NIU is mourning the loss of Eddie R. Williams, Jr., a soft-spoken educator and passionate advocate of students who rose from an assistant professor of mathematics to become the university’s first African American vice president. Williams is remembered as a mentor, adviser and friend to students, faculty and staff. After earning his Ph.D. from Columbia...
We welcome all new and returning employees to the start of the fall semester and the Office of Employee Well-being reminds employees of services we provide to address your well-being needs. We provide a wide range of services and resources to support you and your family members as you encounter difficult life situations or seek...
A new chapter of the NIU College of Education’s Morgridge Endowed Chair Office has begun this fall with the launch of Adventure Book Club. Each child enrolled in a DeKalb District 428 elementary school can sign up to receive one free, age-appropriate book each month from September 2026 through May 2027. Children and their parents...
Young students from Chicago’s West Side recently spent five days exploring new possibilities through a partnership between Northern Illinois University and Altus Academy, a tuition-free private school serving students in East Garfield Park and surrounding communities. Through hands-on activities and interactions with NIU faculty, staff and students, they gained exposure to academic disciplines, career opportunities...
As AI rapidly transforms the marketing profession, teaching students to use it strategically, ethically and effectively is becoming an essential part of a modern marketing education. Associate Professor in Marketing Andy Jeon embraces this massive responsibility, and it shows through his hands-on approach in the classroom. He was recently recognized with the university’s 2026 David...
David Gomel, ’94, has spent more than three decades building a career in behavioral healthcare, rising to CEO of Rosecrance Behavioral Healthand earning recognition this year as a Crain’s Chicago Business notable leader in healthcare. Under his leadership, the organization expanded by 50% while maintaining an exceptional satisfaction score of 93%. “I work hard for our team...
Walking on clouds: NIU scientists realize dream of protecting high-altitude rainforest in Madagascar
NIU Anthropology Professor Mitch Irwin and Biological Sciences Professor Karen Samonds had a dream come true this summer in one of the world’s most beautiful—and poorest—countries. Since 2000, the husband-wife team of National Geographic Explorers has been conducting research, environmental conservation and NIU study abroad trips in Madagascar, a country most well-known for its spectacular...
Last fall’s Morgridge Endowed Chair Office-produced documentary, “A Teacher’s Shoes,” showed a day-in-the-life of three seasoned NIU College of Education alumnae at various stages of their school careers. Now a new podcast will keep tabs on May 2026 graduates as they enter the profession. “The Rookie Teachers,” which has already posted its debut episode and...
Necessity sparks invention, and OM&IS Associate Professor Biagio Palese knows that better than most. He was recently recognized with the university’s 2026 David W. Raymond Award for Use of Technology in Teaching after improving student success with a unique technological solution. “It is truly an honor to receive this award, because technology and teaching are...
As the fall semester begins, we are pleased to announce the new roles and responsibilities of experienced leaders at NIU, positioning the university for continued excellence in student and faculty success. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, collaborative approaches and a shared commitment to advancing NIU’s mission while helping meet the evolving needs of...
NIU Career Services is excited to welcome students to the Career Success Clinic Thursday, Sept. 10. This interactive event will feature resume, LinkedIn profile and elevator pitch development opportunities, guidance from employers and alumni, and much more to help students build confidence and prepare for wherever their career journey takes them. The Career Success Clinic...
Henna Muzaffar, associate professor of nutrition, was selected as a 2026 Excellence in Nutrition Fellow of the American Society for Nutrition (FASN). “Being selected as a 2026 Excellence in Nutrition Fellow of the American Society for nutrition is a tremendous honor and a meaningful milestone in my professional journey,” Muzaffar said. “This recognition reflects years of dedication to...
