DECATUR, Ill. – For Audrey Soetermans, was always part of the story – but not in the way she expected. 

A second-generation Big Blue student from Rockford, Ill., Soetermans grew up hearing about Ģ����ƵAPP from her mother, Valerie Soetermans, a Class of 1988 graduate, who studied Musical Theatre. Still, Audrey wasn’t sure she wanted to follow the same path. 

That changed the moment she stepped on campus. 

“When I toured Ģ����ƵAPP, I already felt at home,” Soetermans said. “I loved that it had this small, close-knit feel. I wanted a place where I could connect with my professors and not just be a number.” 

Now a senior Commercial Music major, Soetermans has carved out a path uniquely her own — one defined by exploration, artistic growth and a deep commitment to storytelling through music. 

Soetermans’ passion for music began in middle school, where songwriting became both a creative outlet and a calling. 

“I became a very serious songwriter,” she said. “I realized I had to do something with music — I couldn’t not do this.” 

Songwriting allowed her to express thoughts and emotions she struggled to communicate otherwise, shaping the foundation of her artistic voice. 

She arrived at Ģ����ƵAPP as a with a primary focus on viola, but quickly found her interests evolving. She transitioned into and Voice, while continuing to expand her skills across multiple instruments — including violin, electric violin, drums, and piano. 

“I wanted to have as many different skill sets as possible,” she said. “So that whatever people need me for, I can do it.” 

Today, her work blends pop, alternative, and classical influences, reflecting a wide-ranging and evolving creative identity.  

Composition has become one of the most defining aspects of Soetermans’ journey at Ģ����ƵAPP. Through the Ģ����ƵAPP Composers Collective, she found a creative community that pushed her to grow both independently and collaboratively. 

“I’ve really identified more and more as a composer,” she said. 

Her work has already reached an international audience. Two of her compositions were selected for broadcast on Radiophrenia in Glasgow, Scotland, including an original piece inspired by her travels in Europe. 

She continues to explore a range of styles, from contemporary songwriting to formal vocal and instrumental works, often drawing inspiration from literature and personal experiences. 

Some of Soetermans’ most meaningful growth came from opportunities she didn’t initially expect — including joining Ģ����ƵAPP’s University Choir. 

“Being in choir changed my life,” she said. “Singing in European cathedrals and making music with people from all over the world — there’s nothing like it.” 

Those experiences included traveling to France and Belgium, fulfilling a lifelong dream of visiting Paris while performing in historic spaces.  

She also found a deep connection to Ģ����ƵAPP traditions, such as Vespers. 

“It impacts not just Ģ����ƵAPP, but the whole Decatur community,” she said. “Being part of something that meaningful is really special.” 

Through ensembles like OneVoice, she further expanded her musical range, discovering a passion for vocal jazz and collaborative performance. 

Soetermans’ experience reflects Ģ����ƵAPP’s Performance Learning philosophy through hands-on work in the music industry. 

As studio secretary for Ģ����ƵAPP’s student-run recording studio, Millitrax Studios, she helps manage operations, coordinate sessions and lead communications. 

“You learn responsibility, teamwork, and how to bring creative ideas to life,” she said. 

She has participated in numerous recording sessions, often working late into the night with fellow students to complete projects. 

“It’s exhausting, but it’s also really fulfilling,” she said. “You’re part of something bigger than yourself.” 

She has also held leadership roles in the Ģ����ƵAPP Music Business Club, helping organize events and support fellow student artists. 

Scholarships played a critical role in making Soetermans’ Ģ����ƵAPP experience possible. 

“When I received the Merit and Fine Arts scholarships, it truly changed my life,” she said. “It opened a doorway that I wasn’t sure would be opened.” 

Those opportunities allowed her to pursue experiences such as international travel and attending the Welcome to 1979 Producer Summit in Nashville — an experience that helped shape her future goals. 

“It solidified my dream of building a career in Nashville,” she said. 

She also credits the James Ģ����ƵAPP Honors Program with expanding her creativity and perspective, influencing her academic and artistic work. 

As graduation approaches, Soetermans is preparing a deeply personal capstone project — an .” 

“The oldest song on the EP goes back to my senior year of high school,” she said. “It’s really a culmination of everything I’ve created over time.” 

