Internal proposals for the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grants provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) are due to Sponsored Programs Administration by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15. A committee of qualified scientists will review the proposals and will submit their recommendations to the Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships (RIPS) on which proposals will move forward for submission to the NSF. RIPS will make their announcement on their selections the following week, on Wednesday, Nov. 23, by 4:30 p.m.
The MRI Program serves to increase access to shared scientific and engineering instruments for research and research training in institutions of higher education and other research organizations. The program provides organizations with opportunities to acquire major instrumentation that are too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs and will support the organization’s research and research training goals. The instrumentation must have a broad base of users including researcher groups within the organization, or even regionally or nationally.
Each MRI proposal may request support for either the acquisition or the development of a single, well-integrated research instrument for shared inter- and/or intra-organizational use. The instrument acquired or developed is expected to be operational for regular research use by the end of the award period. The program does not fund research projects or provide ongoing support for operating or maintaining facilities or centers.
Proposals should request funds in the $100,000-$4 million range. Proposals that request less than $100,000 may be accepted for the disciplines of mathematics or social, behavioral and economic sciences. Cost-sharing of precisely 30 percent of the total project cost is required. Proposers may request an award period up to three years for instrument acquisition and up to five years for instrument development.
The requirements for content and submission of an internal proposal for the NSF’s MRI competition are here: MRI Internal Competition Announcement. The proposals selected from this internal competition will be the only ones to be fully developed and submitted to the NSF.
Audrey Southard, who earlier this year received the Distinguished Alumna Award from the NIU College of Business, will deliver the next Jobs PLUS professional development event, titled “What’s My Style? Learning to Communicate with Others.”
The event will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, in 71 North of Founders Memorial Library, a new collaborative enterprise space being developed to foster student innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives. Students are encouraged to visit the Jobs PLUS website to register for the event.
Registration for the event will be accepted through Friday, Nov. 11. Students will be asked to complete a short questionnaire prior to attending, which will be emailed to them after registration.
This Jobs PLUS event will help individuals understand their own communication and personality styles, as well as the styles of others and how to best work together in a diverse environment.
Southard has been a human resources executive for more than 30 years. She retired as the senior vice president of business process engineering at Follett Corporation in 2014 to focus on her passions of working with college students and coaching business professionals.
She has invested in faculty research and innovation at NIU by establishing a faculty excellence fund in management. Southard also serves on the NIU College of Business Advisory Board and the Career Services Advisory Board for the University of Denver.
Southard began her career in human resource management at Nabisco, then spent 11 years in human resources at the Tribune Company before moving to Follett. By the time she was promoted to her senior vice president position, she was already leading the human resources, communication, procurement, facilities and loss prevention components for Follett’s largest division, Follett Higher Education Group (FHEG).
Jobs PLUS regularly hosts free professional development events open to all NIU students. Through partnerships with employers, students could even be eligible to attend these events on paid work time. Jobs PLUS events qualify for Passport in the College of Business and Honors Engaged in University Honors.
“Empowerment through International Education” is the theme for this year’s International Education Week on campus, which begins Monday, Nov. 14 and runs through Friday, Nov. 18. Sponsored by the Division of International Affairs, International Education Week draws attention to NIU’s increasing strides towards internationalization at NIU. This year’s theme celebrates NIU’s many opportunities for allowing students, faculty and staff to experience internationalization and achieve global competency.
Highlights of the week include a volunteer opportunity with Feed My Starving Children, a Mongolian music concert, a Middle Eastern music concert, a study abroad reunion, an international movie night and a Culture Fest. Additional events include the Asian American Resource Center hosting a cultural education series on Burma as part of their OHANA program on Tuesday, Nov. 15, and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies hosting speakers Dr. Catherine Raymond from the Center for Burma Studies and Ma Sandar Wynn from University Libraries on Friday, Nov. 18. The Division will focus on achievements in international education with the announcement of winners of campus international education awards, including outstanding student awards and an outstanding international educator award. International menus are being offered in the residence halls and Blackhawk Food Court all week long, and international displays are up in Holmes Student Center and Founders Memorial Library.
There are also a number of campus activities open to all. These include:
Friday, Nov. 11. A pre-International Education Week event includes the opportunity to volunteer with Feed My Starving Children, 3 – 5 p.m. Contact the International Student and Faculty Office at isfo@niu.edu or 815-753-1346 to volunteer.
Saturday, Nov. 12. Mongolian Music Concert sponsored by the School of Music, 5 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Music Building.
