NIU Today

Ariel Owens expands role to provide multiracial support

As a NIU undergraduate, Ariel Owens had questions.

Hailing from Kenosha, Wis., the English major who is biracial was unsure of where – if anywhere – she most belonged on campus.

Ariel Owens

“Specifically, I’m white and Black, but no one thinks I’m white when they see me. They don’t know if I’m Latina, or if I’m Black, but they do know I’m not monoracial white,” says Owens, who graduated in 2016 and returned two years later as assistant director for Women and Gender Programs in the NIU Gender and Sexuality Resource Center.

“When I got to college, I was like, ‘Oh, I don’t really fit in anywhere. We don’t have any organizations for mixed people here,’ ” she adds. “I never really utilized the Center for Black Studies because I didn’t know if that was a space for me. I kind of had to pick one: ‘Am I ‘enough’ for this space? Am I ‘enough’ for this space?’ ”

Conversations with current Huskies have shown her that she’s not alone.

Members of the Women and Gender Advocacy Alliance, for example, “will casually mention, ‘Oh, yeah, I’m mixed, too,’ and they’ll say it in a way where I can tell they’ve not had the chance to explore,” says Owens, the organization’s adviser.

“They say it like, ‘Oh, by the way’ – like it’s not a big deal – and, to me, that says because they’re only being viewed as maybe one of their races, they don’t feel like it’s relevant or like that’s not cared about here at NIU,” she adds. “We have these really great race and ethnicity centers, but the mixed people are falling through the gap. There are mixed people all over campus within our centers, but they may not be talking about their identities.”

No longer.

Realization of the need for such intentional advocacy has produced a new title with expanded responsibilities at NIU: associate director for Women, Gender and Multiracial Support.

In alignment with the university’s strategic enrollment plan to deepen initiatives for students with multiple and intersecting identities, development of this role received collaborative support from NIU senior leadership and leaders within Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ADEI).

Vernese Edghill-Walden, vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at NIU, says that ADEI is excited to offer more coordinated programming and resources for multiracial students.

“We value all of our students and want to provide opportunities for them to see themselves and for them to know that they are seen, heard and valued,” Edghill-Walden says. “Ariel has been a passionate advocate for multiracial students. Her professional knowledge and expertise, as well as her lived experience as a student leader at NIU, has prepared her for this role, and we are excited to offer intentional support and programs for our students to learn, grow and engage.”

“This new role comes not only at the right time, but it wouldn’t be possible without the right person: Ari Owens,” says Molly Holmes, director of the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center.

“Her experience and passion for multiracial students’ development began at NIU and has continued through her professional career,” Holmes adds. “Ari values opportunities to give students space to be heard and feel whole, particularly those who feel unsure about their place at NIU. She makes a point to connect with students, listen to their needs, and reflect those needs in programs and resources offered.”

Owens plans to begin by simply listening.

During the next year, she will gather and document anecdotal evidence by conducting focus groups of students and by talking directly with NIU colleagues.

“I’m just one person. I graduated in 2016. How are people who are biracial or multiracial feeling today on campus?” Owens says. “I also plan to have a lot of meetings. I want to get on everybody’s calendars and figure out what they currently doing to support multiracial students, if anything.”

Next, she says, is educating the campus on multiracial identity.

That work will include workshops, presentations, guest speakers and panel discussions along with personalized assistance for NIU faculty and staff to better understand the experiences of students who are multiracial and how they can provide appropriate support.

Ultimately, she says, that knowledge then should generate the creation of spaces that are more inclusive.

“I want to do as much as possible: The information is here. The resources are here,” Owens says. “I would just love for people to be curious and enthusiastic; to connect with me so that I can share that with them; and to being open to how they can be more inclusive in general.”

Such awareness can prevent cultural microaggressions and misunderstandings, she says, and enrich the diversity of campus with students who bring a special and different insight regarding people, identity and how those systems can work together.

For Owens, the former includes comments that she’s either “not white enough” or “not Black enough” – or, in white spaces, that “I don’t really see you as that kind of Black person.”

“What does that mean?” she asks now. “Being a young college student, without the language to say why that’s wrong and harmful, being told these things doesn’t feel good. I’m hoping that with more education on campus, people won’t say that – and, if students are hearing things like that, that they’ll have the language to challenge it and really feel empowered to be proud of their identity.”

That conviction is part of her DNA, as are its benefits.

“I spent a lot of time growing up around white people, so white culture is something that I understand very well. I know what it’s like to see privilege in action. And having the experience of seeing my family members have certain privileges, but then also having a whole other side of my family, and being immersed in Black culture, gives me a unique perspective,” she says.

