WIU Receives $18,000 Grant From Dot Foods Charitable Foundation

Sep 22 2026

Western Illinois University has received an $18,000 grant from the Dot Foods Charitable Foundation to support food purchases for the University's food pantry.

WIU Honors Dean Billy Clow’s Legacy with The Clow Theatre

Sep 21 2026

“A Season of Joy” is a fitting name for the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts inaugural season as it honors a special man who gave so much to the arts at Western Illinois University, the late dean William T. “Billy” Clow.

New Emergency Operations Center Unveiled at WIU

Sep 21 2026

On Monday, Sept. 21, Western Illinois University held a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new Emergency Operations Center, cementing WIU’s emergency management program and School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) spot as one of the nation’s best.

Emergency Operations Center Ribbon Cutting Sept. 21

Sep 17 2026

Western Illinois University is inviting the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21 on the first floor of Sallee Hall.

WIU Officially Opens Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts

Sep 15 2026

Western Illinois University celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts on Tuesday, Sept. 15, joined by students and the Macomb community.

WIU Ranked No. 4 in Most Affordable College Towns By Realtor

Sep 14 2026

Western Illinois University has been named to the America’s Most Affordable College Towns, by Realtor coming in at No. 4.

Illinois Regional College Fair Returns to WIU

Sep 11 2026

Western Illinois University will host the Illinois Regional College Fair (IRCF) from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, offering prospective students and families an opportunity to explore college options and connect directly with representatives from colleges and universities across the region.

Chicken Wire Empire to Hit The Stage Sept. 16 in GCPA!

Sep 09 2026

Chicken Wire Empire will hit the stage for the first show in the Goldfarb for Performing Arts Center (GCPA) on the Western Illinois University Macomb campus, Wednesday, Sept. 16, as part of the “A Season of Joy” opening season.

Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts Ribbon Cutting on Sept. 15

Sep 08 2026

The time has come! Western Illinois University is thrilled to announce a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15.

WIU Student Engagement Center First Look Today

Aug 25 2026

The Western Illinois University Office of Student Engagement welcomes the campus community to take a first look at the new Student Engagement Center.

LEJA Earns Top Marks in National Rankings

Aug 20 2026

Western Illinois University’s School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) continues to be recognized as one of the premier programs in the country.

Western Illinois University’s For the W campaign passes $75 million mark

Aug 18 2026

The Western Illinois University Foundation reached $75 million in contributions and passed an important milestone in its For the W campaign on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. The For the W Campaign was publicly launched on Sept. 23, 2022.

WIU Athletics Installs New Turf Ahead of 2026 Football Season

Aug 07 2026

Western Illinois University Athletics is gearing up for the 2026 football season with newly installed turf at Hanson Field.

WIU Earns 2026 Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Transfer Honor Roll Recognition

Jul 29 2026

A continued commitment to supporting transfer students has earned Western Illinois University a spot on the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society Transfer Honor Roll.

WIU Alumna Represents Illinois at National Rural Education Summit

Jul 21 2026

Western Illinois University alumna Ruth Owusu-Ansah, a special education teacher at Bushnell-Prairie City High School and graduate of WIU's Organization, Leadership and Education (OJEI) doctoral program, recently represented Illinois at the Rural Schools Collaborative (RSC) 2026 Rural Education Summit in Madison, WI.

Graduate Student Selected as Speaker at Cybersecurity Summit

Jul 13 2026

Western Illinois University continues to demonstrate leadership in cybersecurity education and research as WIU Cybersecurity graduate student Abiodun Damilare Adebanjo served as a Student Spotlight Speaker at the Cybersecurity Across Disciplines (CyAD) Summit 2026, held in June at Moraine Valley Community College.

WIU Alumnus Alex Degman Featured on NPR's 'Here & Now' For Climate Reporting

Jul 10 2026

Western Illinois University Broadcasting and Journalism alumnus Alex Degman (‘08), of Chicago, IL, recently had his reporting featured nationally on NPR's Here & Now and All Things Considered, highlighting how lessons learned from Chicago's devastating 1995 heat wave continue to shape the city's response to extreme heat and climate change.

Introducing: College of Business, Health, and Community Programs

Jul 07 2026

As part of Western Illinois University’s transition to a two college system on Wednesday, July 1, the new College of Business, Health, and Community Programs (CBHCP) will serve as a hub for career-focused education, workforce development and community engagement across a diverse portfolio of academic disciplines.

