Established in 1899, Western Illinois University was first called Western Illinois Normal and Training School. Today, home to approximately 10,000 students, WIU's mission is to empower students, faculty, and staff to lead dynamic and diverse communities. University provides student-centered undergraduate and graduate programs characterized by innovative teaching, research, and service, grounded in interdisciplinary, regional and global perspectives. It engages students with educational opportunities guided by a professional and diverse faculty and staff in collaboration with alumni and community partners.

WIU offers an outstanding variety of over 100 in-demand undergraduate and graduate programs, integrated programs, pre-professional programs, and certificate programs. There are 12 signature academic programs namely Accountancy, Agriculture, Biology, Engineering, Forensic Chemistry, Law Enforcement & Justice Administration, Musical Theatre, Nursing, Recreation/Park/Tourism Administration, Sports Broadcasting, Supply Chain Management, and Teacher Education which are regionally and/or nationally distinctive to WIU. The University's highly qualified, diverse faculty promotes critical thinking, engaged learning, research, and creativity in a challenging, supportive learning community. Western is committed to an academic environment that encourages lifelong development as learners, scholars, teachers, and mentors.

Western values the development of the whole person, hence it is committed for providing opportunities for personal growth in an environment that supports the development of wellness, ethical decision making, and personal responsibility. Small class sizes, with student faculty ratio only 15:1 provides personal attention in the classroom. More than 250 registered on-campus student organizations provide WIU students with ample of opportunities outside the classroom. Western is committed to equity, social justice, and diversity, and will maintain the highest standards of integrity in our work with others. WIU serves as a resource for and stimulus to economic, educational, cultural, environmental, and community development in our region and well beyond. As Recognition for Service, WIU has been named to the U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition for commitment to service learning.

Western Illinois University's main campus is located in the rural community of Macomb, Illinois and offers a vibrant collegiate experience for almost 8,000 students. The beautifully landscaped campus has more than 60 buildings on more than 1,000 acres, including nine residence halls, a 300-acre farm, and an 18-hole golf course.