“These dynamics that many people have to study about, or learn about, or hear about from a friend – being biracial, you just see these things unfold,” she adds. “And being biracial has given me the ability to really connect with all kinds of people because I know what it’s like to not fit in.”

Owens already has glimpsed the possibilities of what’s in store for NIU.

During her time at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where in 2018 she earned her master’s degree in Higher Education, she found an organization for students who are multiracial.

“I’ve seen how empowering it can be,” she says. “People would say things like, ‘This is the first time I’ve ever felt comfortable in a space,’ and that’s really powerful. Students can do amazing things when they feel like they belong. I’m so excited.”

Date posted: August 2, 2022 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off

Categories: Faculty & Staff Homepage Students Uncategorized

Every penny counts

Every penny counts, and that’s exactly what members of NIU’s Human Resource Services (HRS) were counting on when they started a coin drive in fall 2021.

“It is important to give back to the community and running a coin drive within the department seemed to be uplifting to folks,” said Shay Hanlon, HRS administrative assistant who was part of the team that helped organize the fundraiser. “It was a nice break to stop by the jar, drop off coins, and see the progress we’d made.”

They called it “Change for Change,” and decided that the Civil Service Emergency Fund (CSEF) would be the beneficiary of their effort. Hanlon said a jar was placed in their office’s service center – a high traffic area – for people to drop off coins, and they used a newsletter and monthly staff meetings to remind employees to get involved.

The Civil Service Emergency Fund (CSEF) was established to assist civil service employees who are facing economic crisis. The fund is overseen by a committee that works together to solicit donations, evaluate applications and distribute the funds.

By March, members of the Human Resource team had raised more than $107 for the CSEF. Their philanthropic efforts inspired other NIU employees to do the same, and the Physical Plant is currently hosting a coin drive.

“Taking care of one another is part of the Huskie Spirit,” said Holly Nicholson, assistant director of Web Communications and president of the Operating Staff Council (OSC). “Economic struggles hit us all differently at different times; if you find yourself in a time in which you are blessed more than others around you, donating to the emergency fund is a great opportunity to help.”

The emergency fund has been established to assist civil service employees who are facing economic crisis. The fund is overseen by a committee that works together to solicit donations for the fund, evaluate applications and distribute funds.

How can you help?

Host a drive:
If a department wants assistance in starting a coin drive or has funds to drop off they can contact cs-fund@niu.edu.

Volunteer:
There is currently a need for a member to join the committee to evaluate applications and discuss marketing and events. Please contact lyates@niu.edu and fmitchell@niu.edu.

Donate:

Please consider helping your fellow Huskies. You can give online on the NIU Foundation website by selecting the Civil Service Emergency Fund in the “available designations” dropdown. You can also contribute by sending a check, with Civil Service Emergency Fund written on the memo line, to:

Northern Illinois University Foundation
Altgeld Hall 135
DeKalb, IL 60115-2882

Learn more about the Civil Service Emergency Fund or contact cs-fund@niu.edu.

Date posted: August 2, 2022 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off

Categories: Faculty & Staff Homepage Uncategorized

Something for everyone October 3-9 at 115th NIU Homecoming

Short Video from President Freeman Previews Excitement of this Year’s Events

While we continue to enjoy the summer, we’re just two short months away from NIU’s 115^th Homecoming. Dozens of staff, faculty and alumni are hard at work on the week’s events, which will celebrate the Huskie Nation. Festivities begin on Monday, Oct. 3 and run all week through Sunday, Oct. 9. This year’s Homecoming includes long-time traditions along with new events and activities for the entire NIU community. One long-time tradition is Huskie football—single-game tickets are now on sale so make sure to reserve your seats for the Homecoming game versus Toledo on Saturday, Oct. 8.

Date posted: August 1, 2022 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off

Categories: Alumni Faculty & Staff Homepage Students

State green-lights NIU’s $23 million sustainability center

The State of Illinois has announced it will begin the design phase of the planned Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability (NICCS), essentially green-lighting the $23 million project.

The Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability will be built on NIU’s west campus, near this site where a study on prairie restoration is already underway.

The state’s agency in charge of project construction, the Capital Development Board, is seeking formal bids from architectural and engineering firms for the planned sustainability research center.

Announced in October 2018, NICCS is part of the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN), a group of state-funded research and innovation hubs that are under development and aimed at driving economic growth in Illinois while addressing critical global issues.

“The Illinois Innovation Network exists to ensure the needs and ideas of every community are represented in the economy of the future, and I’m proud to dedicate $15 million in state funding to bring this hub for groundbreaking research to DeKalb,” Gov. JB Pritzker said. “The establishment of NIU’s Center for Community Sustainability represents a climate advancement for our whole state, and I’m proud to greenlight its development.”

