Lynda Ransdell has been named the new dean of NIU’s College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS). She will assume the role on July 1. “I’m delighted that Dr. Ransdell will be joining my leadership team,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Beth Ingram. “She is an accomplished researcher, grant writer and teacher. We were...

The Society of School Psychology has awarded Logan Riffle, a psychology Ph.D. student, a research grant to assist with the completion of her dissertation. The Society for the Study of School Psychology has a unique role among school psychology organizations, a mission that is devoted exclusively to recognizing and promoting scholarship and research. One of their...

Abigail Newman Abigail Newman loved playing school. Then she loved babysitting. Really, she always loved interacting with children. When she was a senior at Oregon High School, she jumped at the opportunity to spend one period each day as a teacher’s assistant in a first-grade classroom across Jefferson Street. “I made a special connection with...

NIU Chemistry Professor Douglas Klumpp’s daughter, Rachel, basically grew up by his side in Faraday Hall. She’d watch Disney movies in her father’s office. On weekends when the building was empty, she’d ride her big wheel up and down the halls as her father worked. This fall, she’ll walk those hallways as a National Merit...

Beginning this Wednesday, June 16, the NIU Foundation is hosting a series of virtual events in conjunction with Huskies United, June 23-24. These virtual events feature leaders from NIU sharing about the priorities on which Huskies United centers. Information is below, along with links to register for each event. You can also register for all...

We understand that exercise improves cardiovascular health. But recent research shows that aerobics and strength training also boost brain health and function – in both healthy adults and those with stroke, dementia or other cognitive impairments. In fact, Jamie Mayer, speech pathologist and associate professor in the NIU School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders,...

Representatives from the Illinois Chiefs of Police Association will visit the campus of Northern Illinois University, Monday, June 28, to conduct an on-site assessment of the university’s Department of Police and Public Safety. The visit is part of an ongoing process aimed at securing recognition under the organization’s Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP). During...

NIU Dean of Students Kelly Wesener Michael will join the College of Education’s Department of Counseling and Higher Education (CAHE) as a Practitioner-Scholar in Residence, effective July 1. Wesener Michael, who holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration from Indiana University Bloomington, will teach classes in higher education and student affairs, mentor dissertating doctoral...

Lynn Gibson Like everyone working to navigate COVID-19, Lynn Gibson has questions. “Is this our new normal?” asks Gibson, a clinical assistant professor in the Educational Administration program and an interim superintendent of Paw Paw Community Unit School District 271. Regardless of her active role in Lee County, and her interactions with current professionals in the field who are also...

After surviving a crash course in comedy, a cohort of NIU researchers will perform their stand-up comedy talks on June 11 and 18. The STEM experts from NIU and Argonne National Laboratory have been working with Science Riot, a nonprofit dedicated to helping scientists harness the power of laughter to connect with broad audiences and...

As new Huskies attend orientation during the summer months, staff throughout NIU are busy planning activities for Week of Welcome (WOW), scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 18 through Sunday, Aug.22. This annual event is an extension of the orientation experience and provides opportunities for new Huskies to connect with their peers while becoming acquainted with campus...

Huskie students, staff and partners to Northern Illinois University’s Student Affairs team were recognized in the division’s annual awards ceremonies in May. About thirty individuals and groups received accolades in the Kevin D. Knight Leadership Awards on May 3, while the division’s Annual Recognition Program on May 5 highlighted the academic year’s outstanding employees, as...