Set for release on April 17, the EP will be available on streaming platforms and accompanied by original visual artwork created by Soetermans for each track. 

The project will culminate in a live release performance that brings together music, storytelling, and visual art into one immersive experience. 

After graduation, Soetermans plans to attend graduate school to continue studying music, with interests in composition, commercial music, and music business. 

“I’ve always thrived in an academic environment,” she said. “I want to keep learning and growing.” 

Her long-term goals include building a career in Nashville while balancing multiple roles as a performer, composer, and educator. 

“I’d love to do a little bit of everything,” she said. 

Being a legacy student has added a meaningful dimension to her Ģ����ƵAPP experience. 

“I take a lot of pride in that connection,” she said. 

As she prepares to graduate, she looks forward to returning to campus alongside her mother as fellow alumni — continuing a shared story that began decades earlier. 

And while her time at Ģ����ƵAPP is coming to a close, the impact it has had is just beginning. In finding her voice, Audrey Soetermans hasn’t just followed a legacy.  

She’s created one of her own. 

DECATUR, Ill. — marked a historic milestone on April 10, 2026, as faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners gathered to celebrate the inauguration of as the University’s 17th President. 

The day’s events — highlighted by a morning brunch and a formal inauguration ceremony — reflected both Ģ����ƵAPP’s deep-rooted traditions and its forward-looking vision during its 125th anniversary year.

A Morning of Community and Celebration

The day began with the Inauguration Brunch in the University Commons, where members of the Ģ����ƵAPP community and regional partners came together in a spirit of fellowship and celebration. The event featured live performances from student musicians, including the Student Jazz Combo, showcasing Ģ����ƵAPP’s commitment to Performance Learning and the arts.

In welcoming guests, Assistant Vice President of Development and Strategic Engagement Alyse Knust noted the strong sense of momentum surrounding the University and President Pribbenow’s early impact in building relationships across campus and throughout Decatur.

Speakers representing staff, alumni, and community partners highlighted Pribbenow’s leadership approach and his emphasis on connection, visibility, and collaboration. Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe emphasized the importance of Ģ����ƵAPP’s leadership within the region and the President's role as both an institutional and community leader.

In his remarks, Pribbenow reflected on gratitude and the collective impact of the Ģ����ƵAPP community, noting that the work taking place on campus extends far beyond classrooms and degrees. 

“What happens on this campus isn’t just about classes or degrees or outcomes. It’s about lives. Real lives, unfolding in real time,” he said. 

Pribbenow also pointed to the significance of the University’s 125th anniversary, encouraging attendees to reflect on Ģ����ƵAPP’s history while embracing its future. 

“Milestones like this encourage us to pause and to reflect on where we’ve been,” he said, “but they also invite us to celebrate what continues to make Ģ����ƵAPP special today,” he said. 

He concluded by reinforcing the institution’s shared mission, noting that “Ģ����ƵAPP belongs to all of us,” and expressing excitement for what lies ahead as the University enters its next chapter.

A Historic Ceremony

The Inauguration Ceremony took place later that afternoon at Kirkland Fine Arts Center, bringing together campus and community voices to celebrate the formal installation of Ģ����ƵAPP’s new leader.

The ceremony opened with a processional led by the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and included the presentation of international flags, symbolizing Ģ����ƵAPP’s global community.

Interim Provost Dr. Nancy Curtin welcomed attendees, describing the inauguration as “a moment of renewal — a chance to reflect on the legacy that brought us here and to look ahead with optimism, purpose, and shared ambition.”

Speakers representing faculty, students, and community partners offered reflections on Pribbenow’s leadership and the importance of collaboration in advancing Ģ����ƵAPP’s mission. Faculty speaker Dr. Michael Hartsock emphasized the relational nature of leadership within a university setting, while Student Representative to the Board of Trustees Kyler Griggs highlighted Pribbenow’s accessibility and his positive impact on the student experience.

Community leaders from Richland Community College and Decatur Public Schools underscored the importance of partnerships in addressing the evolving needs of students and the region, reinforcing Ģ����ƵAPP’s role as a key educational and economic driver in Central Illinois.

The central moment of the ceremony came during the formal investiture, led by , who officially installed Pribbenow as President and presented him with the Presidential Medallion.

