initiatives contribute to advancements in science, technology, and the arts. Additionally, ISU’s athletic programs, such as the Illinois State Redbirds, foster school spirit and community engagement. By maintaining strong ties to its local and regional communities, ISU supports economic growth and educational access.

## Notable For
- **Research Classification**: Ranked as a "doctoral university: higher research activity" by Carnegie Classification.
- **Diverse Programs**: Offers 120+ undergraduate and graduate programs across seven colleges.
- **Notable Alumni**: Includes Theresa Jean Tanenbaum, a researcher and LGBTQ rights activist.
- **Facilities**: Features Milner Library, Duffy Bass Field, and CEFCU Arena.
- **Athletics**: Home to the Illinois State Redbirds, competing in the Missouri Valley Conference.

## Body
### History and Founding
Illinois State University was established in 1857 as the Illinois State Normal Institute by Jesse W. Fell. Initially focused on teacher training, it evolved into a comprehensive public university. The first president, Charles Edward Hovey, served from 1857 to 1861.

### Academic Structure
The university consists of seven colleges:
- **College of Arts & Sciences**: Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences.
- **College of Business**: Provides degrees in business administration, accounting, and related fields.
- **College of Education**: Focuses on teacher education and educational leadership.
- **College of Engineering**: Known for its engineering programs and research.
- **College of Applied Science and Technology**: Offers applied science and technology degrees.
- **Mennonite College of Nursing**: Specializes in nursing education.
- **Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts**: Renowned for its arts programs.

### Student Life
With approximately 20,720 students (2020), ISU offers a diverse student body. The admission rate was 81% in 2020, with a yield rate of 27%. The university is part of the American Council on Education and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.

### Research and Impact
ISU is classified as a "doctoral university: higher research activity," indicating strong research capabilities. The university’s research initiatives contribute to advancements in various fields, including science, technology, and the arts.

### Facilities and Athletics
Key facilities include Milner Library, Duffy Bass Field, and CEFCU Arena. The university’s athletic programs, such as the Illinois State Redbirds, compete in the Missouri Valley Conference and contribute to school spirit and community engagement.

### Affiliations and Recognition
ISU is affiliated with organizations like the American Council on Education, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and American Association of State Colleges and Universities. The university has received recognition for its academic programs, research, and community impact.

## References

1. Directory of Open Access Journals
2. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
3. GRID Release 2017-01-10
4. BnF authorities
5. CiNii Research
6. [Source](https://provost.illinoisstate.edu/about/DeansChairsDirectorsContactInfoAug2021.pdf)
7. [Source](https://engineering.illinoisstate.edu/)
8. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20240120080233/https://acememberdirectory.azurewebsites.net/)
9. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20230815075752/https://www.aplu.org/members/our-members/)
10. [Source](https://aascu.org/our-members/)
11. [Source](https://library.illinoisstate.edu/collections/presidential-history/hovey/)
12. [Source](https://library.illinoisstate.edu/collections/presidential-history/hewett/)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. MusicBrainz
15. [Source](https://illinoisstate.edu/)
16. GeoNames
17. [Source](http://illinoisstate.edu/)
18. GRID Release 2015-12-14
19. GRID Release 2016-12-06
20. Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
21. Open Funder Registry
22. Quora
23. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
24. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
25. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
26. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
27. National Center for Education Statistics