Illinois State University, also known as ISU, is a Publicly Owned institution headquartered in the US. Founded in 1857 and employing approximately 5860 individuals, the institution functions as a public research university located in Normal, Illinois, United States. It holds the distinction of being the oldest public university in Illinois and operates additional facilities in Bloomington and Springfield. The university emphasizes teaching, and is recognized by the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education as one of the top ten largest producers of teachers in the US. Its athletic teams, known as the "Redbirds," are members of the Missouri Valley Conference and the Missouri Valley Football Conference.