A bold vision for Illinois State University’s future includes a not-so-subtle nod to its past.
Illinois State is retiring its 100-year-old official nickname of “Redbirds” and will henceforth be known as the “Fighting Pedagogues,” the University announced Saturday.
A pedagogue is a teacher or schoolmaster. The new nickname pays homage to the University’s original, unofficial nickname of “Fighting Teachers.” Illinois State was founded in 1857 as a “normal” school with the primary purpose of preparing teachers to work in Illinois schools.
“We produce more teachers than any other school in the state, so the new nickname is quite appropriate.”
Interim President Aondover Tarhule
“While Illinois State University prepares its students to be successful in a vast array of fields and careers, preparing students for careers in education remains at our core,” said Illinois State Interim President Aondover Tarhule. “We produce more teachers than any other school in the state, so the new nickname is quite appropriate.
“And we plan to show—or teach, if you will—our competition what Illinois State is all about.”
The new nickname will be personified through a new mascot: Pedagogue Pat. A gruff, bespectacled educator wearing a mortarboard cap, academic regalia, and boxing gloves, Pedagogue Pat will be the face of Illinois State University’s future.
“Reggie Redbird has earned a well-deserved retirement, and we know he’ll provide Pedagogue Pat some pointers as he heads off into the sunset,” said Illinois State Assistant Director for Trademark Licensing and Project Communications Dani Schroeder, M.S. ’14. “We’re excited to work with our partners to develop apparel and merchandise that inspire #PedagoguePride.”
The first piece in a new apparel line from Homefield Apparel is available now.
The Fighting Pedagogues and Pedagogue Pat will be most visible through intercollegiate athletics. Plans are underway to replace signage and logos throughout Illinois State’s athletics facilities. New uniforms and athletic apparel have already been ordered ahead of the 2023-24 athletic seasons, confirmed Director of Athletics Kyle Brennan.
“In Division I athletics, you have to be ahead of the curve and willing to embrace change,” Brennan said. “Becoming the Fighting Pedagogues will really distinguish Illinois State from other institutions. No other school is using such a unique nickname.
“This is the dawn of a new era at Illinois State, and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it.”
