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Top 14 of 2014: ‘A person of vision’ with a familiar face

December 28, 2014
Lisa Freeman

Lisa Freeman

As 2014 draws to a close, NIU Today offers a look back at 14 of the top stories from the year.

No. 3

Lisa Freeman, who joined NIU in 2010 as the vice president for Research and Graduate Studies, was in May appointed executive vice president and provost.

“As the search progressed, it became clear what we had already known – that Lisa Freeman is exceptionally qualified to make sure our academic programs are strong and well supported while providing students and faculty alike the tools they need for success,” NIU President Doug Baker said.

“She is a person of vision – a strong communicator who understands the importance of aligning resources with the university’s goals – and perhaps most importantly, she is intimately in tune with our culture and the challenges we face as a university.”

Freeman, whose academic career focuses on bringing people and resources together to solve complex problems, had served as NIU’s interim executive vice president and provost since October 2013.

On the same day, Lesley Rigg was named vice president for research and innovation partnerships.

The duo will serve in those roles for at least three more years.