About Eastern Illinois University
Situated on the rich, productive plains of Illinois’ agricultural heartland, Eastern Illinois University’s history and future is one of dedication to the professional preparation and personal growth of students as they become contributing citizens in a diverse world. It is a place where strong relationships are built and where engagement in the life of the University is pervasive and long lasting for students, faculty, staff and the larger EIU community. Eastern Illinois University’s engaged educational environment encourages faculty, staff and students to collaborate and learn from one another.
Small enough that classes are taught directly by professors, yet large enough to offer a breadth of majors, an exceptional Honors Program, and the opportunity for student research with faculty, Eastern Illinois University is primarily a residential campus that enrolls over 12,000 students from cities and towns across Illinois and from rural areas of the state and beyond. In recent years, there has been significant growth in international students as well as study abroad opportunities for EIU students. The campus is currently under consideration for membership in Phi Beta Kappa.
Established in 1895 as a normal school, EIU today is a public Master’s II, regional comprehensive University that continues its strong heritage in teacher preparation as well as offering very well respected undergraduate programs in business, the arts, sciences, humanities and the professions. Its Graduate School complements and builds upon the undergraduate curriculum, providing programs of excellence at the Master’s and specialists’ levels.
With a $165m operating budget, EIU relies on state support, tuition, research funding ($6.7m in 2005-6) and support from the Eastern Illinois University Foundation and its $32m. endowment, plus $9m in additional assets.
With over 600 faculty members, EIU offers an impressively low student/faculty ratio and small class sizes at the average in-state total annual cost of $13,500 including room, board, textbooks and program service fees. The campus has a strong commitment to student success in every way, from individualized academic advising, tutoring and career services, to health and well being support.
EIU’s attractive 340 acre campus is well planned and houses over 4,000 students in 12 residence halls, University apartments and its Greek Court complex. Student life and activities are robust and are seen as a means of personal growth and development. There is WIFI access across campus, promoting easy use of instructional technology.
Shared governance is highly valued at Eastern Illinois University where students, faculty and staff participate in University affairs through membership in the Student Senate, Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and academic and administrative councils and committees. These groups develop and recommend policies to the President. Faculty and staff are represented by a number of unions for collective bargaining purposes. A new faculty four year contract was approved by the Board in November, 2006.
In 2005, EIU’s academic strength was recognized with a ten year re-accreditation through The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition, numerous programs and disciplines enjoy specialized accreditation, notably from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Association to Advance Colligate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Charleston, Illinois, home of EIU, is the county seat of Coles County in east central Illinois. This is the land of Abraham Lincoln, steeped in significant American history and filled with many buildings on the National Register of Historical Places. With a population over 20,000, Charleston is located 180 miles south of Chicago. There are airports in both Charleston and in Champaign-Urbana fifty miles away, as well as nearby train service in Mattoon, Illinois. Charleston is a two hour drive from both Indianapolis and St. Louis. Coles County is the site of manufacturing and shipping facilities for several major national corporations and many prosperous small businesses.
With excellent faculty, engaged students, committed staff and supportive alumni and foundation members, EIU is a strong university with an enviable record of achievement. U. S. News and World Report recently rated Eastern Illinois University as the only public university in Illinois in the first tier of the four tiers used to rank the 145 public and private institutions listed in “Best Universities-Master’s (Regional/Midwest) category.
Enrollment is at its highest historical level resulting in an effective use of classroom space even as the University continues to offer small class sizes. EIU is a highly efficient university. Its plant is exceptionally well managed and classroom scheduling of space is very effectively used, given enrollment levels. Faculty take great pride in teaching and many actively engage students in their research and creative activities.
A $60m. architecturally commanding fine and performing arts center is slated to open in 2007 and joins the Tarble Arts Center as a focus for campus and regional cultural events. The new Doudna Fine Arts Center, designed by renowned architect, Antoine Predock, will feature multiple performance auditoria, concert halls and lecture spaces.
A recent University campaign attracted over $11m. and a new campaign for $40m. will be launched in 2007.
The University has a strong partnership with the EIU Foundation and with the University Alumni whose support of the University has been growing in recent years. Community leaders in both Charleston and the east central region of Illinois work closely and well with the University on economic development issues, enjoying a personal relationship with the Office of the President. Town-gown relationships are cordial and work well.
Eastern Illinois University’s Board of Trustees has a strong record of collaboration with the entire campus. The campus has enjoyed long, stable, trusted leadership in its Board, President and senior officers.
Excerpted from the EIU Presidential Search Profile (December 2006)
