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
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