Sixty-two professionals are now ready to advance their careers with degrees earned this summer from the NIU Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations (LEPF).
Among the new alumni are 25 educators prepared as school principals, 15 from the Rockford cohort and 10 from DeKalb.
Fifteen graduates completed the superintendency program, and 17 finished their M.S.Ed. in School Business Management degrees in partnership with the Illinois Association of School Business Officials. That latter number climbs to 22 when non-degree students are included.
The summer’s graduates also included five at the doctoral level: three with the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and two with the Ph.D. in Educational Psychology.
Carolyn Pluim, chair of the department, calls herself “proud of each of our graduates and the faculty who influenced their experience.”
“I believe our 2024 summer graduation numbers speak to the high quality of the programs in LEPF as well as the intentional efforts undertaken to encourage student retention,” Pluim says.
“Our cohort model of offering programs has proven to be an effective in supporting student success,” she adds. “Students learn to trust and reach out to their colleagues for support, guidance and encouragement. Students often finish their degrees with lifelong friends, mentors and supportive structures in place.”
Pluim is excited “to know that NIU significantly contributes to the development of competent and inspiring new educational leaders across the state” – and she also understands what brings those people to NIU.
Quality programs. A statewide reputation. Faculty experience and expertise in the classroom. Responsive, accurate and comprehensive advising. And, yes, the benefits of balance.
“Most of our students are working professionals. They are often planning well in advance to find the graduate education experience that best aligns with their professional needs and life circumstances,” Pluim says. “Offering flexible modality options has greatly increased the attractiveness of our programs.”
Jim and Becky Surber, clinical assistant professors and co-coordinators of the principal preparation program, call those results vital – and bolstered by the introduction of 100% online delivery last fall, which widened geographic boundaries and improved the quality and diversity of applicants.
“With all the challenges facing Illinois public schools, it is extremely important that NIU’s principal preparation program prepare highly qualified candidates that are ready to move into building leadership roles upon graduation,” the Surbers say. “In that regard, we are appreciative of our continued partnership with Rockford 205 and Elgin U-46 and the strong candidates they nominate for our program each year.”
Enrollment this fall is sustaining the summer graduation momentum.
Numbers from the 10-day count include 25 students in principal preparation, 20 in Leadership and Policy Studies, 15 in the superintendency cohort and 17 (22 if including non-degree seekers) in the IASBO/CSBO program.
