Redbird Buzz

Ahead of the 2026-27 Illinois State basketball seasons, men’shead coach Ryan Pedon and women’s head coach Kristen Gillespie discuss their basketball backgrounds, their coaching philosophies, and what fans can expect from their respective teams this year.

The men’s team, led by Pedon in his fifth season, was selected No. 2 in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) preseason poll after advancing to the NIT semifinals for the first time in program history last season.

The women’s team, led by Gillespie in her 10th season, was also selected No. 2 in the MVC preseason poll after advancing to the WNIT championship game for the first time ever last season.

Visit GoRedbirds.com for Redbird basketball schedules and tickets.

Political science alum Dan Hubbard '07 learned his first guitar chord in high school. By the time he graduated from Illinois State University, he had already released three albums.

Hubbard's soulful and effortless sound spans multiple genres, from indie and Americana to R&B and pop. Those who listen to his albums will sense themes of love, loss, family, and the rollercoaster of life.

In this episode, listeners learn where his inspiration comes from, how political science courses can shape a song, and hear a live performance of one of his latest songs.

Andrew François ’11 is a violist with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. A native of Kankakee, François began playing the violin at age 10, and stringed instruments have been a part of his life ever since.

As an undergraduate student at Illinois State University, François majored in band and orchestra instruction and performance, and he served as a teaching assistant and private instructor for the String Project—an impactful community program celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

François went on to earn a master’s degree at Indiana University and was in the inaugural class of fellows with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Resident Fellows program. He then performed with the New World Symphony Orchestra in Miami before joining the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in 2019.

In this episode of Redbird Buzz, François shares what it’s like to be a professional violist and how Illinois State prepared him for a career in music.

Jillian Nelson stepped into the newly created role of assistant vice president for Alumni and Donor Engagement in September 2026. This appointment represents an exciting evolution for University Advancement at Illinois State, bringing alumni engagement, annual giving, and donor stewardship together under a unified vision to build deeper, lifelong relationships across the entire Redbird community.

Nelson sat down with Redbird Buzz to share her excitement about the newly merged unit and its future goals, along with more about her background, her leadership philosophy, and a behind-the-scenes look at how the Office of Alumni and Donor Engagement operates.

Spanning 23 acres just north of campus, the Illinois State University Horticulture Center is far more than a scenic retreat. As part of the Department of Agriculture, it functions as a vibrant living laboratory for student learning, research, and community engagement, all under the passionate leadership of Redbird alum and director Jessica Chambers ’03.

Chambers visited with Redbird Buzz to highlight the initial concept and growth of the center, new exhibits including The Logarium, connections to art and science, and information about the upcoming annual Autumnal Festival, which takes place September 12-13.

Transcripts of each episode are available at UniversityMarketing.IllinoisState.edu/Podcast.

As Illinois State University kicks off a new academic year, President Aondover Tarhule visited with Redbird Buzz to discuss the University's forward momentum, which includes campus milestones, transformative projects, and resources for student success.

Dr. Tarhule discusses the opening of Campus East this fall, home to the new College of Engineering. He also talks about how Illinois State is uniquely positioned in higher education, with stable enrollment and multiple construction projects underway.

To round out the conversation, Tarhule offers a lighter look into life away from the office, including a humorous quip about some of his favorite neckties becoming toys for two mischievous "presidential cats."

A year after welcoming more than 150 students in its inaugural cohort, Illinois State University's College of Engineering is preparing to launch its second academic year in a brand-new home at Campus East.

Director of Student Success and Recruitment Branden Delk joins Redbird Buzz to recap the college's landmark first year and share how he and his colleagues are creating an inclusive culture that empowers students to thrive.

Delk also takes listeners inside the newly renovated Campus East facility, exploring how its modern collaborative spaces and state-of-the-art features will shape the learning experience for new and returning Redbirds.

Fresh off Illinois State University’s second-ever appearance in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Championship game in January 2026, head coach Brock Spack joins Redbird Buzz ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Spack, who is in his 18th year with the Redbirds, talks about last year’s historic FCS playoff run, during which Illinois State became the first team in FCS history to win four-straight road games en route to the national title contest.

During this extended interview, Spack reflects on his early passion for football, his path to Illinois State, and his vision for continued success on the national stage amid the ever-changing college athletics landscape.

Spack and the Redbirds open fall training camp Thursday, July 30, and kick off the season Saturday, August 29, at 6 p.m. against Saint Francis at Hancock Stadium. Purchase tickets at GoRedbirds.com/Tickets.

For Illinois State University alum Sharon Ponder-Ballard ’86, education has always been about opening doors. Inspired by a mother who believed that "reading was freedom," Ponder-Ballard has dedicated her career to ensuring every student has access to books, opportunity, and the support they need to thrive.

A Golden Apple Award winner and the most recent recipient of the Illinois State Alumni Association's Maitland Commitment to Education Award, Ponder-Ballard has spent decades serving students in Chicago Public Schools and beyond. From building classroom libraries when school librarians were lost to budget cuts, to bringing thousands of books to schools recovering from Hurricane Katrina, to developing innovative curriculum that connects literacy, restorative justice, and environmental awareness, her work demonstrates what happens when compassion and purpose come together in the classroom.

On this episode of Redbird Buzz, Ponder-Ballard reflects on the lessons she learned at Illinois State, how empathy plays a role in building classroom libraries, and why she continues to advocate for educational equity every day. It's an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of reading, the importance of meeting students where they are, and how one passionate teacher can create opportunities that last a lifetime.

Illinois State University College of Business alum Brandon Holtz ’10 is a former Redbird men's basketball player who won the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship in September 2025, earning a spot in the 2026 Master’s and the U.S. Open Golf Championship, while working as a realtor in Bloomington-Normal.