Academic Retrenchment and Social Redirection: 1977-2007

Authors

Illinois State University, University Marketing and Communications
Eye to Eye Productions

Files

Description

Summary: Lloyd Watkins becomes 13^th president – Watkins’ tenure characterized by revision of academic policies and standards – university faces significant budget troubles – laboratory schools reorganized into independent school district – tuition hikes and low faculty morale – integration of computer technology into university operations – alcohol-fueled parties in Normal lead to police crackdowns and Beer Riots in 1984 – Big Red Marching Machine wins accolades – first Illinois Shakespeare Festival held at Ewing Manor – construction of Redbird Arena funded by increased student fees – budget woes return and tuition raised again – frustrated by continued deficits, Watkins steps down – Thomas Wallace appointed 14^th president, immediately moves to increase fundraising and “privatize public higher education,” leading to faculty salary increases, enrollment caps, and doubling of endowment – Katie School of Insurance and Center for Mathematics, Science, and Education open – Wallace unilaterally moves to close University Museums and eliminate College of Continuing Education – Illinois Board of Higher Education recommends cutting many additional programs, including Department of Agriculture – Wallace strenuously objects, but is not able to save them all – the university purchases several nearby buildings, builds additional parking structures, and secures funding for a new science building – institutional identity review undertaken, resulting in revised logo and motto – faculty hold no confidence vote in Wallace, he resigns – David Strand steps in as 15^th president – state Board of Regents system transitions to Board of Trustees – budget pressures ease – Mennonite College of Nursing established – Strand oversees a period of growth and renewal – investiture ceremony held to welcome Victor Boschini as the 16^th president – Educating Illinois strategic plan publicized – state once again decreases funding, leading to layoffs and hiring freeze – Boschini departs for a better-funded institution – faculty member Al Bowman steps in as next president – State Farm College of Business building opens – Redefining “normal” fundraising campaign raises almost $100 million  – sesquicentennial celebration held.

Publication Date

2006

Publisher

Illinois State University, University Marketing and Communications

City

Normal, IL

Recommended Citation

Illinois State University, University Marketing and Communications and Eye to Eye Productions, "Academic Retrenchment and Social Redirection: 1977-2007" (2006). Illinois State University History Video Series. 6.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/isu-videos/6