In his inaugural address, titled “Ģ����ƵAPP Forward: Forever Blue,” Pribbenow reflected on his first months at the University and the responsibility of leading an institution with a strong legacy and promising future.

“The opportunity to steward this great University is truly a blessing,” Pribbenow said. “I am grateful to the Trustees and the Ģ����ƵAPP community for entrusting me with this role with a deep sense of humility and responsibility.”

He spoke about the defining characteristics of the Ģ����ƵAPP experience, beginning with the central role of relationships.

“From the very beginning, this has been a place where people matter. Where students are not just names in a gradebook, but individuals with gifts, aspirations, and limitless potential,” Pribbenow said. 

Pribbenow also emphasized Ģ����ƵAPP’s connection to the Decatur community, underscoring the University’s close ties to the region it serves. 

“We are Decatur’s University, and Decatur is our home,” he said. “When we thrive, our community is strengthened. And when our community thrives, we are strengthened.”

Throughout his address, Pribbenow returned to the theme of balancing tradition with innovation, highlighting how that balance has shaped Ģ����ƵAPP’s history and will guide its future.

“It is tradition and transformation, not tradition or transformation,” he said. “The story of Ģ����ƵAPP University is, in many ways, the story of how these two forces have existed together in exquisite tension across generations to shape something that is lasting and meaningful.”

He outlined key priorities for the University moving forward, including enhancing student readiness, expanding access to new and diverse student populations, aligning academic programs with workforce needs, and strengthening partnerships across the region.

Pribbenow concluded by challenging the Ģ����ƵAPP community to embrace the opportunities ahead, asking, “What does this moment require of us to move Ģ����ƵAPP Forward?” and encouraging a collective commitment to shaping the University’s next chapter.

As Ģ����ƵAPP enters its 125th year, the inauguration of President Pribbenow marks both a celebration of the University’s legacy and a commitment to its future. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and student-centered learning, Pribbenow’s leadership signals a new chapter for Ģ����ƵAPP University — one grounded in tradition and driven by transformation.

DECATUR, Ill. – Even though he grew up in Decatur, Oakley Tate ’26 never expected he’d end up at . He imagined himself at a big university — until a campus tour changed everything. After meeting with a Finance professor who emphasized how Ģ����ƵAPP faculty truly know their students and care about their success, Oakley realized this was exactly the environment he needed. Four years later, he says choosing Ģ����ƵAPP became one of the most meaningful decisions of his life.

“He told me that (at Ģ����ƵAPP), we learn people’s names. We care if they’re showing up to class. We care how they’re performing. That really resonated with me,” Oakley said. “That was something I think I really needed — people who notice you, who care about you.”

Now a double major in and , Oakley is planning on graduating next spring. His academic focus shifted early on, thanks to an influential cost accounting course taught by Accounting Instructor Nicole Allen, whose teaching style sparked a passion for the subject. He’ll begin a full-time role in Assurance with after graduation, following a successful summer internship with the firm.

Learning by Doing

model has shaped important parts of Oakley’s Ģ����ƵAPP experience. As a Managing Partner for , he led accounting operations and collaborated on client projects, including website development for local nonprofits and a new online portfolio platform supporting Ģ����ƵAPP art students.

He also applied his growing skill set as a bookkeeper for the College of Fine Arts and, through the tax clinic, helped community members file their taxes and resolve complex tax return issues. These hands-on experiences strengthened his technical knowledge while building communication and professional skills he knows will serve him well as a CPA.

One of his most unique opportunities came through an Honors course on the Geopolitics of Technology, where Oakley and classmates spent the semester researching global best practices in technology education and cybersecurity. Their work culminated in a virtual presentation to Belize's Minister of Technology and other international officials. 

“It pushed me to think differently,” Oakley said. “It wasn’t in my major, but it broadened how I see the world.”

A True Cheer Family

While academics and professional experiences shaped Oakley’s career path, cheerleading shaped his heart. Oakley joined the Ģ����ƵAPP Cheer team as a first-year student after discovering the sport in high school, and it quickly became the center of his Ģ����ƵAPP experience.

“Cheerleading might be my favorite thing about Ģ����ƵAPP, hands down,” he shared. “It’s a built-in support system. I don’t think I would have enjoyed college nearly as much without the cheer team.”