IIN centers will support interdisciplinary research, policy development and public-private partnerships to stimulate economic development and job creation, as well as to attract and develop talent. NICCS will be a world-class research facility focusing on water resources, environmental change, and food systems, while also promoting science-based policies and practices for communities.

“We appreciate the continued efforts by Gov. Pritzker and state legislators to support this project, which will benefit our region, the entire state and well beyond,” NIU President Dr. Lisa C. Freeman said. “We have the opportunity to grow our economy in ways that promote equity, protect the environment and meet the needs of the present and future.

“NIU is a perfect fit for this new center because our distinctive peri-urban geography positions us to understand the stresses among cities, suburbs and farmlands and create sustainable solutions to span the gaps,” Dr. Freeman added. “The new center will address statewide sustainability issues, drive economic opportunity and spur public-private partnerships and investment. NICCS will also create opportunities for NIU faculty members to expand their research related to food systems, water resources and environmental change, and educate the next generation of environmental scientists and stewards.”

NIU President Dr. Lisa C. Freeman says NICCS will “educate the next generation of environmental scientists and stewards.”

The roughly 30,000-square-foot NICCS facility will be constructed on the university’s west campus, in an area northwest of the NIU Convocation Center.

About two-thirds of the new building’s cost, or $15 million, will be financed from the $500 million in state capital funding approved in 2018 to launch the innovation network. NIU will provide the remaining $8 million through in-kind contributions. Additional contributions are anticipated through private investment and donations.

Construction could begin in 2023 with the facility coming online in 2026. A concept design calls for a building with classrooms, offices, laboratories, an atrium, an auditorium and collaborative and conference spaces. Two envisaged wings are planned for research and external tenants.

“This unique multiple-use research, innovation and education center will itself serve as a testbed for new technology and operating strategies,” said Gerald C. Blazey, NIU vice president for Research and Innovation Partnerships. Blazey also serves as chair of the Illinois Innovation Network Council, which coordinates collaboration between IIN members.

“In keeping with the entrepreneurial spirit of the Illinois Innovation Network, we aim to create a world-class destination for experts, university faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, government and business leaders, and citizens working to enhance sustainability in their communities,” Blazey said.

Work at NICCS will focus on three key areas:

Improving water resources: NIU faculty, students and IIN partners will develop new sustainable water management systems for agriculture, industry and personal consumption.
Predicting and managing environmental change: Research will be conducted on topics that include biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, environmental maintenance, natural disasters, climate change and response to extreme climate events.
Creating food-system innovation: The center will conduct multidisciplinary research into new methods of food production, working with partners from across the state, nation and world.

NIU has been busy preparing for the center. In addition to Blazey’s leadership IIN role, the university completed its preliminary planning, identified and recruited faculty who will conduct center-related research and education, initiated research projects and sponsored internal research presentations, as well as a lecture series on food-system innovation.

Blazey said he foresees NICCS developing into a substantial economic engine as the center partners with private industry.

“NICCS addresses real-world challenges and promotes the kind of breakthrough discoveries that can create new products and companies,” he said. “The entire statewide network aims to address critical global issues and drive economic growth in Illinois.”

A strong network of NIU faculty already work on sustainability issues, including the university’s Weather, Climate and Society Research Group. Photo Credit: Victor Gensini, NIU

The center is expected to be a boon for faculty and students as well.

The university has strong network of faculty members who have been working on sustainability issues for many years and have ongoing projects that feed into the mission of the new center. Since the center was first announced, faculty have won grants from the IIN and federal sources to conduct research on American prairie restoration, soil microbes, turning trash into usable products, exploring urban-rural connections and enhancing agricultural practices.

Additionally, NIU has seen strong student interest in sustainability. The university has more than 100 students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in environmental studies, and many hundreds more pursuing degrees in areas ranging from meteorology and geology to engineering and law where sustainability issues regularly come to the fore. The new center’s classrooms, laboratories and collaborative spaces will further promote sustainability education, collaboration and research conducted by faculty and students alike.

“In my field, the issue of sustainability is extremely important—from enhancing long-range, severe-weather forecasts to developing dwellings and business structures that can withstand a region’s extreme weather events,” Meteorology Professor Victor Gensini said.

Gensini is a key member of the university’s Weather, Climate and Society Research Group, which studies how weather and climate extremes impact humans and our economy.

“The sustainability issues we are tackling today are complex and require expertise from many different disciplines,” he said. “It’s exciting to know that the new Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability will be at the forefront of collaborations on sustainability solutions for decades to come.”

