Recent News

EIU named to 2026 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll

Eastern Illinois University has once again earned national recognition from Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) as one of the nation's most transfer-friendly institutions, highlighting the University's success in serving and supporting transfer students. PTK noted t...

Jul 22, 2026, 11:52am EDT

Community Service Leave is one of several ways Eastern Illinois University encourages employee engagement and community partnership. The program complements the university's broader mission of fostering civic responsibility and creating positive impacts across the communities it serves through the work of its students, faculty and staff.

EIU Expands Community Impact through Employee Volunteer Program

Eastern Illinois University is strengthening its commitment to community engagement through its Community Service Leave program, which provides eligible employees with paid time to volunteer with nonprofit organizations and community agencies throughou...

Jul 22, 2026, 11:51am EDT

EIU Business and Accounting Programs Earn AACSB Reaccreditation Through 2031

Eastern Illinois University's School of Business has earned reaffirmation of accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, extending accreditation of its business and accounting degree programs thro...

Jul 22, 2026, 11:51am EDT

New EIU Gameday app available for Panther fans; Panther Club Annual Fund launches for 2026-27

Eastern Illinois University Athletics has launched an enhanced version of the official EIU Gameday mobile app, providing Panther fans with an updated way to stay connected throughout the 2026-27 athletics season. Powered by SIDEARM Sports, the free EI...

Jul 15, 2026, 12:19pm EDT

For decades, Eastern has served as the home of the Smith Walbridge Clinics, providing an affordable, accessible environment where participants can develop technical skills, leadership abilities and professional connections. The partnership reflects EIU's broader mission of making high-quality educational experiences available to learners from a wide range of backgrounds, both within and beyond the traditional classroom.

Eastern Illinois University continues longstanding tradition of hosting Smith Walbridge Clinics

Eastern Illinois University is welcoming hundreds of music educators, students and performers from across the country as the Smith Walbridge Clinics return to campus for another summer, continuing a decades-long partnership that reflects the University...

Jul 15, 2026, 12:09pm EDT

EIU Mascot Billy the Panther sports an EIU Alumni shirt. Following EIU's most recent Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies, Billy is encouraging new or established EIU alumni to join or renew their memberships to the EIU Alumni Association by calling 800-ALUM-EIU (800-258-6348).

Become a member of the EIU Alumni Association

The Eastern Illinois University Alumni Association is on the prowl, inviting their network of Panther alums to explore joining the association as new or returning members. Becoming a member of EIU's Alumni Association offers a list of exclusive benefi...

Jul 15, 2026, 12:02pm EDT

Mark Wilson has been named Eastern Illinois University's next Director of Athletics. Wilson will begin his tenure as Eastern Illinois University's AD on September 1, 2026, taking the helm of a Panther Athletics program coming off a successful 2025-26 campaign that included Ohio Valley Conference championships in volleyball, softball, and men's outdoor track and field, NCAA Tournament appearances in volleyball and softball, and a second place finish in the OVC Commissioner's Cup.

Eastern Illinois University names Mark Wilson Director of Athletics

Mark Wilson has been named Eastern Illinois University's next Director of Athletics. One of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision's most accomplished leaders, Wilson brings more than three decades of Division I experience to EIU. He previously spe...

Jul 15, 2026, 9:06am EDT

EIU to host Illinois TRIO 2026 Student Leadership Conference June 26-28

Eastern Illinois University will welcome more than 150 students, alumni, educators and TRIO professionals from across Illinois June 26-28 for the Illinois TRIO 2026 Student Leadership Conference, themed "Leaders in MOTION: Rooted. Rising. Relentless." ...

Jun 25, 2026, 3:25pm EDT

Dr. Kenneth Spells, an alumnus of Eastern Illinois University, became the Superintendent of the Hoke County School District (North Carolina) on January 3, 2024. With more than 25 years of experience in education, Dr. Spells has a proven track record of improving student achievement and community engagement. He recently earned national distinction for his service- and student-centered practices in a recent issue of District Administration, a print and digital media agency serving top K12 leaders at virtually every school district in the U.S.

EIU educational leaders making an impact across Illinois and beyond

When Dr. Kenneth Spells reflects on his career in educational leadership, he is quick to share that Eastern Illinois University played an important role in helping prepare him for the work of serving students, families and communities. Spells, superin...

Jun 24, 2026, 1:33pm EDT

Former Daily Eastern News journalist Cam’ron Hardy part of Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune series.

Hardy in the Heartland -- EIU Alum's journey leads to Pulitzer Prize

Eastern Illinois University alumnus Cam'ron Hardy's college journey began as a student journalist at The Daily Eastern News. Today, he is a contributing reporter on a Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune project, reflecting the transformative opportu...

Jun 3, 2026, 2:07pm EDT

About Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University offers more than just an excellent education – we provide comprehensive support in academics, financial aid and personal support to ensure your success in both school and your future. With 93 majors (and 96 minors!), small class sizes, academic support programs, and a closely-knit campus community, Eastern is meticulously designed to help you maximize your time here. And it all comes at a cost that makes the EIU experience a tremendous value.