University representatives attend immersion trip with NCUE

ISU staff pose in front of the Garfield Park Conservatory.

On October 7, The National Center for Urban Education (NCUE) sponsored an immersion trip to Chicago for Illinois State University staff and community partners to learn more about urban public schools and how the University can better prepare future educators to meet the needs of these schools and others.

The Dr. Judy Smithson Scholarship honors students’ unique journeys

Window roof inside a library

The Dr. Judy Smithson Scholarship was established in 2000 to honor Smithson, director emerita of Illinois State’s Student Access and Accommodation Services. The scholarship encourages students with disabilities to pursue graduate school, enhance their career, and/or achieve a certification in their field.

First-generation students reflect on college journeys

First-generation students, from left, Ash Ebikhumi, Makiah Watson ’22, and Christian Arceo.

Of Illinois State University’s 18,000 undergraduates, more than 3,000 students—17% —are the first in their family to attend college. Three first-generation students—Ash Ebikhumi, Christian Arceo, and Makiah Watson—share their stories of navigating college.