Introducing: College of Humanities, Arts, Sciences, and Education

Jul 07 2026

As part of Western Illinois University’s transition to a two college system on Wednesday, July 1, the new College of Humanities, Arts, Sciences, and Education (CHASE) builds on Western's proud tradition of preparing future educators and will offer new opportunities to combine creativity, scientific inquiry, and interdisciplinary learning.

Jim Miner: A Lifetime of Service and Philanthropy at WIU

Jul 02 2026

Jim Miner is a familiar face to many people in Macomb and Western Illinois University. As a lifelong resident, Miner earned both a bachelor of Business degree and a master's degree in Student Personnel from WIU in the early 1970s. His years at the University shaped not only his professional career but also his personal life, where he met his wife, raised a family and established a lifelong commitment to the institution.

From Participants to Mentors: The Impact of WIU Summer Camps

Jul 02 2026

Summer camp is a chance to explore new interests, build friendships and spend a week learning something new. At Western Illinois University, those experiences are also creating a lasting legacy as former campers return years later as counselors and instructors, helping inspire the next generation of campers.

Kinser Named WIU Lincoln Laureate Nominee

Jun 22 2026

Western Illinois University is proud to recognize senior Kylie Kinser, Speech Pathology and Audiology major of Greenfield, IL, as the school’s nominee for the Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate Award.

WIU Agriculture Students Earn Top Honors at NACTA Judging Conference

Jun 17 2026

Students from the Western Illinois University School of Agriculture earned multiple team and individual honors at the 2026 North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Judging Conference, hosted by Illinois State University April 22-25 in Bloomington, IL.

Purple and Gold Points a Success in its First Year

Jun 09 2026

Student engagement at Western Illinois University rose under the first year of the Purple & Gold Points program.

Western Illinois University Enhances Opportunities with New Two College System

Jun 02 2026

As part of a strategic effort to provide excellent academic and experiential opportunities for students, Western Illinois University is transitioning to a two college system, effective July 1.

WIU Alumna Melissa Frank-Alston Builds National Career in Higher Education Leadership

May 28 2026

A Western Illinois University alumna is advancing into a prominent new leadership role in higher education.

WIU–QC Engineering Students Celebrate Success of Senior Projects

May 11 2026

The WIU–QC Engineering Senior Projects showcase the culmination of years of learning, collaboration and hands-on problem solving. Each project represents the creativity, persistence and technical skill of our graduating seniors as they apply their knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. We are proud to highlight the work of multiple student teams whose efforts reflect both strong technical achievement and professional growth.

What a Difference a Day Made: WIU’s Western Challenge 2026

Apr 27 2026

What a difference a day made! Western Illinois University pride was in full force April 24, as WIU hosted the annual Western Challenge on Purple and Gold Day. The event spanned 24 hours and raised $423,911 with 1,012 donors. The 1,000th donor unlocked a $1,000 scholarship gift from WIU President Kristi Mindrup. The 2026 gifts surpassed the 2025 challenge and donors.

WIU Co-Hosts ACDA 2026 Central Region Conference

Apr 21 2026

Dance is power, personal, cultural and transformative. Western Illinois University, in collaboration with Illinois State University, co-hosted the American College Dance Association (ACDA) 2026 Central Region Conference in March, bringing together 22 colleges and universities from Maryland, Texas, California, Arizona, Missouri, Michigan and Illinois for a dynamic celebration of movement and expression.

WIU Agriculture Students Earn National Honors at PAS Conference

Apr 14 2026

Western Illinois University School of Agriculture (Ag) celebrates the success of members of the WIU Professional Agricultural Students (PAS) organization who competed at the 2026 National PAS Conference, held March 9-12 at Chateau on the Lake in Branson, MO.

WIU Hosts Illinois Supreme Court “Riding the Circuit” Program

Apr 09 2026

Western Illinois University hosted the Illinois Supreme Court as part of its “Riding the Circuit” program March 11, bringing approximately 500 students, community members and special guests to the University Union Grand Ballroom.

WIU Student Organizations Reach 10 Royal Neighbors Chapters

Apr 08 2026

Western Illinois University student organizations have reached a milestone in their partnership with Royal Neighbors of America, establishing 10 Royal Neighbors volunteer chapters connected to student groups on campus.

WIU and Moline-Coal Valley School District Announce Lincoln-Irving Transition to WIU-QC Campus

Apr 01 2026

The Moline-Coal Valley School District, in partnership with Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, will temporarily relocate Lincoln-Irving Elementary School to the WIU-QC campus beginning Tuesday, April 7, following Spring Break.

