The Center for Ecological Entomology serves the citizens of Illinois by investigating and resolving entomologically related issues in four important sectors: agriculture, medicine, the environment, and the urban setting. In most states entomological research is conducted by scientists located in the state's land grant university. The Illinois Natural History Survey was founded earlier than the University of Illinois, and was given the mandate by the Illinois Legislature to conduct research on economically important insects and provide recommendations for the control of harmful insects.

The University of Illinois' agricultural college has largely depended on the Natural History Survey to conduct entomological research for the agricultural community. Furthermore, the Survey assembles and distributes information resulting from and pertaining to these research activities. Composed of research scientists, extension specialists, and support personnel, all with expertise in the insect sciences, the Center is jointly funded through the Survey and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. This long-standing dual sponsorship provides an infrastructure for fulfilling the Center's many responsibilities.