Monday, Nov. 14. Cookie giveaway, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in MLK Commons, Holmes Student Center, DuSable and Barsema Halls.
Tuesday, Nov. 15. International Dress Day where faculty, staff and students are encouraged to wear their favorite clothing, accessories or apparel from the cultures of their choice; ACIREMA Event, 10 a.m. in the Capitol Room of the Holmes Student Center (advance registration required – isfo@niu.edu); the International Recognition Reception, 3 p.m. in the Sky Room of the Holmes Student Center; OHANA program series on Burma hosted by the Asian American Resource Center, 5 p.m. in the Capitol Room of the Holmes Student Center; International Movie Night, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in Cole Hall 100; and Middle Eastern Music Concert sponsored by the School of Music, 6:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Music Building.
Wednesday, Nov. 16. Chinese Music Concert sponsored by the School of Music, 6:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Music Building.
Thursday, Nov. 17. Culture Fest, 6 – 8 p.m. in the Atrium and Auditorium of Wirtz Hall.
Friday, Nov. 18. Speakers Dr. Catherine Raymond from the Center for Burma Studies and Ma Sandar Wynn from University Libraries hosted by the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, 12 p.m. in Room 125 of Altgeld Hall.
Monday, Nov. 21. The International Student and Faculty Office (ISFO) will host a special Thanksgiving dinner for all international students. The dinner will be held in the evening at the Holmes Student Center. RSVP to the invitation is required to attend.
Tuesday, Nov. 22. Women’s Basketball Diversity Night sponsored by Athletics, 7 p.m. in the Convocation Center.
In addition to public activities, the Division of International Affairs is also hosting a number of invitation-only events during the week, including a reception for study abroad program directors. And on Nov. 17, Phi Beta Delta, the international honor society, will induct new members.
For further details, contact International Affairs at 815-753-9526 or slindell@niu.edu.
Date posted: November 9, 2016 | Author: Sarah Quinn | Comments Off on International Education Week focuses on empowerment
Are you interested in cancer research? Then bring your lunch and come check out the Colloquia Series, hosted by NIU’s Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning. Students and staff have the opportunity to showcase their work on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 12 p.m. in the Campus Life Building room 100.
The McKearn Fellows Program will soon begin accepting applications for the 2017-2020 cohort. This program provides an unparalleled educational experience by creating coursework and an activity plan that feeds intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit and supports future career plans. Students are able to explore research, artistry, leadership, and civic, social and global engagement in their selected field of study. Additionally, students selected for this program have opportunities to receive funding for participating and attending local, regional, national and international conferences within their field along with other opportunities to advance personally and professionally.
Several informational sessions on the McKearn Fellows Program have been scheduled to provide interested students information on the program. Those dates are Tuesday, Nov. 8, Monday, Nov. 21, Thursday, Dec. 1, and Thursday, Jan. 19. All sessions will start at 6 p.m. and will be held at Altgeld Hall, room 125.
The application submission period will open after Thanksgiving break. The application deadline is Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. All questions can be directed to mckearn@niu.edu. We hope to see your application!
Date posted: November 8, 2016 | Author: Sarah Quinn | Comments Off on First-year students invited to apply for a McKearn fellowship
This semester, NIU launched a unique program open to all students called NIU PLUS, short for Progressive Learning in Undergraduate Studies. It is designed to help students explore their interests, focus their studies, highlight their accomplishments and maybe even “earn and learn.” Best of all, it could help students get hired after graduation.
Through NIU PLUS, students can customize their learning experiences and make them stand out to future employers. With registration for spring semester classes opening this month, students should be considering the benefits of NIU PLUS and asking academic advisors about the program.
“We’re hoping students will take advantage of these unique NIU PLUS opportunities,” Executive Vice President and Provost Lisa Freeman said. “The program allows our students to make the most out of their individual college journeys by tying together learning experiences that happen inside and outside of the classroom.
“Students can turn every experience—from Gen Eds, to research projects, to college jobs—into an opportunity to hit the ground running on the path to career success,” she added.
NIU PLUS offers three components related to general education requirements, hands-on learning experiences and on- or off-campus jobs.
Academics PLUSallows each student to customize general-education courses according to personal interests, career aspirations or a major or minor area of study. Students can choose from one of seven “pathways” to explore topics or strengthen a major or minor.
What’s more, students have the opportunity to receive a “pathways focus” notation on their academic record. That way, prospective employers and graduate schools will see even more of the student’s accomplishments.
Engage PLUShelps ensure students are recognized for high-quality experiential learning activities outside of the classroom such as conducting research, directing a theatrical performance or applying what they’ve learned internships, service-learning or leadership experiences, to name a few.
“We encourage NIU students to step beyond the textbook and learn by doing,” Freeman said. “These meaningful hands-on activities drive home what is learned in class and equip students with new skills. Prospective employers will want to know about these activities.”
Working with faculty or staff mentors, or career supervisors, students can create structured experiences unique to their goals and interests. And they can earn academic transcript notations for these experiences, so prospective employers or grad schools are aware of these achievements.
Jobs PLUS is designed to help students build bridges between their college jobs and post-graduation careers. Jobs PLUS regularly hosts professional development events open to all NIU students. Through partnerships with employers, students could even be eligible to attend these events on paid work time. Frequently led by alumni, the events teach teamwork, communication, time management and other skills important in any work setting.
“We believe there’s something to learn in every job,” Freeman said.
Date posted: November 8, 2016 | Author: Sarah Quinn | Comments Off on NIU PLUS: Make your learning experiences stand out
NIU students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends are encouraged to don the red and black Wednesday, Nov. 9, and join in the celebration of NIU Day in Chicago.
For just $5, students can sign up for a roundtrip shuttle from Huskie Stadium to Guaranteed Rate Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
It’s only fitting that the Huskies, who are riding a two-game winning streak, score home team advantage on Chicago turf. After all, NIU is a major economic driver in the city and region. For more than a century, we’ve produced talented alumni in a wide array of fields—from education and engineering to business and health care. They live, work and lead in Chicago and its nearby suburbs, where NIU counts more than 100,000 alumni.
NIU also maintains a city presence with our office in the heart of Chicago’s financial district at 105 W. Madison Ave., Suite 1700, where our College of Business offers a 12-month MBA program as well as a master’s degree program in Financial Risk Management. The Loop location also provides space for the Alumni Association, Foundation and Education Systems Management, an NIU organization that works in education policy.
Tours of the Chicago office will be available—along with free Garrett popcorn—from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in honor of NIU Day.
Other ways you can join the celebration include wearing red and black wherever you are that day. Then submit your photo showing your Huskie spirit to the alumni Facebook page, and you could win a Huskie prize pack! You can come to Wrigley Square in Millennium Park* from noon until 1 p.m. to watch the Huskie Marching Band perform and pick up some giveaways. Attend the pregame party at the home of the White Sox. Great food and beverages will be available at the Stadium Club from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Our special guest for the reception is NIU’s former dynamic running back Garrett Wolfe.
If you can’t make it to the game, consider joining one of our watch parties!
*NOTE: This is a new location.
Date posted: November 7, 2016 | Author: Sarah Quinn | Comments Off on ChicaGo Huskies!
If you missed Bryan Stevenson’s visit to NIU on Oct. 24, it’s not too late to find out what he had to say and continue the conversation around injustice, humanity and mercy. As an NIU faculty, staff or student, you have exclusive access to Bryan Stevenson’s remarks during his NIU visit using your NIU username and password.
Stevenson, author of this year’s common reader, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, and the founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, works to fight against poverty and racial discrimination in the criminal justice system. Over 60 percent of NIU’s freshmen class participated in the Common Reading Experience (CRE) this year by using the book in their UNIV 101 and/or English 103 classrooms; many of these students also attended at least one CRE event this fall semester.
Kelly Smith, director of First- and Second-Year Experience, invites you to continue to capitalize on this common intellectual experience by using the recordings of Bryan Stevenson’s presentations on our campus, “I encourage you to continue the important conversations around issues of inequality, mental health, racism and classism using the CRE as a resource. The CRE lays a common foundation for addressing relevant issues through sharing of information, different viewpoints and engaging our students in critical thinking.”
Consider viewing (and/or sharing with others in the NIU community) all or parts of Bryan Stevenson’s 4:00 p.m. and/or 6:30 p.m. presentation to continue these important discussions inside or outside of the classroom. Using NIU employee or student IDs and passwords, the 4:00 p.m. presentation to UNIV 101/201 students can be accessed at https://hml.niu.edu/Play/4872. The 6:30 p.m. presentation to NIU faculty, staff, students and the greater community can be accessed at https://hml.niu.edu/Play/4824.
After the presentations, students were asked to complete the following sentence stems as an opportunity to reflect on their experience. They shared,
“I feel inspired to …
find the way I can use my life to affect change.”
do the right thing even if it’s the hard thing to do.”
to do more than just hope something changes.“
find a void in society that only I can fill.”
