Quiana Jones said she and fellow members of NIU’s Public Health Advisory Committee (PHAC) had an idea about creating a campus-wide event to celebrate National Public Health Week. Months later, the program coordinator of NIU’s master’s in public health (MPH) program watched that idea turn into a successful reality as more than 200 faculty, staff,...
“Being a lifelong learner and someone who gives back to their community are two of my foundational passions. Working toward these goals not only betters me as a person but betters the community around me as well.” Emma Whitlock is a strong believer that learning is an ongoing process. “Continuously learning allows me to accumulate...
Governor JB Pritzker has declared April 2024 as Illinois Community College Month, in honor of the Illinois Community College System and the 48 community colleges located within the state. NIU has working relationships with 32 community colleges, including the University Center at Harper College, the University Center at McHenry County College and the University Center...
Jenn Jacobs Jenn Jacobs was born for her career. “I played sports from a very, very young age. I have memories of being on a basketball team at age 3 or 4. It was a coed basketball team, and I was one of the only girls,” says Jacobs, an associate professor in the Department of...
The James B. and Rosalyn L. Pick Museum of Anthropology’s “Good Food” exhibit was recognized with an Award of Excellence from the Illinois Association of Museums at an award ceremony in early April. The exhibit, currently running through May 11, highlights food issues in northern Illinois and outlines what organizations and individuals are doing to...
For 2024, the Presidential Commission on Race and Ethnicity (PCORE will acknowledge the contributions of student Dyeato Paye; the Huskie Food Pantry, Dean of the University Libraries, Fred Barnhart; Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Associate Professor, Simón E. Weffer-Elizondo; and Executive Director of the Office of Precollegiate...
“When you see that smile on people’s faces and they are more comfortable and less scared, that’s when I feel we are doing something good. We are here to help international students know they’re not alone. They’re not the only people struggling with paperwork. They’re not the only ones who are missing home. We do...
Joan Phillips-Hernandez, professor of marketing at University of Missouri-St. Louis, has been selected as the NIU College of Business’ next dean. She will assume leadership of the college July 1, pending approval by the NIU Board of Trustees at its May meeting. “Phillips-Hernandez brings experience as an innovative and visionary academic leader who has served...
Dr. Beth Galliard aims to help older adults with age-related macular degeneration see more clearly. Dr. Venu Korampally wants to help people suffering from illnesses get into treatment faster through affordable tests. Dr. Junelle Bennett hopes that all of us use a greater level of rationality when making consequential decisions. These three faculty members will...
The Staff Mentorship Award recognizes up to two staff members per year who serve as role models by inspiring colleagues and/or promoting professional development. These staff members, informally or formally, provide mentorship by being available to colleagues for support and sharing tips/resources for navigating higher education field/job functions. They’re known as go-to resources on campus....
The Presidential Award for Staff Excellence recognizes up to six staff members per year who have gone above and beyond the specific duties assigned to them and have demonstrated excellence in their work. These individuals positively influence the work environment, foster cooperation, achieve goals and/or overcome obstacles/challenges, while carrying out employment responsibilities. Criteria: Be a...
As assistant director of internal communications and NIU Clearinghouse, Andy Pemberton works behind the scenes to make sure that NIU’s people and programs are in the spotlight. If you read NIU Today, a Huskie Spotlight, or an NIU announcement, there’s a good chance you’ve seen his work. And while there isn’t a byline on the...
