Milner getting $89M upgrade

[Jon99]

First time I have seen this, seems like more propping up of EIU, WIU and SIU that needs to be done, money better spent at ISU..


The projects include $15.8 million for a new nursing lab at Chicago State University, $118.8 million for a new science building at Eastern Illinois University, $89 million for renovations of Illinois State University’s Milner Library and $83 million for a communications building at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale among several others.
In capital funds, the University of Illinois system will receive $815 million, Southern Illinois $295 million, Western Illinois $222 million, Illinois State $195 million, Eastern Illinois $147 million, Northern Illinois $140 million, Northeastern Illinois $132 million, Chicago State University $119 million and Governors State $33 million.

 

[Bdub777]

Just in case you don’t know, State capital funds can’t be used for sports facilities at colleges as a general rule....

 

[Reggie Redbird]

ISU should be #2 or 3 on that list, competing with the combined entity of SIU-C/SIU-E. After seeing the deal that WIU gave its departing President, I don't think I could trust their Board of Trustees to make sound judgments.

While the library here is important, I wish I was seeing money for a College of Nursing building that can be used to develop high-quality nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians assistants.

 

[leeno33]

ISU should be #2 or 3 on that list, competing with the combined entity of SIU-C/SIU-E. After seeing the deal that WIU gave its departing President, I don't think I could trust their Board of Trustees to make sound judgments.

While the library here is important, I wish I was seeing money for a College of Nursing building that can be used to develop high-quality nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians assistants.

There have been "plans" for at least 7-8 years now. Originally, the current modular building that houses the nursing simulation labs and a good chunk of nursing classes was only supposed to be in place for about 3 years. It was then supposed to where the south campus dorms used to be. I believe that's still the plan, but not sure why nothing truly official has been announced or why funds haven't been fully appropriated for it yet. Maybe they can't make a commitment. They did at least renovate part of the first floor and added some nice office space a couple/few years ago.
Despite that. ISU still has a very good nursing program that churns out good nurses, and is well respected.

 

[CaliRdBrd]

What’s a library?

 

[SgtHulka]

Thanks Muller

 

[Hamdonger]

What’s a library?

I think it's a place to meet chicks.

 

[Jon99]

Feels like this is penalizing ISU for being successful, what a joke

 

[ChiRedbirdfan]

Feels like this is penalizing ISU for being successful, what a joke

:text-+1: how about it. why does it seem like ISU is the runt of the litter? Is it the boards’s fault or leadership's or the state representatives in ISU’s district...etc?

 

[Bird Friend]

Feels like this is penalizing ISU for being successful, what a joke

:text-+1: how about it. why does it seem like ISU is the runt of the litter? Is it the boards’s fault or leadership's or the state representatives in ISU’s district...etc?

Obviously, it's Muller's and Lyons' faults . . .

 

[TIMMY]

Feels like this is penalizing ISU for being successful, what a joke

:text-+1: how about it. why does it seem like ISU is the runt of the litter? Is it the boards’s fault or leadership's or the state representatives in ISU’s district...etc?

Obviously, it's Muller's and Lyons' faults . . .

What? No pseudo tough guy name calling?

 

[gobirds85]

Our lobbying effort in Springfield has a lot to be desired and it has been that way for some time. The state is propping up EIU, WIU, NIU, and SIU-C. They are throwing our tax $$$ down the rabbit hole. This state needs to take a good, hard look at the current state of higher education in Illinois, but don't hold your breath. No politician wants to travel back to the home district with news of budgetary cuts and layoffs. A few years ago President Bowman, at the time, called it "right sizing." No one has a set to make it happen and to be quite frank, it's a tough call.

 

[Seven]

Muller and Lyons not having enough clout in Springfield just cost this school millions!!

 

[SgtHulka]

Books are so 1990 :roll:

Thanks ISU

 

[MississippiBird13]

I hope eventually ISU explores opening a school of medicine or engineering. The quickest way to get investment in a university seems to be those programs. Not sure why ISU has never tapped in to it full on. I understand we are a teaching school and now becoming known for business as well. Just looking at schools that have had the most success financially and sports wise are in markets like isu and have one or both of those educational programs. $195 million from the state is great. Means the fine arts complex will finally get done as well as other improvements like the new uhigh and Metcalf schools possibly at the Gregory street property.

 

[ISUBird]

I thought they already are exploring adding engineering.