By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – The message from Illinois State University President Larry Dietz during his annual State of the University address was much the same as last year – ISU is strong and stable.

This is despite all the problems presented at the state level.

“We brought in the largest freshmen class last year in 26 years, growing total enrollment, and increasing the number of underrepresented students,” said Dietz. “While building quality, increasing our prestige, while also contributing to our bottom line.”

Dietz said Illinois State will continue to put students first.

“And again, I do not see a circumstance where we will have to resort to layoffs or furlough days,” said Dietz. “Something that is already happened and will continue to happen, in my estimation, at many other colleges and universities throughout the state.”

Illinois State will continue to front MAP grant funding for its students as long as the state is not providing that money. Dietz said the school has a “moral and ethical” contract to support its students.

Dietz added faculty and staff deserve to be rewarded for their work. He plans to push for a merit based raise midway through the year.

“In this continuing climate of financial uncertainty, I cannot make a guarantee. But I do what you to know that it is important to me, you deserve it, and I will be working on it,” Dietz said.

Dietz also continued his plea to state lawmakers to put partisanship aside and come to a conclusion in the state’s budget impasse.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].