As a co-captain, Oakley has helped guide the team both on and off the field. He describes the cheer program as a family — one that gave him confidence, belonging, and friendships that feel like siblings away from home. The team’s culture, he says, is defined by encouragement, accountability, and shared goals.

Competing at Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla, has been a highlight of his journey. The intensity of performing a two-and-a-half-minute routine on an elevated stage, with only two chances to get it right, has forged his resilience and trust. 

“The adrenaline, the trust you put in your teammates, the energy of the crowd — there’s nothing like it,” he said.

Even during his final year — when he stepped back from sideline cheer to focus on academics — he continues training for Ģ����ƵAPP’s national competition team and remains committed to strengthening the program for future generations. 

“Cheer shaped who I am here,” he said. “It gave me purpose and people I can count on every single day.”

Oakley’s leadership, academic excellence, and campus involvement earned him the Scovill Prize, Ģ����ƵAPP’s highest student honor. He first learned about the award during his first year and immediately set it as a long-term goal.

“It motivated me to keep my grades up, be a good teammate, and get involved,” he said. “I wanted to be someone who contributed to this campus.”

Looking back, Oakley says Ģ����ƵAPP exceeded every expectation he had. He encourages future students to embrace the opportunities the University offers:

“Ģ����ƵAPP is full of opportunities, but they’re only as good as your willingness to say ‘Yes.’ A lot of what I’ve done came from just being willing to try something new.”

DECATUR, Ill. – For senior and pre-med student David Navarra, Ģ����ƵAPP has become more than a college campus – it’s a close-knit community that feels like home. 

Originally born in the Congo and raised in Champaign, Ill., David knew he wanted to stay close to his younger siblings while also pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor. Ģ����ƵAPP’s combination of academic rigor, athletic opportunities, and supportive culture made it the perfect fit.

When David first arrived on campus, Athletics was at the center of his Ģ����ƵAPP experience, as he competed on both the Football and Wrestling teams. After two years of balancing both sports, he decided to focus on Wrestling, where he felt he could excel and grow while still dedicating himself to his pre-med studies. Competing at 184 pounds, David credits Director of Wrestling Ryan Birt and his teammates for creating an environment that feels like family.

“Our coach makes sure the culture is about more than just wrestling,” David said. “It’s about being there for each other, working hard, and learning to push through challenges. That mindset is something I carry into everything I do.”

David also appreciates which will soon also be the home of . Birt will lead the new program and will begin competition in the fall of 2026. 

“We have one of the best wrestling facilities in Division III, and it shows how much our coaches and the University care about us, and it motivates us to work harder,” David said. 

Though his path to medicine wasn’t always clear, conversations with his grandfather – a doctor – inspired David to pursue a career in healthcare. He is currently preparing for the MCAT and has his sights set on medical school after graduation, as he considers anesthesiology or psychiatry as possible specialties.

“I’ve always known I wanted to help people,” he explained. “Studying Biology here at Ģ����ƵAPP has given me opportunities like research with faculty and hands-on experiences that will prepare me for medical school.”

Beyond Athletics and academics, David is deeply involved in campus leadership. He serves as a Student Experience Ambassador, a Big Blue Ambassador, and a member of the Council of Student Ambassadors (COSA). He’s also helped mentor peers through tutoring, and one of his favorite roles is helping first-year students adjust to college life. 

“Being an Ambassador is about more than giving directions or answering questions – it’s about connecting,” he said. “Sometimes that means joking around, playing music, or just making new students feel like they belong.”

Through his strong academic performance, David was recently awarded the Associates Scholarship, which he says has lifted a huge weight from his shoulders. 

“It took a big load off financially and gave me more freedom to focus on opportunities like a biology study-abroad course in Florida,” he said. “Scholarships like this make a real difference for students like me.”

Thinking of what he values most about Ģ����ƵAPP, David doesn’t hesitate: it’s the people.

“My favorite thing about Ģ����ƵAPP is the community,” he said. “Because it’s a smaller school, it’s easy to build friendships and connections. I don’t think I could have made it this far without the friends and teammates who support me.”

As he prepares for graduation and his next step toward medical school, David knows he’s on the right track. 

“Even when I doubt myself, I think about where I started and where I am now,” he said. “I know the younger me would be proud.”