“I learned …
[that] I enjoy seeing and hearing other’s views or ideas to broaden my own thinking.”
how to value and respect others more, as well as myself.”
people aren’t always what they seem.”
that in order to change the world, we must be proximate to those in need.”
“I want to know more about …
how to create change in my field.”
how [I can] create a positive discussion about racism in this country.”
what I can do to help resolve this issue.”
opportunities to effect change.”
Stevenson’s visit was sponsored by the Provost’s Office, the College of Law and First- and Second-Year Experience, and is one of two other Diversity Dialogue events this fall.
For more information about this and other CRE events, please visit go.niu.edu/CRE or contact First- and Second-Year Experience at fsye@niu.edu or 815-753-0028.
Date posted: November 7, 2016 | Author: Sarah Quinn | Comments Off on Missed Bryan Stevenson’s visit? You’re in luck
NIU students who choose to go by a name other than the one given to them at birth will soon be able to change their name on class rosters and Blackboard in a single step.
Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 15, NIU will offer a way for students to specify the name they would like to be known by in MyNIU.
“In the past, students have had to send an individual email to each of their professors telling them, ‘I’m on your roster with this name, but the name I use is this,’ or go to several offices and re-enter information,” said Molly Holmes, director of the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC). “There have been workarounds, but nothing this direct. This allows students more ownership in being recognized the way they want to.”
Any student who goes by a name that is different from their legal name can choose to use their proper name. Students will be able to make the change by logging in to MyNIU and editing their personal information. Within about 24 hours, the proper name will be the one seen on rosters and Blackboard.
“The preferred name field implementation was started by the Division of Information Technology (DoIT), but it was also a recommendation made over the years by the GSRC and the Presidential Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity to support LGBTQ students and staff who would like to be called by their proper name,” said Vernese Edghill-Walden, chief diversity officer and senior associate vice president for academic diversity. “We are pleased to see this name field being implemented. It is important to make faculty, staff and students aware of this new feature for all students.”
DoIT notes that there are some cases in which a student’s legal name must still be used – admission documents, official transcripts, diplomas, reports for state and federal agencies, financial aid documents and employment records, to name a few. In order to change the name on official records and transcripts, a student would have to legally change their name and present a Social Security card and photo ID showing the new name to Registration and Records. Inappropriate use of the preferred name option, such as using it for misrepresentation or attempting to avoid a legal obligation, could lead to the name change being denied.
“When it comes to the student’s proper name and being able to navigate the university as any student can, to have ownership over making that change in the system rather than leaving it up to a gatekeeper is definitely a positive step,” Holmes said.
The self-service preferred name option will be available for students in MyNIU beginning Tuesday, Nov. 15. Faculty and staff can specify an updated proper/preferred name at any time by completing the Personal Data Form available on the Human Resource Services website.
Date posted: November 7, 2016 | Author: Sarah Quinn | Comments Off on Preferred name now an option for students in MyNIU
Northern Illinois University Athletics is partnering with the NIU Student Association (SA) and Student Involvement and Leadership Development (SILD) to provide transportation to students to the Nov. 9, Chi-Town Showdown football game at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago.
The Huskie football team will be riding a two-game winning streak into the historic contest against MAC rival Toledo, which will be the first-ever football game played at the current home of the Chicago White Sox. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
For just $5, students will receive a roundtrip shuttle bus ticket from Huskie Stadium to Guaranteed Rate Field. The shuttle bus will be staged on the east side of Huskie Stadium on Stadium Drive East at 3:15 p.m., Nov. 9, with departure at 4 p.m. sharp. The shuttle bus will arrive in parking lot E at Guaranteed Rate Field at approximately 6 p.m. The bus will depart from parking lot E to return to campus approximately 45 minutes after the end of the football game.
Additional information on the NIU Football Shuttle is available at NIUTickets.com.
Admission to the NIU vs. Toledo game is free to NIU students who present their NIU OneCard at the gate at Guaranteed Rate Field. Student guest tickets may be purchased at the ballpark for $22 each (limit two per NIU student).
NIU student seating will be in sections 101-107 at Guaranteed Rate Field. Students can enter the ballpark at Gate 2 with the gates scheduled to open at 5:30 p.m.
Additional information about Chi-Town Showdown can be accessed via the event fan guide at niuhuskies.com.
