Congratulations to these members of the NIU College of Education family!
College of Education shines in 2026 Presidential Commission Awards
The NIU Presidential Commissions play a vital role in shaping a campus where everyone feels seen, supported and valued. Serving as advisory groups to the president, the commissions bring people together through collaboration and research to offer thoughtful recommendations that strengthen inclusion and expand opportunities for all members of the Huskie community to thrive.
Each year, the commissions shine a spotlight on faculty, staff, students and community members whose efforts help make NIU a more welcoming and vibrant place to live, learn and work.
Presidential Commission on Race and Ethnicity
The Presidential Commission on Race and Ethnicity, NIU’s longest-standing commission, bestows the Deacon Davis Diversity Award to recognize significant contributions in advancing belonging and the campus culture related to race and ethnicity on the NIU campus: The 2026 winners include Quortne Hutchings, Eric Junco and the Summer Camp for Responsive Education team of James Cohen, Joseph Flynn, Dana Isawi and Mike Manderino.
Presidential Commission on the Status of Women
The Presidential Commission on the Status of Women advises the president on issues and concerns related to the status of women at NIU as well as providing research-based recommendations and advocates for policies that foster a supportive, equitable environment.
Gudrun Nyunt is the 2026 winner of the Outstanding Mentor Award, which recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to advancing the career and/or educational goals of NIU women students, staff and/or faculty by consistently acting as an exemplary teacher, coach, advisor, facilitator, resource and creates opportunities that help protégés achieve their goals.
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Graduate School celebrates outstanding students
The Graduate School celebrated students nominated for recognition by their academic departments, are fellowship recipients or are dissertation and thesis prize winners.
“Their success is made possible through the dedication of outstanding faculty mentors, supportive staff and a university community deeply invested in graduate student excellence,” said Jim Ahern, dean of the NIU Graduate School. “These awardees remind us that NIU graduate education is not only strong but thriving.”
Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois Fellowship
Aaron Malone – Counseling and Higher Education
Outstanding Dissertation Award
Dr. Andrea Trudeau – Educational Technology, Research and Assessment (Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Education)
Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Luc Charlebois – Kinesiology and Physical Education
Viola Cipriani – Kinesiology and Physical Education
Tiffany Clash-Shaw – Counseling and Higher Education
Ximena Gama Diaz – Educational Technology, Research and Assessment
Jenny Guzman-Vieyra – Counseling and Higher Education
Jordyn King – Kinesiology and Physical Education
Dima Lahawani – Special and Early Education
Yanfei Mao – Counseling and Higher Education
Hannah Punter – Special and Early Education
Madison Scroggin – Kinesiology and Physical Education
Kathleen Stompor – Counseling and Higher Education
Shinan Wu – Educational Technology, Research and Assessment
Do you have good news to share? Email us at ceduednews@niu.edu!
