Our Students Embody Our Values

  • Jude Butch, a College Student Personnel graduate student, was one of four interns from across the nation named “Intern of the Year” by the National Orientation Directors Association.
  • Katie Reiss, a biology major, received an Honors Research Grant to conduct research in Summer 2006 at the Smithsonian Institute and the Field Museum.
  • In August 2006 Western agriculture major Matthew Meyer was one of 15 college students in the nation appointed as a National Collegiate Agriculture Ambassador, a division of Collegiate FFA. Meyer is the only – and the first – ambassador from Illinois.
  • Charles Taylor, a senior art major, was among six students nationwide to have his artwork included in the inaugural edition of Creative Convocation, a national collegiate art magazine.

Our Values

Academic Excellence

Central to our history and tradition is the commitment to teaching, to the individual learner, and to active involvement in the teaching-learning process. Western Illinois University's highly qualified, diverse faculty promotes critical thinking, engaged learning, research and creativity in a challenging, supportive learning community. We are committed to an academic environment that encourages lifelong development as learners, scholars, teachers and mentors.

Educational Opportunity

Western Illinois University values educational opportunity and welcomes those who show promise and a willingness to work toward achieving shared educational goals. We are committed to providing accessible, high quality educational programs and financial support for our students.

Personal Growth

Because Western Illinois University values the development of the whole person, we are committed to providing opportunities for personal growth in an environment that supports the development of wellness, ethical decision making and personal responsibility.

Social Responsibility

Western Illinois University is committed to equity, social justice, and diversity and will maintain the highest standards of integrity in our work with others. We will serve as a resource for and stimulus to economic, educational, cultural, environmental and community development in our region and well beyond.

Students on campus.Our Vision

Western Illinois University will be the leading comprehensive university in the United States.

Our Mission

Western Illinois University, a community of individuals dedicated to learning, will have a profound and positive impact on our changing world through the unique interaction of instruction, research and public service as we educate and prepare a diverse student population to thrive in and contribute to our global society.

For more information visit the WIU Strategic Plan website.