NIU Today

Gena Flynn, the new director of NIU’s Center for Black Studies, brings 16 years of higher education leadership experience to her new job directing the center’s efforts to promote excellence and engagement in teaching, learning, scholarship, artistry, outreach and service. Flynn, who will assume her new role July 1, has spent most of her career...

NIU’s Presidential Commission on the Status of Minorities (PCSM) has selected students Romeo Jackson, Daniel H. Tamayo and Javier Rodriguez, along with Charles Ogundipe (assistant director, Financial Aid, CHANCE Program) and professor LaVerne Gyant (Department of Counseling, Adult and Higher Education) as the recipients of this year’s Deacon Davis Diversity Award. Glenda Jones, collection specialist...

For much of her career at Northern Illinois University, LaVerne Gyant has adeptly juggled two very important roles; one a highly respected faculty member in the College of Education and the other as director of NIU’s Center for Black Studies. After 17 years in her leadership role at the center, Gyant has decided to take...

In response to several national incidents and growing concerns about the treatment of individuals from marginalized communities, the Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (formerly the Unity in Diversity Committee) will launch a campaign this year called “Use Your Voice.” A series of events will provide platforms for students to share their stories and...

The Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars is honoring LaVerne Gyant, director of the NIU Center for Black Studies, for her many contributions to international education. Gyant has been selected as the sole recipient of the 2014 Yvonne Captain Faculty Award for Outstanding Contributions to International Education. She will accept the award later...

Beginning Tuesday, March 4, NIU will celebrate Women’s History Month by hosting a series of events focused on civil rights. Rebekah Kohli, program coordinator for NIU’s Women’s Studies Program, said that this year is a good time to reflect on American society. “Since this year is the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act,...

Since it was created four decades ago, the Center for Black Studies has woven itself tightly into NIU’s fabric. It started as a place where students and faculty can develop courses for the new minor, Black Studies. It also was a place for students and faculty to discuss issues that were going on both on-...

With 2012 being a leap year, the NIU community will have an extra day in February to revel in, learn about and focus on Black Heritage Month. Organizers say they will need every hour of that day to remind students and faculty of the national and international contributions African-Americans have made to politics, the arts,...

A month full of activities the NIU community has planned in celebration of Black Heritage Month 2011 will begin Tuesday, Feb. 1.