Date posted: November 7, 2016 | Author: Sarah Quinn | Comments Off on Student shuttle available for Chi-Town Showdown
“With self-defense classes, late night transportation services, 24/7 patrol and a police department that staffs over 50 officers who are medically trained and have advanced law enforcement experience, safety at Northern Illinois University is a constant priority,” the college-information website noted in its NIU safety synopsis. “Further, the school provides its students an array of advocacy services that cover everything from health to Greek life.”
NIU President Doug Baker welcomed the news, saying it validated efforts across the campus to ensure the well-being of students. “When we say that the safety of our students is our top priority, we mean it, so it is gratifying to see those efforts recognized,” Baker said.
CollegeChoice examined the safety records of hundreds of large college and university campuses nationwide, utilizing a methodology that examined a comprehensive set of factors. The information evaluated included three years of campus crime reports and five years of data pertaining to drug and alcohol incidents. The website also specifically looked at hate crimes and did an analysis of crimes reported under the Violence Against Women Act (domestic and dating violence, stalking and sexual assault).
After studying those numbers, College Choice concluded the statistics at NIU painted a picture of a safe campus. “Their safety reports in the last three years are pocked with only minor crime incidents,” the site reported.
Overall, NIU ranked 45th on the CollegeChoice list, one notch ahead of Harvard University. NIU was the only university in Illinois to be ranked in the top 50.
Two other MidAmerican Conference Schools, Akron and Central Michigan University, also were among the “50 Safest.” Other notable institutions on the list were Arizona State, Auburn, Iowa State, Texas A&M and Brigham Young.
NIU Chief of Police Tom Phillips said that the ranking was gratifying, especially because it looked at safety in such a comprehensive manner.
“We try to take a proactive approach to policing,” Phillips said. “We are dedicated to providing solid safety education programs that create a culture of awareness. This award illustrates our commitment to building relationships and establishing trust throughout campus, and it demonstrates our proficiency in responding to crime when it occurs.”
Gross’ journalism degree has taken him around the world — lecturing at universities in 24 countries and teaching or presenting research in 18 countries. Specializing on issues related to media in Eastern Europe, his body of research earned him an appointment to the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and a Harvard University research award. He worked for the U.S. Department of State and was an invited member of the International Observer Delegation to monitor the Romanian parliamentary and presidential elections. He currently serves as director of the School of Journalism and Electronic Media at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Robert (Bob) Kornecki B.S., Journalism, 1972
Kornecki graduated with a degree in journalism and a concentration in public relations in 1972, and began a 35-year career in the public relations business. His second act took him into the nonprofit world, raising funds to provide low-income students the educational opportunities he had as a child. He served on the board of the NIU Executive Club and NIU Executive Leadership Forum. Together with fellow graduates from the Department of Communication, he established the Albert Walker Fund, which brings leading industry professionals to campus for an annual lecture. He is the past chair of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Advisory Council; his contributions to the Council include the creation of the Dean’s Advisory Council Fund, which provides one-time funding to juniors and seniors encountering last-minute financial obstacles so they can graduate on time.
Frank-Stromborg pioneered cancer prevention and early detection with minority populations. During her 26-year tenure with the NIU School of Nursing, she served on three national cancer committees and chaired the research committees of four others. Her national service earned her three awards from the Oncology Nursing Society. At the age of 50, Frank-Stromborg pursued a law degree while still teaching future nurses. Retiring in 2004 as chair of NIU’s School of Nursing, she started a second full-time career, spending two years as a Dekalb County assistant state’s attorney and eight years as coordinator of the DeKalb County Drug/DUI Court. In 2015, she authored a grant to facilitate a free law clinic for the indigent at DeKalb’s Hope Haven homeless shelter.
Harlan Teller B.A., English, 1973
Teller has become a distinguished industry leader and currently serves as NIU’s interim vice president of Marketing and Communications. His distinguished 30-year career in corporate communications include stints at global public relations giants Burson-Marsteller and Hill and Knowlton. He served one term as president of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, served on the NIU Alumni Association Board for six years and was a member of the CLAS Dean’s Advisory Council. His leadership extended to not-for-profit boards, including WTTW, the Center for Economic Progress,and The Gateway for Cancer Research. For more than two decades, he served on the board for Heartland Alliance.
