Outstanding teachers nurture the love of learning in their students, who in turn are aware of their growth and grateful for the experience and knowledge gained. It’s from those students that NIU’s annual awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and Excellence in Undergraduate Instruction come. Undergraduates drive the nominating process; student advisory committees in each...
Outstanding faculty are often lauded for their teaching and research, but some have an additional skill that truly enriches the university community. They are the ones who take the time to teach and mentor not only their students, but also their junior colleagues who are learning to navigate the higher education landscape. To recognize those...
NIU has named Chemistry and Biochemistry Professor Evgueni Nesterov, an internationally acclaimed scientist working in organic and macromolecular chemistry, as a 2022 Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor. The award is NIU’s top recognition for outstanding research or artistry. It has been given out annually since 1982 in recognition and support of NIU’s research and artistic...
NIU has named Sociology Professor Abu Bah, an international leader in the areas of peace and conflict studies, as a 2022 Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor. The award is NIU’s top recognition for outstanding research or artistry. It has been given out annually since 1982 in recognition and support of NIU’s research and artistic mission....
NIU has named public anthropologist Mark Schuller, a leading scholar on Haiti, disasters and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), as a 2022 Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor. The award is NIU’s top recognition for outstanding research or artistry. It has been given out annually since 1982 in recognition and support of NIU’s research and artistic mission. Award...
For nearly 20 years, Kryssi Staikidis has, through her work as a researcher and an art educator, been asking fundamental questions about how artistic engagement and intercultural exchanges within communities on a global level form bridges of mutual understanding and enable community and educational dialogues. “How can a more holistic model for teaching art enhance...
When NIU Anthropology Professor Mitchell Irwin first traveled to Madagascar to research lemurs in 2000, that experience changed the course of his professional and personal life. Irwin recognized that protecting threatened ecosystems also required addressing the poverty and lack of economic opportunity that pushed local people to overharvest timber and engage in other practices that...
From his first days as a mechanical engineering professor 15 years ago, Professor Nicholas Pohlman, Ph.D. has maintained a consistent teaching philosophy. The practice of problem solving should guides students “along the circuitous path of learning” that draws upon quantitative and qualitative reasoning. Rather than simply repeating a complicated tasks students should work to achieve...
The term “holistic” is defined as “relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems” by Miriam-Webster Dictionary. This definition also explains how Engineering Technology Professor Shanthi Muthuswamy, Ph.D. approaches her philosophy of teaching. She not only imparts the knowledge and skills required for her engineering technology students, but she is also invested in...
Spend a few minutes reviewing letters supporting History Professor Beatrix Hoffman for a Board of Trustee Professorship and you’ll quickly find you need more time—there were more than a dozen lengthy testimonials to the quality of both her teaching and scholarship. Most importantly, it’s clear her students, colleagues and peers view her as a significant...
Liam Teague, Professor of Music and Head of Steelpan Studies in the School of Music has added to his impressive list of accomplishments with his selection as a 2022 Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees Professor. Teague is a world-renowned performer and composer. He is one of the leading figures in creating and commissioning new...
Northwestern Mutual is taking up residence in the heart of campus, where the leading financial services company hopes to boost its university presence and expand its number of Huskie interns. An Open House mixer introducing the company’s new space to faculty and students will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at...
