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Chicago State University

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Chicago State University
NameChicago State University
Established1867
TypePublic university
Endowment$4.1 million (2021)
PresidentZaldwaynaka "Z" Scott
CityChicago
StateIllinois
CountryUnited States
CampusUrban, 161 acres
Students2,364 (Fall 2023)
Faculty207 (Fall 2023)
ColorsGreen & White
NicknameCougars
AffiliationsMidwestern Higher Education Compact, American Association of State Colleges and Universities

Chicago State University. It is a public university located on the far south side of Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1867 as a teacher training school, the institution has evolved into a comprehensive university offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It is classified among "D/PU: Doctoral/Professional Universities" and is recognized as a Predominantly Black Institution and a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

History

The institution was established in 1867 as the Cook County Normal School, aimed at training teachers for the growing Chicago Public Schools system. Its early leadership included notable educators like Francis Wayland Parker, a pioneer of the progressive education movement. In 1897, the school was renamed Chicago Normal School and later became Chicago Teachers College, moving to its present location in the Roseland neighborhood in 1972. It gained university status and its current name in 1971, expanding its mission beyond teacher education. A significant chapter in its history involved a protracted legal battle where it successfully compelled the release of the undergraduate academic records of former U.S. President Barack Obama from Harvard University in 2015, a case that drew national attention.

Academics

The university is organized into several colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Health Sciences. It offers over 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with notable strengths in education, nursing, criminal justice, and business administration. The Doctor of Pharmacy program is a key professional offering. The university maintains accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for programs like its NCATE-accredited education curricula. It also hosts specialized centers such as the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing, named for the famed Poet Laureate of Illinois.

Campus

The 161-acre urban campus is situated in the Roseland community on Chicago's south side, bounded by streets like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The campus architecture is predominantly modern, with key facilities including the Cordell Reed Student Union Building, the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center, and the recently renovated Jacoby Dickens Center. The university library, named for the first African American president of the institution, holds special collections related to African American literature and history. The campus also features the Cook County Forest Preserve's Eggers Grove, providing a natural area adjacent to the university grounds.

Student life

Student life is supported by over 60 registered student organizations, including fraternities and sororities from the National Pan-Hellenic Council and other governing bodies. The university has an active student government association and groups centered on academic interests, culture, and community service. Major annual events include homecoming festivities and cultural celebrations that reflect the diverse student body. Campus media includes the student-run newspaper. Many students are commuters from the Chicago metropolitan area, and the university provides support services through offices like the Office of Student Affairs and the Center for Counseling and Wellness.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Cougars, compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Northeast Conference. They joined this conference in 2024 after a long tenure in the Western Athletic Conference. The school fields teams in sports including men's and women's basketball, cross country, track and field, and women's volleyball. Home games are primarily held in the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center. The university's colors are green and white, and its mascot is the cougar.

Notable alumni

Notable alumni include several influential figures in politics, education, and the arts. Timuel Black, a renowned historian, civil rights activist, and educator, earned his degree here. Political figures include former U.S. Representative Mel Reynolds and former Chicago Alderman Toni Preckwinkle, who now serves as President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. In entertainment, actress and comedian Kim Coles is an alumna. The university also counts among its graduates numerous leaders in Chicago Public Schools administration and Illinois state government.

Category:Universities and colleges in Chicago Category:Public universities and colleges in Illinois Category:1867 establishments in Illinois