Vol6 Issue2 - March.pdf Apr. 2014 | Page 28

PEOPLE The result was Baker’s mantra of “Bold a common purpose; and assist in the Futures: Student Career Success.” formation of professional relationships across disciplines, job types and cultures. Last summer, Baker made several significant hires, including a new As part of his Nov. 13 inauguration, Baker vice president of Student Affairs and unveiled a bold plan for NIU’s future. He Enrollment Management, a new director said he will work to dramatically expand of Athletics and a new chief of Police. internship opportunities, try to match every student with an alumni mentor and In October, Baker announced a major re- endeavor to ensure that every graduate is organization of the university, forming employed within six months of graduation. a division of International Study. A search is underway for a new chief President Baker’s administration is NIU “an incredible place” not only in- information officer, chief financial officer centered on Student Career Success, a tellectually, culturally and socially, (CFO) and executive vice president “keystone goal” expected to sustain and but economically and physically. and Provost. Lisa Freeman is filling the advance NIU and its campus community vice president and Provost position in a rapidly changing modern world. Baker’s blueprint requires collaboration, on an interim basis, while Nancy The inauguration ceremony featured integration and, perhaps most signifi- Suttenfield serves as interim CFO. personal testimonials, dramatic in- cantly, a change in university culture. terpretations and videos about NIU Also in October, President Baker students and their success. He promotes internships as “the single-most important thing that predicts launched a series of “Bold Futures” workshops to provide information Three more pillars–Ethically Inspired whether students will get a job after on NIU performance and established Leadership, Thriving Communities, and graduation, more important than their priorities and goals; align participants NIU Financial and Program Viability– grades, their school or their major.” He from across the university toward support the president’s vision to make is calling on NIU alumni to mentor students and assist in their networking. “It is a critical time for higher education in this country. The world around us has changed much more rapidly and decisively than it has within our halls,” Baker said during his inauguration speech of his belief that college should prepare students to thrive in all facets of life. “A university focused on student career success provides students with a deep and meaningful body of knowledge to help them succeed in their careers. It is not a vocational school … but rather an institution that stresses creativity, communication and critical-thinking skills.” . f 28 DEKALB COUNT Y I NV I R O NM ENTS M AGA Z I NE • M A R C H- A P R IL 20 14 WHE RE L IFE H APPE NS. 29