Date posted: July 27, 2022 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off

Categories: Centerpiece Faculty & Staff Students

SHAPE America names Paul Wright chair of Research Council for 2022-23

Paul Wright is the new chair of the Research Council for SHAPE America.

Wright, the EC Lane and MN Zimmerman Endowed Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, will lead the organization’s efforts during the next year to encourage and promote research activity.

He also promises to find avenues for partnership with SHAPE America’s other councils focused on health education, physical activity, physical education and professional preparation.

“All of us faculty members have a service obligation, and this certainly fits in with that,” says Wright, who is also an NIU Presidential Engagement and Partnership Professor. “I’ve always looked for service opportunities where I can make my best contribution – where it involves a strength I have and where I feel like I do have something to share.”

The appointment comes at a good time, he adds.

“Being a full professor, a bit more seasoned now and farther along at this stage of my career, this is a nice way for me to continue to push my leadership skills. I’ve had plenty of leadership opportunities within NIU and within professional organizations, but this is on another scale,” Wright says.

“I’m learning a lot,” he adds. “Any time you do something like this, you’ll learn a lot more about how an organization works. There’s so much work and politics and decision-making that goes on behind the curtain.”

SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators) serves as the voice for more than 200,000 professionals in those disciplines across the United States.

Founded in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in physical education: Its National Standards for K-12 Physical Education has served for decades as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs; the organization also helped develop (and owns) the National Health Education Standards.

Research in physical activity and health disseminated and advanced through the council that Wright now chairs provides a direct link to the effective instructional practices, curriculum and assessment tools necessary to build evidence-based programs.

Discipline areas include biomechanics; dance; exercise physiology and fitness; health; leisure and recreation; measurement and evaluation; motor behavior; pedagogy (Wright’s specialty); physical activity epidemiology; psychology; sociocultural aspects of physical activity; special populations; sport management; and sports medicine.

Chairing the council will require Wright to lead monthly meetings and to review research being conducted, applications for fellowships and decisions for awards that recognize excellent scholarship. He also expects to launch a newsletter, and will help to plan and coordinate the research components of the 2023 national conference such as its poster sessions, research presentations and distinguished scholar lecture series.

Moreover, Wright hopes to serve as a sounding board for SHAPE America leadership as they ponder and choose research priorities and organizational initiatives.

“It’s a high-profile position and comes with a lot of national exposure,” Wright says, “and that’s always something I’m looking for in terms of ways to promote the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education to have us showing up in the national conversation more often by sitting on councils and committees and chairing them. Things like this continue to build on our reputation.”

That “national exposure” extends to NIU as well as to Wright, personally and professionally, as he serves for a year as chair and then passes the figurative baton to the next chair, who he will mentor.

“I believe I’m in sync with, and aware of, where the field is going and what it needs. This allows me to be a spokesperson, a person who’s around the table and influencing the conversation with some credibility,” Wright says.

For example, he is a leading advocate for promoting social and emotional learning through physical education – and, he says, “it doesn’t hurt to have chair of the Research Council being a champion for one of those initiatives. It’s good for the work I’m trying to promote, and it’s good for NIU.”

Date posted: July 26, 2022 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off

Categories: Faculty & Staff Homepage Students

Huskie Baseball Alumnus Tim Kuncis, ’96, brings sports art to famed locales

Tim Kuncis’ Barnwood Sports is a growing baseball memorabilia business.

When former NIU baseball player Tim Kuncis, ’96, was majoring in art in college, it was not clear how or if he would use his degree.

In fact, for the first two decades of his career, he worked in the trading pits of the Chicago Board of Trade before realizing his dream of becoming an entrepreneurial sports artist.

In 2017, he founded Barnwood Sports LLC, a company that creates handmade museum-quality baseball memorabilia pieces. This perfect marriage of Kuncis’ passion for sports and art has led to his company’s pieces being carried by major league ballparks, The National Baseball Hall of Fame, and the MLB Network studios, to name a few.

“I founded Barnwood Sports LLC in 2017 after working different jobs trying to figure out what to do with my life,” Kuncis said. “I had been let go from my job as a broker and brokers assistant in 2012. I got into woodworking after meeting a local gentleman who had also previously worked at the Chicago Board of Trade, and I learned many techniques of woodworking from him. It was a wonderful experience.”

During some down time, Kuncis created a wooden American flag, using techniques he learned for finishing cabinets. It was not long before he realized he had created something special.
“The piece sold in less than a minute on Facebook. From there, I knew I was onto something. And Barnwood Sports was born,” he said.

