NIU Today

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...

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...

Shatoya Black’s journey to higher education did not begin with a carefully mapped plan. It began with survival. Before moving to DeKalb, Black, ’13, M.S. ’15, Ed.D. ’20, experienced a period of profound hardship marked by housing instability and the loss of nearly everything she owned. At the time, college was not her primary focus. She...

It was a summer of opportunity for NIU’s National Pan-Hellenic Council sororities. Members of the university’s four NPHC sororities traveled to regional and national conferences across the country this summer, joining thousands of collegiate and alumni members. While each event had its own traditions, all involved said they gained new ideas, professional connections and a...

Marisol Morales, Ed.D., NIU’s new Vice President of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development doesn’t just champion community engagement. She has lived it from many different perspectives – as a student, as a community partner, and as a university adjunct faculty member and administrator. During her decades of experience working on community-university partnerships, Vice President Morales...

Most friendships are measured in years. For Northern Illinois University alumni Jim Lipuma, ’83, and Dr. J.D. McCourt, ’83, their friendship will soon be measured in miles. This August, the two Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers will climb onto their bicycles in Minnesota and begin a 2,500-mile journey following the Mississippi River to the Gulf....