From the multi-sport accomplishments of a prominent left-handed Redbird to the contentious decision to change the University’s name, Tom Emery explores this month in Illinois State University history. (Photo/McLean County Museum of History) Illinois State Normal University men’s basketball coach “Pim” Goff taking a jump shot during practice in 1950. Otto Kerner signed legislation that officially changed the name from Illinois State Normal University to Illinois State University at Normal. Otto Kerner, right, signs legislation to change the name of Illinois State Normal University with University President Robert Bone, left, in 1963. A committee was eventually appointed, and presented the students, faculty, and alumni with an advisory referendum in May 1959 to vote on two new suggestions—“Central Illinois University” and “Illinois State University”—as well as the old name, “Illinois State Normal University.”