ISU's Board of Trustees Approves Naming of the University Archives

Illinois State University's Board of Trustees today approved the naming of the Illinois State University Archives as the Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives of Illinois State University in honor of her substantial service and significant contribution to the University.

Rayfield was affiliated with Illinois State for 44 years as both a faculty member and archivist.  Her work in preserving the history of Illinois State in traditional and non-traditional formats has raised the profile of the University across the state and nation. 

Rayfield received her Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University.  She was a member of the Illinois State University History department for 32 years, where she taught and served as the professional practice coordinator.  She became the University Archivist in 1993, a position she kept until this year. Rayfield also served as a supervisor for the Illinois Regional Archives Depository from 1984 until this year. 

Rayfield is a member of the Illinois State Historical Society, an organization for which she served on the Board of Directors.  She is a member of the Board of Visitors for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Montevallo.