‘With someone beside you, you don’t feel lost’
Sandra Cox, NIU’s new ombudsperson.
As NIU’s new ombudsperson, Sandra Cox views herself as a navigator.
She’s here to help Huskies navigate the many resources and support they have at NIU.
A lover of travel and the outdoors, Cox enjoys the wandering aspect of getting lost once in awhile. But being truly lost and alone is a different story.
“When you feel lost, that’s a terrible situation to be in,” she said. “With someone beside you, you don’t feel lost. That’s the way I’ve been viewing this position. I’m just trying to be the navigator for whatever resources and support people need so they don’t feel lost.”
Cox joined NIU July 16 after serving as the director of the Counseling Center at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, since 2014. A Kankakee native, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in educational psychology and counseling from Eastern Illinois University.
In her new position as NIU’s ombudsperson she draws upon more than 25 years of professional experience characterized by leadership and service education.
The position pairs her passions for service and wellness with a commitment to providing opportunity for all on campus. She sought out the position to expand her experience beyond the field of counseling.
“I really just felt like I haven’t tapped this part of me yet, this part that could help on a more global scale,” she said. “The ombudsperson position just spoke to all of my experience and all of what I wanted to do next. It just kind of came all together.”
What is an ombudsperson? Reporting to the Office of the President, Cox provides students, faculty and staff with guidance to help solve a variety of university-related issues or conflicts. She facilitates communication and offers assistance that is “neutral, informal, independent and confidential to the extent permissible under the law.”
“I am delighted to have Sandy as part of the NIU Huskie team,” President Lisa Freeman said. “Her experience working with stakeholders across higher education institutions has prepared her to help faculty, staff and students navigate the processes and procedures at the university.”
As Cox puts it, she’s a “lead navigator.”
And, as someone who’s enjoyed traveling the world, she’s found a home at NIU.
“I just connected with people immediately here,” she said. “That really let me know this was the right place for me. It was just such an organic fit.”
Cox didn’t start her role with any set goals or an agenda, wanting to first gain a deep understanding of the work being done and the needs to be met at NIU.
“I know one goal is to really try to reach out to students, faculty and staff more, just to really try to be present and have the office be a well-known entity that can help others navigate through various challenges,” she said. “Trying to build off of a great foundation is an exciting thing.”
Cox doesn’t come to NIU alone. Huskies likely will spot her and Leo—the campus therapy dog she brought with her from Wisconsin—wandering around campus. A rescued 6-year-old Lhasa Apso, Leo has been with Cox for the past couple years. She’s had different therapy dogs for at least 12 years, believing in the tremendous impact they have on the people they meet.