Growing up in Midlothian, a southwest suburb of Chicago, Kuncis attended South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois, playing baseball there in 1991 and 1992. When the 1991 team finished sixth in the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series, he accepted a baseball scholarship to Texas Christian University in Fort Worth and played there, before having to leave for shoulder reconstruction surgery after an injury.

From there, his journey took him to NIU, where Kuncis played multiple positions, due to his athleticism, on the Huskie Baseball Team.

Kuncis created custom artwork for Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman.

“While I was never the player at NIU that I had previously been before having my reconstruction and a second surgery on the same shoulder, the experience was absolutely outstanding!” he said. “Lifelong friends were made, as well as many memories, specifically of winning our conference tournament in 1996. I got hot at the plate, which led to being chosen as All-Tournament designated hitter. Our road trips were a blast too!”

When Kuncis first transferred to NIU, he was interested in teaching and coaching a high school baseball team, but he started looking into the art program as NIU, knowing that it had a positive reputation.

“First I was in computer design but seeing how long I’d have to be in school to complete that degree, I decided a B.A. in art was the best way to go,” he said. “Unfortunately, it took me a while to find my niche, when I fell back in love with art, specifically woodworking and art combined.”

For a long time, Barnwood Sports was a one-man show on the handmade side of the business, but recently Kuncis hired one of his best friends to help the company continue to grow. Kuncis oversees the whole order process. There is a process to making each handmade piece, which takes around two weeks, and there is a special “antiquing” technique needed to get the “Barnwood Sports look.”
That look has made a big splash in the baseball world.

“I am now officially licensed with Major League Baseball, The National Baseball Hall of Fame, and The Major League Players Association,” he said. “We work with many tournament directors making their handmade and printed awards, and I also do many schools’ senior gifts, which include (university logos).”

Even with all his success, Kuncis notes that the best part of his job is the look on the customer’s face when they receive his products.

“Our pieces have special meaning to many, and they will be handed down from generation to generation,” he said.

The perks of the job are not too bad either. Kuncis has been able to rub elbows with Hall of Fame players. For instance, he has become friends of the family of Roger Maris and Roberto Clemente. Kuncis has had the honor of making pieces for Derek Jeter, Bo Jackson, Ken Griffey Jr., David Ortiz, Ryne Sandberg, Andre Dawson, and many, many more!

Kuncis created custom signage for the MLB Network.

“It’s also pretty cool to get nationwide acknowledgment on TV,” he said. “To those NIU friends who have supported me during the building of Barnwood Sports LLC, I thank you very much! Keep an eye out because we aren’t done.”

After only a few short years, Barnwood Sports has a cult following, and some customers come back repeatedly, purchasing several handmade pieces.
“I know that my hard work will pay off someday with the hopes to sell the company and retire someday,” Kuncis said with a laugh. “That’s the American Dream, right?!”

Kuncis believes his success can be traced back to his art degree at NIU.

“I believe if I didn’t take art at NIU, there is no way I would have circled back to this career 20-plus years after graduating,” he said. “I always tell my kids to not worry about what major you go into, that you never know what will happen in your life and what you’ll be when.

“You grow up. It took me 45 years to ‘grow up,’ and find my way.”

Date posted: July 26, 2022 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off

Categories: Faculty & Staff Homepage Students Uncategorized

Help our students during Move-In and Week of Welcome

To welcome Huskies to campus, NIU has invested in Week of Welcome shirts for all employees. We encourage wearing these shirts during Week of Welcome, Aug. 17 though 21, and throughout the first several weeks of classes. Instructions for obtaining your shirt will be forthcoming in the Monday Morning Employee Announcements and upcoming editions of NIU Today.

It’s one of the most exciting weeks of the year as DeKalb and the NIU campus come alive with returning Huskies.

Week of Welcome (WOW) and Move-In will take place Wednesday, August 17 through Sunday, August 21. This important week is quickly approaching, and your help is needed. Show your Huskie Pride by signing up to volunteer at this all-hands-on-deck effort to welcome students to campus both with move in and other WOW events.

Elina Wlaznik, assistant director of the Campus Activities Board, says Week of Welcome is a special time for the entire NIU community.

“This time of year offers unique opportunities to connect with students and their families,” she says. “We share in their joy sending their new Huskies off to college and welcoming them to the Huskie Family.”

Volunteer time slots are available throughout the week and will provide the opportunity to help welcome all new and returning students to campus. Choose your event(s) and time slot(s) you would like to volunteer for using the combined volunteer sign-up for Residence Hall Move-In and Week of Welcome (WOW). Supervisors are encouraged to offer flexible scheduling to allow staff members to volunteer during this time.

Questions? Contact orientation@niu.edu.

