Communications
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President Tarhule provides update on South Campus residence hall and dining complex planning
October 29, 2026 | WGLT
ISU looking for contractor to build new South Campus residence hall and dining complex with plans to take to the Board of Trustees for final approval in the coming months.
Q&A: Areas of focus for the University
October 28, 2026 | WGLT
Restoring trust and respect among some university employees, the University's enrollment strategy, and efforts to improve its graduation rate
President Tarhule Presents 4th Annual State of the University Address
September 25, 2026 | WEEK TV
Funding challenges, AI in education, and more from Illinois State’s State of the University address
Leading a historic institution through a rapidly changing higher education landscape.
September 15, 2026 | Plexuss Presidential Podcast
How AI is reshaping education and the workforce, why universities must focus on critical thinking and adaptability rather than rote learning, and the enduring role of higher education in creating social mobility. Dr. Tarhule also shares his perspective on institutional agility, the future of Illinois State, and preparing students for a future we cannot fully predict.
Redbird Buzz Episode
August 20, 2026 | Illinois State University YouTube Channel
As Illinois State University kicks off a new academic year, President Aondover Tarhule visited with Redbird Buzz to discuss the University’s forward momentum, which includes campus milestones, transformative projects, and resources for student success.
The College Degree as Investment,Risk, and Social Promise
May 29, 2026 | Chronicle of Higher Education
President Aondover Tarhule shares his personal story and reflection on why college is a worthy investment and what higher education must deliver for its return.
Illinois State University formalized a new international partnership
April 7, 2026 | WGLT
Illinois State partners with South Korean Chungnam University to push innovation—especially with AI
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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