The NIU Board of Trustees Thursday appointed Dr. Lisa C. Freeman president of Northern Illinois University. Freeman, who has served as acting president since July 2017, begins the appointment immediately as NIU’s 13th president. She is the first woman in that role.
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DEKALB — The NIU Board of Trustees Thursday appointed Dr. Lisa C. Freeman president of Northern Illinois University. Freeman, who has served as acting president since July 2017, begins the appointment immediately as NIU’s 13th president. She is the first woman in that role.
“When we considered the type of president we wanted to lead NIU into the future, we set the bar high. We were seeking a visionary and strategic leader who has a deep knowledge and appreciation of NIU’s values and mission. We are confident that we have found that person in Dr. Freeman,” said Wheeler Coleman, chair of the NIU Board of Trustees.
“Having worked with Dr. Freeman in her various capacities for the last several years, it is clear that she genuinely cares about NIU, understands our challenges and recognizes our full potential. We are proud and excited to work alongside her to ensure that NIU remains a strong and vibrant institution that prepares our diverse students for professional and personal success, and serves as a vital resource for our region, the state and the nation,” Coleman added.
”It is my professional and personal honor to lead NIU forward,” Dr. Freeman said. “NIU is home to world-class faculty, dedicated employees and a diverse and proud student body, with an incredibly strong support network of alumni and donors. I look forward to collaborating with the Huskie community to strengthen the transformative educational experience NIU provides regionally, nationally and globally.”
The board acknowledged Freeman’s strong leadership, energy, transparency and performance during her time as acting president, specifically praising her efforts to not only stabilize the university during a leadership transition, but also for making significant progress in developing a vision and plan to move the university forward in areas such as enrollment, fiscal sustainability and process improvement.