Illinois State University, originally named Illinois State Normal University, was founded in 1857 and was the first public institution of higher education in the state. Normal schools were schools specifically designated for the education of teachers.

ISU is located in Normal, Illinois, a town in the central part of the state. The town of Normal took its name from the school, which the school later dropped as it became more diversified. It remains a top school in teaching in Illinois.

Illinois State is also home to the world's tallest (but not largest) dormitory, Watterson Towers, which houses upwards of 2,000 students. The building was completed in 1967.