The Illinois Board of Higher Education approved a new College of Engineering at Illinois State University that is designed with an equity lens to help close long-standing gaps in enrollment, retention, and graduation of underrepresented and underserved students in the engineering field. Once established, the College of Engineering will include the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering with three degree programs in electrical, mechanical, and general engineering. University officials are targeting the fall of 2025 for enrollment of the first class of an estimated 130 students, rising to reach 520 students by the fourth year. Illinois State University has established plans to exceed state and national trends for the enrollment, retention, and degree completion of historically underrepresented and underserved students. Plans include recruiting a diverse cohort of engineering students, including students transferring from community colleges, offering ongoing and robust financial aid as well as holistic student supports, including a residential living and learning community.  Recruiting and retaining faculty, staff, and administrators from historically underserved and underrepresented groups will also be a priority.  Funding, staffing, space, and equipment for the College of Engineering will come from the University’s institutional operating funds and central reserve funds for initial startup.