Communications
Access recent messages from the Office of the President.
From the President's Desk
A holiday message from President Tarhule, December 9, 2025
President Tarhule extends holiday greetings to the campus community as the fall 2025 semester comes to an end.
President Tarhule: Get involved on campus and in the community
It’s my pleasure to welcome you to the 2025-26 academic year at Illinois State!
A message from President Tarhule, September 30
As a follow-up to a weekend event that resulted in campus-wide Emergency Alerts, President Aondover Tarhule provides a community update, including upcoming meetings and resources for students, faculty and staff.
A message from Interim President Tarhule, December 12, 2023
As many of you are aware, the men’s basketball game on Saturday, December 9, between Illinois State University and Norfolk State University was regrettably marred by the report of a racial slur directed at a Norfolk State player by an Illinois State fan.
A message from Interim President Tarhule, June 29, 2023
Today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding the use of race in the college admissions process has raised many questions and concerns in the higher education community and among prospective students and their families.Recorded Speeches
In the Media
Refusing to Accept the Demographic Cliff
November 2, 2025 | The EdUp Experience Podcast
Dr. Aondover Tarhule joins the EdUp podcast and unpacks the significance of enrollment and the Demographic Cliff at Illinois State University.
The 21st Show Radio Interview
October 22, 2025 | The 21st Show
President Aondover Tarhule answers questions about changing budgets, the new engineering department, and more in this Illinois Public Media radio interview.
State College Funding Gaps
June 9, 2025 | Crain's Chicago Business
President Aondover Tarhule and other Illinois public university leaders speak on the impacts of declining state funding and rising costs.
Q&A: Everything Everywhere All at Once
May 7, 2025 | WGLT
President Aondover Tarhule discusses navigating union contracts, budget issues, and challenges posed by new federal directives.
Q&A: Remaining True to Core Values
February 21, 2025 | WGLT
President Aondover Tarhule commits to Illinois State’s ‘core values’ as a response to recent challenges and uncertainty in higher education.
Fiscal Headwinds
September 19, 2024 | WGLT
President Aondover Tarhule discusses the use of innovative strategies to steer the University through tough financial challenges.
Q&A: Budget Deficit
October 7, 2024 | WGLT
President Aondover Tarhule on past and prospective factors contributing to Illinois State's budget deficit.
Q&A: FAFSA, Funding, and AI
April 25, 2024 | WGLT
President Aondover Tarhule answers questions on FAFSA delays, funding equity, and the future of AI policies at Illinois State University.
Redbird Buzz Episode
April 9, 2024 | Illinois State University YouTube Channel
President Tarhule shares with Redbird Buzz his childhood in rural Nigeria, the role his father played in his education and professional trajectory, and the story behind the many hats he wears (both literally and figuratively) on campus.
Illinois State University’s 21st President
March 18, 2024 | Illinois State University YouTube Channel
Dr. Aondover Tarhule is appointed Illinois State University's 21st President. He shares his transformative vision for the university's future.
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