Andrew L. Traver B.A., Sociology, 1985
After earning his degree from NIU and joining the Navy, Traver was commissioned as a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. As special agent in charge of the Chicago Field Division of ATF, the Chicago office successfully disrupted and dismantled some of the most violent street gang factions and illicit firearms trafficking networks in the division’s history. After a 26-year career with the ATF, Traver became the fifth civilian director of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in October 2013. Traver has also found time to give back to NIU and the Department of Sociology, speaking regularly to the Introduction to Criminology and the Criminal Justice System courses and promoting internship opportunities to students in the College. He is a survivor and mentor to those battling prostate cancer and served as a volunteer Veterans Outreach Coordinator for The Mission Continues, a non-profit organization created to support and assist wounded and disabled veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Michael L. Vazquez B.S., Chemistry, 1980
Vazquez has worked diligently to make safe and effective medicines over his career of nearly 30 years. He has mentored scientists and provided valuable leadership within Searle and Pharmacia, which were acquired by Fortune 100 Company Pfizer, where he currently serves as an associate research fellow. His research contributions have resulted in three marketed drugs to treat HIV, one drug to treat cancer and 250 U.S. and divisional patents. He led a team of chemists in the development of molecules relating to the treatment of hypertension. He recently led the project team and medicinal chemistry efforts on Janus Kinase 1, resulting in the identification of a clinical candidate now in phase two clinical studies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Distinguished Faculty Award Recipients
Judy Ledgerwood Presidential Engagement Professor, Department of Anthropology Director, Center for Southeast Asian Studies, 1996-present
Ledgerwood has helped raise the international profile of NIU for two decades.
As a professor, a former chair of the Department of Anthropology, and now as director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, she has forged partnerships with other universities, museums, cultural institutions and individuals, in Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
She was one of the very first Americans who arrived in Cambodia after the country reopened to Westerners in 1989, helping libraries and archives preserve documents. As director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Ledgerwood partners with U.S. Department of State, international entities and other organizations on academic and youth leadership training programs. Her unit is one of only seven federally designated National Resource Centers for Southeast Asian Studies.
Albert Walker Professor Emeritus, Department of Journalism, 1968-1990
Walker was the father of public relations education at NIU. During his 23-year career at NIU, he built the public relations sequence from the ground up. His reputation in the field translated into a world of access for his students – face to face contact with industry leaders in the field; a real-life learning lab called ‘Contact Communications;’ and introduction to companies needing public relations support. He founded the NIU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America with Betsy Plank, the “godmother” of the organization.
Distinguished Staff Award Recipients
Julie Crouch Director, Center for the Study of Family Violence and Sexual Assault, 1998-present
Crouch oversees research efforts by faculty and staff in prevention, intervention, and treatment related to family violence and sexual assault. Her own research focuses on why some parents use physical aggression against their children and what types of interventions reduce those occurrences. The Center provides training opportunities for NIU undergraduate and graduate students – many who are mentored by Crouch. In addition to listing students as co-authors on a majority of her publications, she has served as a research mentor to undergraduate students through independent studies as well as the Research Rookies program. She created the Family Violence Fellowship program, which provides valuable research training opportunities to graduate students interested in pursuing careers in family violence research.
Eric Hoffman Coordinator of Networked Writing and Research, Department of English, 1993–present
Hoffman has done much to help the university achieve some of its strategic goals. Active in the implementation of the Peer Advocate Program, he played a role in orientating and mentoring both the 17 peer advocates and the 14 graduate teaching assistants in selected sections of English 104. In addition to teaching several sections of UNIV 101, he made significant contributions to the program by developing an e-Portfolio component. He has been instrumental in sending into the profession a generation of young educators adept in the advanced use of technology.
Kendra Johnson Plesa Office Support Specialist, Department of Communication, 1998-2015
For 27 years, Plesa handled more than just administrative duties for the Department of Communication. From calming a jittery new student or teaching assistant, planning events, managing the department’s media library to working alongside the most seasoned faculty member, she was a woman of many talents and a personality that made people feel at ease.
She provided support to the COMS 100 program and NIU’s award-winning Forensics team. Her influence lives on as the COMS 100 Public Speaking competition is being re-named in her honor. NIU’s vibrant Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society thrived during her time on campus, thanks to her focus on planning and close attention to detail.
Date posted: November 4, 2016 | Author: Sarah Quinn | Comments Off on College of Liberal Arts and Sciences honors alumni, faculty and staff
Internal proposals for the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grants provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) are due to Sponsored Programs Administration by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15. A committee of qualified scientists will review the proposals and will submit their recommendations to the Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships (RIPS) on which proposals will move forward for submission to the NSF. RIPS will make their announcement on their selections the following week, on Wednesday, Nov. 23, by 4:30 p.m.
