EIU Media Relations

EIU Board of Trustees meeting results: January 23, 2025

(Charleston, IL) — Eastern Illinois University’s regular January Board of Trustees meeting took place Thursday afternoon, January 23, in EIU’s Tarble Arts Center, located on its Charleston, Illinois-based campus.

Outcomes of the meeting included approval of the official naming of the Gardella Family Volleyball Court at McAfee Gymnasium. McAfee once served as the University’s primary Athletics facility until 1967, when Lantz Gymnasium first became operational. With support from a donation from Eastern Illinois alumnus Joe Gardella ('89) and the Gardella family, EIU’s volleyball facility will be housed exclusively in the South Gym of McAfee, lending the volleyball team a distinct home court advantage and a notable connection to EIU’s past in the historic University building.

In other action, the board voted to reaffirm the University’s mission and vision following EIU’s reaffirmation of accredited status by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) through the 2034-35 academic year. The reaccreditation decision, effective January 7, 2025, followed a comprehensive evaluation by HLC’s Institutional Actions Council (IAC). The board also voted to extend the personnel contract of current EIU President Jay Gatrell from July 2025 through June 2029. Athletics Director Tom Michael also provided the board with annual updates about EIU’s Athletics programs and student-athlete achievements. Faculty, staff and student senate representatives also shared regular reports and updates.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.