Greetings from the Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations (LEPF) and happy spring!
It is great to connect with you once again and share news of the updates, events and ongoing initiatives occurring in the department.
Over the recent months, we have been involved in some very exciting initiatives.
One significant change and accomplishment is the development of our online Ed.S. degree program with superintendent endorsement. We understand that pursuing a full-time professional career while simultaneously commuting to a university campus can create difficulties in maintaining a healthy work/life balance. We also know that there are many across the state who would enjoy participating in the NIU community if they were not bound by a particular geographical location.
We are therefore happy to offer this opportunity, which provides greater flexibility in learning modalities for our students’ advancement in the field. Our first online Ed.S. cohort will begin fall 2022.
As you read the stories in this newsletter, I hope you agree that it is clearly an exciting time to be in LEPF.
Our dynamic faculty, staff and students bring commitment to their respective roles and serve as leaders in the field, dedicated to improving the quality of K-20 education.
This includes Stephen Tonks, who this year was named our college’s Faculty Director of Global Programs and received the annual College of Education Award for Excellence in Research and Artistry Award by Faculty.
We are saying farewell to Leslie Sassone, associate professor of Educational Philosophy, who is retiring after 25 years of dedicated service to the university. I encourage you to read about Leslie’s journey and future plans.
Also retiring is Kathy Brosier, an instructor of Educational Psychology who began teaching in the Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations in the fall of 1998.
As always, I enjoy hearing from you so please feel welcome to reach out to me at cvanders@niu.edu if I can be of help or if you have exciting professional news to share. I am happy to connect with you.
Please take good care,
Carolyn
Carolyn Pluim, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations
