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Description
Oral history interview with Illinois State University alum Tori Farmer, Class of 1991, 1993, and 1997. The interview was conducted by Milner Library Digitization Center Coordinator Karmine Beecroft on August 23, 2024.
Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Farmer was the first in her immediate family to go to college. Her decision to attend ISU was influenced by an older cousin’s experience there, and she immediately fell in love with the campus on a visit. Farmer’s undergraduate journey began with her majoring in accounting, a subject she enjoyed in high school, but she ultimately changed to communications due to the limited representation of Black women in the field. Driven by her lifelong interest in journalism, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications and went on to earn two additional master’s degrees at ISU in communications and educational administration. She is currently pursuing a PhD in educational administration, focusing on leadership, equity, and inquiry.
Farmer describes her undergraduate years as a period of significant personal growth. As a sheltered, introverted first-generation college student, she initially struggled to adapt to the social and academic demands of college life, especially within the overwhelmingly large lecture halls. She eventually found her footing and credits her involvement in organizations like the Black Student Union, Student Government Association, and ISU NAACP chapter for helping her connect with her peers and develop a strong sense of identity. Her experience with SGA was particularly impactful, giving her the opportunity to advocate for fellow students, learn about the formalities of governance, and gain confidence in leadership.
As a resident at Wright Hall, Farmer built deep friendships with her roommates that have lasted to the present. She says that once they moved off campus together their dynamic resembled the TV sitcom Friends. Farmer’s friends, who she views as sisters, continue to celebrate holidays and life milestones with each other. They often return to ISU for Homecoming and visit landmarks from their time as students.
In addition to her academics and social network, Farmer gained formative professional experience through her roles within ISU’s Office of Residential Life. Starting as a night manager and then becoming a resident director, she learned essential skills in conflict resolution, training, and community building and received professional mentorship that later shaped her career in human resources. One story she shares is of meeting a former resident whom she had recommended for dismissal from campus housing. The man thanked her for her intervention, recognizing that the experience had been a positive turning point in his life.
Farmer especially remembers communications professor Dr. Craig Cutbirth for his personalized support and mentorship. She also recalls how her friends gave her nickname "Tori" due to a professor’s repeated mispronunciation of her full name, Latoria. She recalls this as a positive experience as it stood out as a tangible moment of allyship on the part of her classmates.
As a communications major, Farmer paid close attention to the news. She recalls monitoring the movement for universities to divest from South Africa during apartheid, as well as events like the O.J. Simpson trial and Rodney King case. Her experience as a student of color at ISU was significant in helping her appreciate the importance of advocacy, and her time in student organizations allowed her to become more outspoken and engaged in social issues. She credits these early advocacy experiences as essential in shaping her career focus on equity and inclusion.
In the final moments of the interview, Farmer reflects on how her academic and professional trajectory at ISU has come full circle. Recently encouraged by ISU President Aondover Tarhule to pursue her PhD, she feels her educational journey is continuing with great purpose. She expresses a hope that ISU will continue to support students at all stages of their academic journey, especially those in transition periods, to help them make the most of their experiences.
Interview Date
8-23-2024
Index
- Introduction; Farmer’s early life and family background: 00:00-01:31
- Choosing ISU; changing majors: 01:33-03:31
- Transitioning from undergraduate to graduate school: 03:31-05:53
- Pursuing a PhD: 05:53-06:33; 38:40-41:00
- Dormitory and off-campus living; lifelong friendships: 06:33-10:01
- Favorite professors and classes: 10:01-12:37
- Academic challenges: 12:37-15:15
- Adapting to college life; joining student organizations: 15:15-23:47
- Memorable experiences working in Residence Life: 23:47-26:52
- Social hangouts: 26:52-28:24
- Keeping abreast of current events; student activism: 28:24-33:09
- Fashion trends: 33:09-34:11
- ISU sports memories: 34:11-36:18
- Identity and ISU experience: 36:18-38:40
- Changes she would make at ISU: 41:00-43:45
- Closing reflections; conclusion: 43:45-44:36
Recommended Citation
Farmer, Tori, "Interview with Tori Farmer, Class of 1991, 1993, and 1997" (1991). Alumni Oral Histories. 77.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/aoh/77