Date posted: July 25, 2022 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off

Categories: Faculty & Staff Homepage Uncategorized

Ryan Janisch, ’04, M.S.Ed. ’07, Ed.S. ’15, named assistant superintendent for Sandwich Schools

Ryan Janisch, ’04, M.S.Ed. ’07, Ed.S. ’15, is ducktaped to a wall by students as part of a reward for the class who raised the most money during a school fundraiser.

Anyone who has had the chance to see Ryan Janisch in action as a school administrator knows he is enthusiastic about his work.

As the principal of North Grove Elementary in Sycamore, Illinois, for the past 13 years, he is known by students and parents as a fun-loving and good-hearted leader.

“I think I always was drawn to that servant leadership mentality,” he said. “I just wanted to help others, and I wanted our kids to be proud of their school. It was never okay to me if the students went to a good school… I wanted them to go to a great school.”
Janisch has followed a few simple ideas over his nearly two decades in education.

“This advice has served me well: I lead with passion, I surround myself with great people, then I work hard and take care of others,” he said. “This system has led to some pretty great outcomes for us in education. I feel like when you have a vision for what you want, and goals so you know when you get there, you have a better chance of success. Even with all of the challenges of pandemic learning, I think we did a good job of keeping our core philosophy in tact.”

The basis for Janisch’s collaborative nature came from his time at NIU. He earned his bachelor’s in education in 2004, his M.S.Ed. in 2007, and his Ed.S. in educational administration in 2015.

“At NIU, I learned the power of learning from others,” he said. “Many of the connections I have had in my education programs are the ones I still call on today when I need help with a project or another opinion.”

Janisch also practiced the idea that hard work matters while he studied at NIU.
“I found my stride as a learner while at NIU, and this drive to get better is something that I still practice today,” he said.
Practice was something Janisch understood as a child growing up in Belvidere, Illinois. He loved playing all sports, with basketball being his favorite. After high school, he decided play golf for a small liberal arts college for a year before realizing he wanted to follow a different path.

“I wanted to be closer to a girl that I was dating at the time, so I enrolled at NIU,” he said with a laugh. “That turned out to be a great decision, as Kristin (’05), and I are now married with three amazing kids. I made some strong friendships at NIU, and I keep in touch with those friends to this day. My time at NIU was the foundation for the rest of my life in terms of a professional career and family.”

After earning his bachelor’s in physical education, Janisch took a job as a physical education and health teacher at Burlington Central Middle School in Burlington, Illinois. While there, he completed his master’s degree in educational administration.

Ryan Janisch, his wife Kristin, ’05, and their three children.

“I just couldn’t see myself going to school somewhere else,” he said. “So, I enrolled for my administrative program and after my master’s degree. NIU has always made me feel at home and my connection to the University was strong. I was always so grateful for the opportunities that I received after my education from NIU.”

From there, Janisch was given the opportunity to help open a new building in the district as the dean of students and athletic director at a middle school called Prairie Knolls in Elgin, Illinois. Next, he was hired in the Sycamore School District to be an elementary principal and once again he was tasked with opening a new building.

During his time in Sycamore, he returned to NIU once again to earn his superintendent licensure or degree of advanced study.
“My days as the building principal went by very quickly,” he said. “I started my day early making sure we had enough staff for the day. Then I would greet students, do announcements, and follow my calendar for the day. My days would be filled with meetings, evaluations, subbing, visiting classrooms, and assisting students and teachers. Honestly, every day looked different and often went in a different direction than what I had planned. Simply put, it was my job to help others!”

During the last two years, Janisch had the challenge of leading school staff, elementary students and their families through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic time period was certainly a trying time. It was the most difficult few years of my career,” he said. “Everyone was just trying their best to help others and to make learning engaging for students. We were using new methods and technology. It was very challenging, but the collaborative process and the grit that educators showed during this time was incredible.”

Janisch noted that the entire learning community had to “lean in” for success to happen during times of remote learning and social distancing.

“Probably my proudest moments were the celebrations with teachers and students around learning success,” he said. “I am so proud of the culture we built. The collaborative nature of the learning environment was contagious, and it helped everyone grow. Teachers got better, students learned more, and they turned me into a better leader.”

After staying on as principal of North Grove Elementary School for 13 years, Janisch recently accepted the position as assistant superintendent for the Sandwich School District 430 this fall. He looks forward to taking on his next challenge, even as the pandemic remains. Janisch credits his wife for her support.

“I have had one amazing partner through all of this time,” he said. “My wife Kristin, who is an educator herself, she has been my best professional sounding board for the past 18 years. She has great insight on many current topics and her empathy towards others is most impressive. Our family, with our three children—Layla, Grady and Libby—has been my proudest accomplishment by far.”

