EIU President Jay Gatrell announced in his spring update that EIU has been reaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission through 2034 among other updates.
Eastern Illinois University’s first-time full-time student enrollment declined last semester with only 30 such students enrolling—varying from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s national report which increased.
EIU has faced a continued decline in enrollment as international student enrollment has stalled, Gatrell said. This remains a serious concern, he said, alongside the uncertainty of VISA practices.
This caused Gatrell to call for the university to manage costs as well as limit staffing to remain stable in an environment of declining revenue.
To help with this, a proposed funding formula Town Hall will be held on Monday in the Doudna Fine Arts Center’s Lecture Hall starting at 4 p.m.
This event will be open to both those on campus and in the community.
Another funding topic discussed includes $100,000 to support scholarships that are included in startup packages, equipment and research funding for new faculty, in fiscal year 2026 and beyond, according to Gatrell.
Last month, EIU’s Giving Blue Day raised over $100,000 for the first time in the initiative’s history which is more than double the average of all prior years.
Campus improvements and additions are imminent, he said. The Student Recreation Center will have new floors, and the upcoming addition of a new science building will “bring new life to south campus,” said Gatrell.
Gatrell also provided an ITS update. The university has been in the process of switching to Microsoft Teams phones and has an additional 100 phone lines, Gatrell said. Many full-time faculty and staff members now have a phone for the first time in years.
Furthermore, 120 new computers were deployed with 200 computers set to be delivered by the end of the fiscal year.
Gatrell highlighted that there will be more cybersecurity tests in the future like the email phishing campaign to maintain vigilance in staff.
Closing out the update, Gatrell recognized EIU athletes and Ohio Valley honorees graduate student Mackenzie Aldridge of the cross-country team and senior Chad Smith of the soccer team for their work both in athletics and academics.
EIU student athletes have surpassed all three NCAA academic success measures and a graduation rate among the demographic of 90%, according to Gatrell.
Luke Brewer can be reached at 581-2812 or at lsbrewer@eiu.edu.