Letter from the President

I am delighted to share that Northeastern Illinois University is thriving and moving forward after facing significant challenges over the last few years. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve as the University’s President. As Northeastern embarks on a new chapter, I have unassailable faith that the strength of the University community will serve as the foundation for future success.

In this report, you will hear from some of the President’s Cabinet members about how they are shaping, innovating and implementing new initiatives on campus to serve the Northeastern community.

Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Terry C. Mena shares his office’s progress with restoring and strengthening student activities and campus facilities, including almost full occupancy at The Nest and revitalizing participation in student government, clubs and campus recreation.

Vice President for Finance and Administration Manish Kumar, brings us up to date on Northeastern's technological improvements. In addition, Northeastern received several upgrades to its credit rating from Moody’s Investor Services. These upgrades assist the University as we move into the future and possibly consider other financial initiatives.

And our former Vice President for Enrollment Management Kimberley Buster-Williams, assures us that after a few years of declining enrollment, by implementing the Common Application as well as other software technologies, Northeastern is seeing an increase in applications, acceptances and intent to enroll for Fall 2023!

Senior Executive Director for Government Relations Suleyma Perez, established international connections in Medellin, Colombia, with their Secretary of Education and a team from Northeastern that traveled to South America. General Counsel G.A. Finch brings a wealth of knowledge to Northeastern to navigate an increasingly complex legal environment.

Please take time to read the interviews with Kamu Rashid and Concetta Zak. They discuss the new academic programs being developed—a doctoral program in Urban Education led by Rashid and a keenly awaited nursing program led by Zak. Interim Provost Andrea Evan’s leadership shepherded these programs from her role as Interim Dean of the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education through the current program development.

Northeastern has a lot to celebrate, so don’t miss the University Highlights. So many improvements and advancements are happening to enhance the lives of students, faculty and staff!

Finally, get to know our Executive Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Shrireen Roshanravan. In "Building a Culture of Care," she shares her commitment to developing educational, administrative and programming initiatives that provide leadership, vision and accountability at Northeastern. Her office is creating a welcoming, supportive and respectful environment for our entire campus while also addressing systemic and problematic inequities that exist in higher education.

I'm very proud of the Northeastern community—students, faculty, staff, administration, trustees, Foundation leaders and alumni—and all they do to make our University great! Read about our award winners and honor recipients and last fall’s beautiful Golden Gala, which raised more than $114,000 in gifts and pledges for student scholarships.

In closing, I share the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Our students and alumni prove this is so, as they impact their lives, their family’s lives, and the life of their communities. I have been so honored to work with each and every one of you to carry Northeastern’s mission forward. I encourage you all to persevere and continue to uphold the University's mission to “provide an exceptional environment for learning, teaching and scholarship as Northeastern prepares a diverse community of students for leadership and service in our region and in a dynamic multicultural world.”

My very best wishes,

Gloria J. Gibson

President, Northeastern Illinois University