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 moreKNPE ‘mom’ Jeanne Johnston to retire
Growing up in suburban Monona, Wis., Jeanne Johnston thought she’d like to become a teacher. Life had different plans, of course, and Johnston herself contributed to that when she enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to study business administration. And when she
Read moreTodd Gilson digging in as associate dean of Research, Resources and Innovation
As someone who has studied what distinguishes successful leaders from the rest, Todd Gilson is attracted to administration for interesting reasons. “I think it’s very fun to sketch things out on a whiteboard,” says Gilson, the college’s new associate dean of Research,
Read moreNew KNPE chair Steve Howell pledges to sustain momentum, celebrate success
If everything happens for a reason, Steve Howell is living proof. The new chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, who has taught in the sport management program since his arrival at NIU in 2011 as a visiting assistant professor,
Read moreThree additional 2+2 agreements signed with Waubonsee Community College
Three more NIU College of Education bachelor’s degree programs are now available in a seamless 2+2 format to Waubonsee Community College students. Early Childhood Education, Special Education and Kinesiology have joined Elementary Education, Physical Education and Sport Management on the menu of
Read moreEmerson Sebastião surprised, motivated by award for mentoring CURE research
Emerson Sebastião’s first experience as a mentor for NIU’s Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement left him hungry for more. That his 2022 debut came with a Faculty Mentor of the Year award makes it even sweeter. “Students who submit a proposal
Read moreBill Pitney returning to KNPE faculty
As change looms for Bill Pitney, he is in awe of his good fortune. “Being able to go back to the classroom and work with our students? I mean, how cool is that? To revisit the thing that drew you here in
Read moreSHAPE America names Paul Wright chair of Research Council for 2022-23
Paul Wright is the new chair of the Research Council for SHAPE America. Wright, the EC Lane and MN Zimmerman Endowed Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, will lead the organization’s efforts during the next year to encourage and
Read moreNIU celebrates spring commencement
Congratulations to our newest NIU College of Education alumni! Three of our amazing graduates were featured in videos shown during the ceremonies. Meet Madelyn Mackey, who earned her B.S. in Sport Management … … Javon Davis, who earned his M.S. in Kinesiology
Read moreSalute! College honors six faculty, staff with annual awards for excellent work
Recipients of the annual College of Education awards have been chosen. Please enjoy learning more about them and reading excerpts from their nomination and supporting letters. In-person recognition and presentation of awards will occur in August during the fall All-College Meeting. •
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 moreNIU to award honorary doctorate May 13 to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White
NIU will confer an honorary doctorate this spring to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, whose nearly half-century in various elected offices are only part of a remarkable lifetime of public service. White’s long résumé includes 33 years as a teacher and
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