Dr. Monroe to serve two-year term as President of ISHS

, associate professor of history and chair of the at Ģ����ƵAPP University, has been elected president of the Illinois State Historical Society (ISHS). Dr. Monroe will serve a two-year term as president of the ISHS.

The was founded in 1899 to support the Illinois State Historical Library and to encourage research and writing on subjects of Illinois history. For more than a century the ISHS has fostered awareness, understanding, research, preservation and recognition of history in Illinois. The Society is a not-for-profit organization which depends solely on membership dues, gifts, bequests and foundation grants to support, preserve and disseminate the story of Illinois and its people.

"My first professional presentation occurred in 1990 at an Illinois State Historical Society conference. Many of my faculty mentors as a graduate student were Society members, and one is a former president," said Monroe.

"It is therefore a great privilege and honor to serve as the Society president and to have the opportunity to give back to an organization that has been so nurturing to me."

Throughout his career, Dr. Monroe has been actively involved in celebrating Illinois' rich history. In January 2017, he was appointed chair of the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council for the 2017-2019 term. Before his appointment as chair, he previously served on the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Board for a three-year term, including one year as chair.

In February 2018, Dr. Monroe was elected to the Board of Directors of the Abraham Lincoln Association (ALA), and is currently serving a three-year term. The Association observes each anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, to preserve and make more readily accessible the landmarks associated with his life, and to actively encourage, promote and aid the collection and dissemination of authentic information regarding all phases of his life and career.

Dr. Monroe received a Ph.D. in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1998 where he worked with Robert W. Johannsen. Dr. Monroe was the John C. Griswold Distinguished Professor of History at Ģ����ƵAPP from 2008-2010. He currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Illinois History and is the author of three books: "The Republican Vision of John Tyler" (2003), "At Home with Illinois' Governors: A Social History of the Illinois Executive Mansion" (2002) and "Shapers of the Great Debate on the Civil War: A Biographical Dictionary" (2005), with co-author Dr. Bruce Tap.

Dr. Monroe received the Heiligenstein Award for Teaching Excellence and was a fellow at the Virginia Historical Society and Lincoln Legal Papers. He has been a faculty member of Ģ����ƵAPP's History Department since 2006.

Monroe to serve three-year term on Abraham Lincoln Association Board

Dr. Dan Monroe, associate professor and chair of the at Ģ����ƵAPP University, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the (ALA). Dr. Monroe was officially named to the board on Feb. 11, 2018, and will serve a three-year term.

The purpose of the Abraham Lincoln Association is to observe each anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, to preserve and make more readily accessible the landmarks associated with his life, and to actively encourage, promote and aid the collection and dissemination of authentic information regarding all phases of his life and career.

"I was delighted to join the ALA Board," Dr. Monroe said. "It's a storied organization with a rich history of supporting scholarship on Lincoln. And as a historian of antebellum American politics and culture, and a native Illinoisan, it is an honor to serve."

Dr. Monroe has been actively involved in Lincoln scholarship throughout his career and served as a visiting fellow for a year at the Lincoln Legal Papers Project early in his career.

"Board members organize the annual celebration of Lincoln's birth in Springfield (Ill.) and work to preserve Lincoln's legacy as well as support scholarly work on our most distinguished president," Dr. Monroe said. "To join the board is an honor and a privilege."

The Abraham Lincoln Association was organized in 1908 to spearhead the national celebration of Lincoln's 100th birthday. Today the Association continues this tradition by bringing in distinguished speakers to commemorate Lincoln's birthday, and presents an afternoon Symposium featuring leading Lincoln scholars. 

The Association also publishes the "Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association," and "For the People: A Newsletter of the Abraham Lincoln Association."

Dr. Monroe is also currently serving as chair of the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council for the 2017-2019 term. The Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council is the body that votes on new National Register Properties in Illinois.

"As a board member, I hope to champion scholarship on Lincoln and intend to serve on committees devoted to that noble pursuit," Dr. Monroe noted.

Dr. Monroe received a Ph.D. in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1998 where he worked with Robert W. Johannsen. Dr. Monroe was the John C. Griswold Distinguished Professor of History at Ģ����ƵAPP from 2008-2010. He currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Illinois History and is the author of three books, and a number of articles and reviews. Dr. Monroe is currently completing Robert W. Johannsen's biography of James K. Polk.

