Illinois State University
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.
Illinois State University is located in central Illinois in Bloomington-Normal. The town of Normal took its name from the school, which the school later dropped as it became more diversified.
Illinois State University remains a top school in teaching in Illinois.