Jenn Jacobs was born for her career. “I played sports from a very, very young age. I have memories of being on a basketball team at age 3 or 4. It was a coed basketball team, and I was one of the
Read moreProject FLEX earns $2.55M to maintain, advance work in juvenile justice centers
Project FLEX has secured a five-year, $2.55 million grant from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) to continue and expand its work providing positive interventions with youth who are in secure custody of the state. The NIU Department of Kinesiology and
Read moreENVEST Tanzania introduces students to different cultures, builds confidence
As far as homes go, it wasn’t much. Just one room, maybe 12 feet by 12 feet. No kitchen. No bathroom. One twin-size mattress, an inch or two thick at the most. A portable burner in one corner along with a couple
Read moreAlternative Spring BAE returns to Belize
Tylo Blackburn wasn’t looking for an invitation to travel abroad, but one found him. And his unexpected ticket to Belize with Alternative Spring BAE provided more than his first journey outside the United States. “I’m a very shy and reserved person right
Read moreMore to life? Project FLEX participants discuss how NIU program changed them
Different situations. Different backgrounds. Different races. Different traumas. Different struggles. Yet the four young men facing the audience in the Sky Room of the Holmes Student Center do share one reality – and, for many, it’s potentially insurmountable. Prison. Two already have
Read moreProject FLEX participants to tell stories of how sport offered healing behind bars
Project FLEX somehow continues to surprise Jenn Jacobs and Zach Wahl-Alexander. More than four years have passed since the associate professors in the NIU Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education launched their initiative to deliver structured physical activity and positive life lessons
Read moreFirst graduate, current students thriving via KNPE’s evolving doctoral program
Call it perfect timing. Karisa Kuipers came to NIU to pursue a master’s degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education with a specialization in Sport and Exercise Psychology. By the time she finished in May 2019, the department was close to debuting a
Read moreProject FLEX continues to inspire youth behind bars: ‘I don’t want to be in a cell’
Nelson Mandela’s recorded voice affirms the message of the short video: Sport has the power to change the world. As students in KNPE 393: Sociology of Sport watch and consider that declaration April 14, associate professor Jenn Jacobs asks a question: “Are
Read moreThree-time alumnus Tim Mack reflects on eight years at NIU, wisdom of moms
“Dear NIU,” the letter begins. “I can’t believe these past eight years have come to an end. I still remember calling my mom after my very first semester at NIU, contemplating whether college was for me because I barely finished above a
Read moreField trip: Project FLEX visitors spend day at NIU to witness their possibilities
The topic of the day was, appropriately enough, confidence and self-efficacy. In other words, Associate Professor Jenn Jacobs told her students in KNPE 310: Psychological Aspects of Sport and Exercise, the power of the mind. Or, she clarified, the perception of one’s
Read moreCongratulations!
Congratulations to these members of the NIU College of Education family! James Cohen, associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, received the Outstanding International Educator award Tuesday from the NIU Division of International Affairs. The award recognizes sustained contributions over
Read morePaul Wright, colleagues team with U-46 to coach P.E. teachers in SEL strategies
Paul Wright believes in the affirming power of promoting social and emotional learning (SEL) through sport and other physical activities to position students on better paths toward success. Sure enough, it’s the major focus of the Physical Activity and Life Skills (PALS)
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