Sept. 24, 2026

DECATUR, Ill. — Ģ����ƵAPP University has once again been recognized as one of Illinois’ top colleges in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings, affirming its commitment to academic excellence, student success, and affordability. 

Ģ����ƵAPP is ranked No. 4 in Illinois among the Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest. New this year was the category of Top Private College, Regional Colleges Midwest, in which Ģ����ƵAPP also ranked No. 4 in Illinois.

 “Ģ����ƵAPP’s recognition among the leading regional colleges in Illinois reflects the distinctive education we provide our students,” said Dr. Dean A. Pribbenow, President of Ģ����ƵAPP University. “Through Performance Learning and personalized attention, we prepare students to connect what they learn to the world around them. These rankings affirm the quality and value of the Ģ����ƵAPP experience.”

In addition to overall recognition, Ģ����ƵAPP received high marks as a “Best Value School in the Midwest.” Ģ����ƵAPP ranked No. 6 in Illinois, highlighting a balance of academic excellence and affordability.  

Interim Provost Dr. Nancy Curtin noted that Ģ����ƵAPP’s “Best Value” ranking underscores the University’s investment in students.  

“Ģ����ƵAPP is committed to making a high-quality education accessible to students and their families,” said Dr. Nancy Curtin, Interim Provost of Ģ����ƵAPP University. “We know affordability matters, and we are proud to provide an exceptional education that opens doors for students and prepares them for success.”

Ģ����ƵAPP recently announced that it . The incoming Class of 2030 included 445 new undergraduate students, a 12% percent increase in students from Fall 2025. Of these first-time students, 19 are international — the largest number since 2021. The University also welcomed 135 transfer students, the most in 11 years, demonstrating its commitment to expanding the pathways and opportunities available to students seeking a Ģ����ƵAPP education.

The 2027 edition of the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings evaluates more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, using up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and graduate success. U.S. News publishes the Best Colleges rankings each year to provide prospective students and their families with the comparative merits of the undergraduate programs at America’s colleges and universities. 

Sept. 8, 2026

DECATUR, Ill. — For the second consecutive year, Ģ����ƵAPP University has experienced measurable growth in first-year enrollment numbers, welcoming 445 new first-time undergraduate students to campus to begin the Fall 2026 semester, the largest number in seven years. The first-year numbers for Fall 2026 represent a 12% increase in students over Fall 2025.

Of these first-time students, 19 are international — the largest number since 2021. The University also welcomed 135 transfer students, the most in 11 years, demonstrating its commitment to expanding the pathways and opportunities available to students seeking a Ģ����ƵAPP education. In total, the University welcomed 650 new students this semester — the most since Fall 2019. Together these new students bring a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and aspirations that make the Ģ����ƵAPP experience distinctive.

Strengthening the Student Experience Through Enrollment Growth

Enrollment growth remains an important institutional priority as Ģ����ƵAPP continues its work to become increasingly student-ready and to expand opportunities for students to pursue a Ģ����ƵAPP education.

The incoming class includes students from 31 states, with Illinois residents comprising 74% of the class. Students from Macon County represent 21% of the incoming cohort. International students also join the Ģ����ƵAPP community from several countries, including Japan, Rwanda, South Korea, Czech Republic, and more.

Strong transfer recruitment numbers are a reflection of the University’s efforts to create accessible pathways for students seeking to continue their education after community college. Through  with several Central Illinois community colleges, including Richland Community College, Parkland College, Heartland Community College, and Lincoln Land Community College, students can transition to Ģ����ƵAPP through clearly defined pathways designed to make the transfer process more seamless.

“Our enrollment growth reflects the relationships our Admission team and our campus partners have worked so hard to build with students and families,” said Molly Berry, Vice President of Admission & Student Affairs. “We are seeing students choose Ģ����ƵAPP for the opportunities here — the chance to put learning into practice, explore their interests through meaningful experiences, and become part of a community that values who they are and who they hope to become.”

The newest group of Ģ����ƵAPP students brings a wide range of academic and career aspirations, with Nursing, Business, Musical Theatre, Elementary Education, and Criminal Justice serving as the most popular majors. The University has also seen increased interest in a number of additional academic areas, including the visual arts, pre-professional programs, Psychology, Exercise Science, and other disciplines. The breadth of these fields reflects the diverse passions and goals students bring to campus, as well as the University’s continued investment in programs that support their ambitions and future careers.