Date posted: July 19, 2022 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off

Categories: Alumni Community Faculty & Staff Homepage

Bill Pitney returning to KNPE faculty

As change looms for Bill Pitney, he is in awe of his good fortune.

“Being able to go back to the classroom and work with our students? I mean, how cool is that? To revisit the thing that drew you here in the first place? How cool is it to have that opportunity?” Pitney asks. “It’s amazing.”

The College of Education’s associate dean of Research, Resources and Innovation since 2016 has chosen to return this fall to his home Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KNPE) as a professor of Athletic Training.

That’s what he taught when he arrived on campus in 1994, before he began enhancing his résumé with leadership positions.

In addition to his term as associate dean, Pitney served eight months as NIU’s acting vice provost for Faculty Affairs in 2019; KNPE Chair Todd Gilson, who served as acting associate dean while Pitney worked in Altgeld Hall, now will take on that role permanently.

Pitney also was executive secretary of University Council and president of Faculty Senate for Fiscal Year 2015.

Yet he never has forgotten why he pursued a career in higher education or one of his favorite parts of the academic process.

“Coming to NIU, I enjoyed creating learning experiences that were meaningful for our students,” Pitney says, “because there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing or observing our students make the connections between what they’re learning in the classroom and the real world. That was just so rewarding.”

So, he adds, was his preliminary work toward those ends.

Bill Pitney, Laurie Elish-Piper and David Walker

“I’m probably a nerd, but I liked preparing for classes – thinking about what the objectives are and the best way to help our students achieve those objectives,” Pitney says. “That was always just really fun for me, and I look forward to preparing for my classes for this fall. I just get a lot of joy in that.”

Dean Laurie Elish-Piper calls Pitney “an amazing partner in leading the College of Education.”

“His pragmatic, hard-working approach enabled us to get so much done over the past six years, and his generosity of time, expertise and insights has been such a gift to me, to our senate and to the college,” Elish-Piper says.

“As Bill moves back to his faculty role, I know he is excited to re-immerse himself in his research, teaching and student engagement work. I am also confident that he will assume the role of faculty leader and contribute his efforts and energies to the Athletic Training program, KNPE and the College of Education in important and meaningful ways,” she adds.

“While I will miss having him in the role of associate dean for Research, Resources and Innovation, I am forever grateful for his partnership, expertise and wise counsel on myriad issues, challenges and opportunities we’ve faced over these past six years.”

The feeling is mutual for Pitney, who considers his term in the dean’s office as an “honor.”

“I believe I positively changed our climate and tried to make this the best place to teach, work and learn,” he says. “I recall thinking of that when I took this position – trying to be a team player with our faculty, our students and our staff, working with them to support our folks in their roles. This has been a really meaningful piece for me.”

He also is grateful to have “connected with our faculty in new and different ways,” such as through his oversight of the GPS program that offers guidance, positioning and support to incoming faculty.

“We bring them together consistently when they first arrive on campus for their initial semester and beyond so that they meet senior faculty and other staff on campus, understand opportunities that exist for them and understand key procedures that are in place that will help them navigate NIU,” Pitney says.

“Another piece of that is this is the Collegial Connections program, which brings faculty from different departments together to get to know one another, to interact with one another and perhaps even collaborate with one another,” he adds. “There have been some really positive relationships that have developed.”

Positive relationships have defined Pitney’s career.

The native of Peru, Ind., majored in physical education at Indiana State University with plans to teach; a class in athletic training showed him a different path.

“I was just really intrigued by that content,” Pitney says, “and then I thought, ‘How cool would it be to be part of a health care team where you’re with your patients to prevent injuries, you’re with your patients to treat any injuries that occur and you’re with your patients to help with the rehabilitation process and then see them return back to the field, the court or the sport setting?’ It’s an interesting profession from that standpoint and different among other health professions.”

Earning a specialization in athletic training with his bachelor’s degree, he went on to complete a master’s degree in physical education from Eastern Michigan University and his NIU doctorate in adult continuing education.

Before that, however, and with board certification as an athletic trainer, Pitney provided outpatient rehabilitation as a clinical outreach athletic trainer in the Detroit area, serving three high schools and their sports teams.

Later, as an athletic trainer at Eastern Michigan University, he found a chance to apply his educator licensure.

“I had an opportunity to co-teach a therapeutic modalities, or therapeutic interventions, class there in their undergraduate athletic training program and, just as I thought I would, I really enjoyed it and loved it,” Pitney says.

“Being a physical educator, I always had the natural proclivity to want to teach and engage with students – that calling to be a teacher – and when I had the taste of teaching athletic training students at Eastern Michigan University as a graduate student, I just really knew that’s where I wanted to be. I started to look for some opportunities to become a full-time educator.”

