The School of Communication at Illinois State University
1857
Illinois State Normal University
In 1857, the doors opened to the Illinois State Normal University campus.
1888
The Vidette
In 1888, the first issue of the Vidette released to the Illinois State Normal University campus.
1974
TV-10
On March 25, 1974, TV-10 broadcasted the first news report.
1978
Mass Communication
In 1978, the Department of Speech introduced the Mass Communication major.
1981
COM Week
In March 1981, the Department of Speech hosted the first COM Week event, sparking a four-decade long tradition.
1985
Public Relations
In 1985, the public relations major evolved from a minor and was approved in the Department of Communication.
1995
Forensics
In 1995, the Forensics Union won the National Forensics Association Championship.
1999
Forensics
In 1999, the Forensics Union won the National Forensics Association Championship (for the second time).
2003
Communication Studies
In 2003, the Speech Communication major became Communication Studies.
2005
Forensics
In 2005, the Forensics Union won the American Forensics Association National Championship.
2010
Mass Media
In 2010, the Mass Communication major changed to Mass Media.
2014
The Social Media Analytics Command Center
In 2014, the School of Communication opened the Social Media Analytics Command Center (SMACC).
2021
The Vidette
On April 27, 2021, the Vidette printed its final paper edition and moved fully digital.
1857
Forensics
In 1857, Forensics became the first registered student organization on the Illinois State Normal University campus.
1960
Department of Speech
In 1960, Speech is introduced for the first time as a major at Illinois State Normal University.
1978
Public Relations
In 1978, the public relations program began with a minor offered in the Department of Speech.
1981
WZND
On March 16, 1981, WZND replaced WILN on the AM dial.
1984
Department of Communication
In 1984, the Department of Speech became the Department of Communication.
1990
Fell Hall
In 1990, the Department of Communication relocated from Stevenson to Fell Hall.
1997
WGLT
In 1997, WGLT became part of the Department of Communication.
2000
Forensics
In 2000, the Forensics Union won the National Forensics Association Championship (for the third time).
2004
Journalism
In 2004, the Mass Communication major evolved into two distinct majors: Mass Communication and Journalism.
2006
School of Communication
In 2006, the Department of Communication became the School of Communication.
2011
The Vidette
In 2011, the Vidette became part of the School of Communication.
2018
The Communication Innovation Center
In 2018, the School of Communication opened the Communication Innovation Center.
2023
The Foxtail Film Festival
From April 27-29, 2023, the School of Communication hosted the inaugural Foxtail Film Festival at the historic Normal Theater.