At the center of the Ģ����ƵAPP experience is , the University’s distinctive approach to education. Through hands-on, real-world experiences, students put their learning into practice from the classroom to the stage, laboratory, athletic field, business setting, and community. These experiences help connect academic knowledge to professional preparation while giving students opportunities to build skills, confidence, and relationships along the way.

“Enrollment growth is important, but what matters most is what happens after our students arrive,” said Dr. Dean A. Pribbenow, President of Ģ����ƵAPP University. “Our responsibility is to create an environment where students can discover their strengths, challenge themselves, build relationships, and gain the experience they need to thrive beyond Ģ����ƵAPP. That is at the heart of Performance Learning and at the heart of who we are as a University.”

Affordability also remains an important commitment of the institution, as Ģ����ƵAPP remains dedicated to increasing access to students. Now entering its third year, the  provides a reduced tuition rate of $26,000 for all full-time traditional undergraduate students. Additionally, Illinois residents who qualify for the  will have 100% of their undergraduate tuition covered with Ģ����ƵAPP grants and scholarships filling the gap after state and federal grants.

Explore Ģ����ƵAPP University

The growth in Ģ����ƵAPP’s incoming class reflects the broad appeal of the University’s academic programs, Performing Learning model, and close-knit community. As the newest class begins its Ģ����ƵAPP experience, the University continues to build on the opportunities and connections that make a Ģ����ƵAPP education distinctive.

For prospective students and families, one of the best ways to understand that experience is to see it firsthand. The University welcomes them to visit campus, explore academic programs, meet members of the Ģ����ƵAPP community, and discover the many opportunities that make up the Big Blue experience.

Prospective students and families are invited to see all that Ģ����ƵAPP has to offer through a Campus Visit Day, an individual campus visit, or by attending one of the University’s Explore Days, which give students the opportunity to take a deeper look at one of Ģ����ƵAPP’s academic programs. Students may learn more or register for a visit at .

DECATUR, Ill. — Ģ����ƵAPP University’s and are proud to announce a 2026-27 season celebrating arts and entertainment from around the world. From the iconic leading ladies of London’s “Gravity” to the pop music perfection of America’s #1 family-friendly Taylor Swift tribute — from the ghostly hijinks of “Blithe Spirit” to the bewitching musical numbers of “Cabaret,” the holiday traditions of “Vespers,” and the very best in 2D and 3D art — patrons are invited to experience the magic that is the Arts at Ģ����ƵAPP.

The Kirkland Series kicks off Saturday, Sept. 19, with “Gravity.” Inspired by “Wicked,” the show brings together three of the West End’s most celebrated performers for an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and theatrical magic. This gravity-defying show combines powerhouse vocals, wicked harmonies, and a sparkle of stardom to celebrate the greatest music and divas of all time — including favorites from “Cats,” “Evita,” “The Greatest Showman,” “Chicago,” and “Les Misérables.”

DECATUR, Ill. – Ģ����ƵAPP University has achieved a record year of philanthropic support, with both cash received and new donor commitments reaching historic highs.  

As Ģ����ƵAPP marked 125 years of transforming lives through education, the generosity of Ģ����ƵAPP alumni, friends, and supporters propelled the University to its most successful fundraising year in fiscal year 2026. Donors contributed $15.78 million in cash – a 63% increase over fiscal year 2025 – and $32.23 million in total new business, including cash, pledges, and new commitments. Together, these results represent the University’s strongest single fundraising year on record.

The Ģ����ƵAPP Fund, which supports the University’s areas of greatest need, and Annual Scholarships, which help provide financial support to the 99% of Ģ����ƵAPP students who receive financial aid, both significantly exceeded their fundraising goals this year. Giving to the Ģ����ƵAPP Fund reached 137% of its goal, while Annual Scholarship giving reached 183% of its goal.  

The University confirmed the record after reviewing historical fundraising results. While Ģ����ƵAPP's history includes several major comprehensive fundraising campaigns that generated significant commitments over multiple years, fiscal year 2026 represents the University's highest single-year fundraising performance. 

“We have a compelling and convincing story to tell,” said Ģ����ƵAPP University President Dean Pribbenow.