That came in 1994 in Anderson Hall.

Recognition followed.

Pitney’s list of honors includes the 2013 Outstanding Educator Award from the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association, the 2013 Dedicated Service Award from the Illinois Athletic Trainers’ Association, the 2015 Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the 2016 Sayers “Bud” Miller Distinguished Educator Award from the NATA’s Executive Committee on Education.

Even as he took on leadership roles in his department, eventually serving as director of the Athletic Training program, and across NIU and throughout his profession, he regarded each as a teacher as well as a way “to serve, help, make a positive difference and leave a meaningful mark.”

“I’ve benefitted from those opportunities. You get a chance to continually learn, whether it’s about the innerworkings of the university, or the college, or the department, or why policies and procedures exist or are structured the way they are, and how we got to that point,” Pitney says.

“When you’re constantly learning about these things, and you’re learning about best practices to bring to bear on current situations, that’s a meaningful experience,” he adds, “and to see how I can change things to make them better has been a key thing for me.”

Date posted: July 19, 2022 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off

Categories: Faculty & Staff Homepage Uncategorized

Northern Illinois University Art Museum Annual “Art to Lend” selection period now open

The Northern Illinois University Art Museum’s annual “Art to Lend” 2022 selection period will open for faculty and staff on campus. This annual service allows individuals and departments to enhance their private offices and the administrative areas of the university by renting original works of art. Artwork enriches the university’s welcoming nature for students, faculty and staff as well as brightens the experience for public visitors and provides daily enjoyment in the workplace. Each work meant for public display was carefully selected by museum staff for its broad appeal and its ability to be on loan for up to eight years.

This program is funded through the nominal installation and annual rental fees which cover incurred expenses, including matting and framing to make new selections available, as well as for the direct care and conservation of the remainder of our permanent collection. The artwork must be installed in secure, locked areas when not occupied by university personnel. Certain environmental factors, including light levels, humidity and temperature, must also be met to protect the artwork and be eligible to participate.

There is an annual rental fee of $20 per piece, running on the same cycle as the university’s fiscal year. An installation fee will also be charged for new works brought to an office or for works moved/relocated to another office at any time during the year. For one to three works per department there will be a fee of $35; for four to six a fee of $60; for seven to ten a fee of $85. Any piece(s) beyond that will cost an additional $10 per piece.

This year’s choices can be accessed by clicking view the selections, or by visiting the Art Museum’s website during the selection period of July 20 through Aug. 8, 2022. As in previous years, works will be assigned by lottery based on preferred selections. The lottery drawing will be held on Monday, August 8 at 3 p.m. All online Selection Forms must be submitted before the lottery deadline to Assistant Director and Curator Peter Olson by Aug. 8 at 2:59 p.m. Email polson@niu.edu with questions or concerns. A detailed policy form (PDF) is available in the “Art to Lend” section of our website.

Date posted: July 18, 2022 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off

Categories: Faculty & Staff Homepage Uncategorized

Kevin Meyer – Integrated Media Technology

Kevin Meyer completed three major fund raising videos in under ten days. Kevin worked days, nights, and weekends to complete all the videos resulting in a high volume of viewing and positivity. These videos we a part of a record breaking fund raising efforts. This also comes after assisting with many of the High School Commencements held at the Convocation Center.

We applaud Kevin for his efforts!

Date posted: July 17, 2022 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off

Categories: Applause

Lisa DeRango – Intercollegiate Athletics

Lisa DeRango advocates for resources while rendering knowledge and direction so that our team is united and focused on aiming true to the goals set before us to reach the overall Huskie vision. Thank you for all you do for all of us, Lisa DeRango. We trust generously in your leadership so that we as a whole are working toward a shared success delivering together the key results to make a difference.

Date posted: July 17, 2022 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off

Categories: Applause

NIU Today

Author Archives: Andrew Pemberton

Ariel Owens expands role to provide multiracial support

Every penny counts

Something for everyone October 3-9 at 115th NIU Homecoming

State green-lights NIU’s $23 million sustainability center

SHAPE America names Paul Wright chair of Research Council for 2022-23

Huskie Baseball Alumnus Tim Kuncis, ’96, brings sports art to famed locales

Help our students during Move-In and Week of Welcome

Ryan Janisch, ’04, M.S.Ed. ’07, Ed.S. ’15, named assistant superintendent for Sandwich Schools

Bill Pitney returning to KNPE faculty

Northern Illinois University Art Museum Annual “Art to Lend” selection period now open

Kevin Meyer – Integrated Media Technology

Lisa DeRango – Intercollegiate Athletics

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