WIU Alumna Angelica Villareal Recognized for Community Impact Across Illinois

Mar 26 2026

The Western Illinois University-Moline School of Education proudly recognizes alumna Angelica Villareal for her impactful work supporting diverse communities across Illinois.

WIU Quad Cities Counseling Program Receives Eight-Year CACREP Reaffirmation

Mar 24 2026

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling graduate programs at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities have received reaffirmation of accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), continuing a longstanding accreditation held since 1987.

Nicastro, Leathernecks Highlighted Nationally Ahead of NCAA Tournament

Mar 19 2026

Western Illinois women’s basketball is earning national recognition ahead of the NCAA Tournament, as USA Today featured the Leathernecks in its March Madness preview.

Students Make RockyTHON a Success

Mar 18 2026

More than 200 Western Illinois University students helped raise more than $40,000 during the 13th Annual Main EventRockyTHON on March 7.

Mayborn Earns OVC Faculty Honor

Mar 17 2026

Western Illinois University interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Kyle Mayborn was honored by the Ohio Valley Conference, receiving a Faculty Commitment to Student Success Award.

Education That Works for the Quad Cities

Mar 10 2026

Western Illinois University-Quad Cities is entering a new chapter defined by reinvestment and revitalization, as well as a renewed focus on serving students and the Quad Cities region.

Leathernecks Win OVC Tournament Title

Mar 09 2026

The Western Illinois women's basketball team secured the program's first Ohio Valley Conference Tournament championship on Saturday afternoon, defeating Lindenwood 71–65 at the Ford Center.

WIU to Host Illinois Supreme Court Oral Arguments on March 11; Cases Announced

Mar 03 2026

Western Illinois University hosts the 2026 installment of the Illinois Supreme Court’s Riding the Circuit program as justices hear oral arguments in two cases beginning 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, in the University Union Grand Ballroom.

Broadcasting Students Win IBS Awards

Mar 03 2026

Western Illinois University Broadcasting and Journalism students won annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) Awards for “Best Television Talk Show” and were nominated for five other awards.

WIU Community Celebrates Conference-Champion Leathernecks

Mar 03 2026

As March Madness begins, Western Illinois University is proud to celebrate its women’s basketball team, who earned the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) regular season championship for the 2025-26 season.

WIU Alum to be Featured at Obama Presidential Center

Feb 24 2026

After countless hours of dedication, Western Illinois University alumna and nationally-recognized artist and Professor Tyanna J. Buie can now add a new location to her long list of places her work is featured: the Obama Presidential Center.

WIU Student Alexis Miller Accepted into Golden Apple Program

Feb 19 2026

Western Illinois University student Alexis Miller, an Art Education major, of Trivoli, IL, has officially accepted an offer to join the Golden Apple program, an initiative dedicated to strengthening the teaching profession and supporting future educators.

WIU Ag Students Give Strong Showing at PAS Conference

Feb 18 2026

Three Western Illinois University Agriculture students earned the right to compete at nationals during the Spring 2026 Professional Agricultural Students (PAS) Conference on Thursday, Feb. 12.

Western Illinois University Kicks Off Exciting Spring Semester

Feb 09 2026

Western Illinois University’s Spring 2026 semester is in full swing, and WIU is celebrating new funding for high-impact programming, retention gains, athletic performance, and student achievements. The semester is full of great events that highlight high-achieving WIU students.

Former Leatherneck Frisman Jackson Coaching in Super Bowl

Feb 05 2026

Western Illinois University will be cheering on one of their own on Super Bowl Sunday as alumnus and Seattle Seahawks wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson will be coaching in the big game.

WIU Student Audrey Pender Earns Prestigious Project Business Professional Certification

Jan 27 2026

Western Illinois University proudly celebrates Political Science and Law student Audrey Pender for earning the Project Business Professional (PBP) certification, a prestigious credential from the Project Business Foundation that emphasizes project management with a strong focus on business and contractual aspects.

WIU Livestock Judging Team Earns National Championship, Top-Five Finish at Major Competitions

Jan 26 2026

Western Illinois University’s Livestock Judging Team earned national recognition this season, placing in the top five at the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, OK and being named the 2026 National Western Stock Show Senior College Champion Team in Denver, CO.

Looking for more? Search the University News archive.

View and search all Western Illinois University news, provided by University Communications.