Alumni

A college student reads a book to a class of students.

Daughter of educators seeks to inspire students

Senior elementary education major Nia Franklin, who hopes to teach fourth grade, received the Dr. Jeanne B. Morris and Dr. Charles E. Morris College of Education Fund scholarship.

Joseph Zolper on the quad at Illinois State University

Service never stops for Army veteran and mental health advocate Joseph Zolper ’15

Army veteran Joseph Zolper '15 is connecting service members across the country with mental health resources through the Road Home Program.

From classroom to campus change: Redbird graduate shares advice for future Redbirds

Three degrees, lasting mentorship, and meaningful policy change: Why Kevin Goffard says Illinois State feels like home.

four students outside Redbird Arena in their cap and gowns

Career tips for new alumni

Whether you're heading to grad school, diving into the job market, or still exploring your options, Career Services is here to help you launch your next chapter with confidence.

black and white photo of students filling the lower and upper levels of Capen Auditorium at Illinois State

This month in Illinois State University history: May

From a national reputation for preparing teachers to the namesake of Capen Auditorium, Tom Emery explores this month in Illinois State University history.

A woman with long brown hair wearing glasses and a grey tshirt that says Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society stands in front of a orange, black, and white painted wall with a nameplate stating Ms. DuQuette

Flexible, accessible, and impactful: Early Childhood Education Online Workforce Program empowers working professionals to obtain licensure

Through the Early Childhood Education Online Workforce Program offered by the School of Teaching and Learning at Illinois State, working professionals can obtain a bachelor’s degree and Professional Educator License.

College of Education announces alumni teaching award winners

The College of Education (COE) will host the 2026 Redbird Educator Teaching Award program on Friday, April 17. Fourteen teachers from across the U.S. will be recognized during the event.

Woman wearing a pink sweater and a multicolored lanyard stands outside in a parking lot holding her arms up towards a sign board that reads "Colonies North Elementary School - Congratulations Educator of the Year Ms. Story"

Shaping lives and strengthening communities: Alumna Peris Story awarded Educator of the Year

Alumna Peris Story was recently awarded the 2025-2026 Educator of the Year Award at Colonies North Elementary in Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas, where she teaches second grade.

Alumni

Classroom Packs

Send a Story

Publications

Stay Connected

Get a Second Degree