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NLU is awarded two major grants
#1 Graduates in the State of Illinois
NLU receives U.S. Dept. of Education grant
In Memoriam—the Legacy of Jean Ingram Stockdale
Assoc. Professor Elizabeth Peterson passes away
2nd annual César E. Chávez Community Award
50th Annual AERC draws crowd of int'l researchers
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White visits NLU
Innovations in school funding
Faculty members shine at Excellence Awards
Tenure/promotion for faculty members
June Stine named director of alumni relations
NLU is awarded two major grants
"Congrats to the National College of Education and Institutional Advancement at NLU, as well as NLU's partners at the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) for their efforts in helping NLU win two major grants announced on Sept. 30, 2009, by Arne Duncan, secretary of education," said NLU Interim President George Litman in an email to the university community on October 1.
The U.S. Department of Education's 2009 Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grant program is one of the first ways federal dollars are being used to implement Secretary Arne Duncan's national school reform strategies. NLU received the third largest TQP grant during this round of funding, and is also part of a four–university partnership that received the second largest grant. With this funding, innovations of the National College of Education at NLU become part of Duncan's strategy to transform underperforming public schools across the nation.
One TQP grant will allow NLU, in partnership with the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL), to expand and improve its urban teacher residency program. This new model of teacher preparation is an intense, full–year apprenticeship with a mentor teacher at a Chicago public school in which graduates earn their Illinois teaching certification and a master's degree through NLU. The $2.95 million award funds the first year of a five–year TQP grant.
Another TQP will team NLU, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Loyola University Chicago and Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and 20 high–need CPS K–8 elementary schools. The grant will create the Chicago Teacher Pipeline Partnership (CTPP) and develop a pipeline of high–quality teachers. The $2.97 million award funds the first year of a five–year TQP grant.
You can find information about the grants online at the NLU Newsroom. Information is also available at the Department of Education's website.
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#1 Graduates in the State of Illinois
NLU has the most graduates in the state of Illinois for the following programs*:
Bachelor's
- B.A. in Human Services
- B.S. in Health Care Leadership
- B.S. in Management
Master's
- M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
- M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision
- M.Ed. and M.S.Ed. in Technology and Education
- M.Ed. in Adult Education
- M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education
- M.A.T. in Elementary Education
- M.A.T. in Secondary Education
- M.S. in Counseling
- M.S. in Written Communication
Post–Master's
- Ed.S. and C.A.S in Administration and Supervision
- C.A.S. in Technology in Education
- C.A.S. in General Special Education
- C.A.S. in Early Childhood Administration
- C.A.S. in Early Childhood Education
- C.A.S. in Language and Literacy
- C.A.S. in Reading
- Post–Masters Cert. in Human Services/Gerontology
- Post–Masters Cert. in Human Services/Counseling Studies
- Ed.S. in School Psychology
Doctoral
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
- Ed.D. in Adult Education
- Ed.D. in Reading and Language
* Information based on 2007 Degrees Conferred data from the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
"As the statistics indicate, NLU's National College of Education (NCE) prepares a large number of teachers and school leaders for Illinois," said NCE Dean Alison Hilsabeck. "Perhaps more importantly, our programs are committed to teaching and supporting excellence among the education professionals we prepare. Our graduates are much sought after in the field as highly competent professionals—another indicator of the quality and relevance of our programs."[ back to top ]
NLU receives U.S. Department of Education grant
NLU has been awarded a three–year U.S. Department of Education grant. Each year, NLU will receive $318,833, for a total of $956,499, nearly $1 million. This grant was written entirely in–house at NLU in a joint effort with special education, human resources, marketing, OIT and the institutional advancement team, among others. This is also the first new U.S. Department of Education grant to NLU since 2004. The grant will allow the university to build its internal resources to support students with disabilities. Although there are many people to thank for their hard work with obtaining the grant, a special thanks to National College of Education (NCE) Professor Susan Gabel—who wrote the grant and serves as its project director—and Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Jennifer Harris.
Former NLU President Pappas explained the grant's purpose in an email to the university community in September 2008, "I want to share an additional update with you regarding the Department of Education grant. The grant is funded for the purpose of developing a university–wide model of accessibility. This includes moving from a compliance–based model to a universal proactive design model of supporting students with disabilities. The grant supports training, technology and student recruitment."
Gabel adds, "The grant also provides annual professional development to faculty, staff and administrators;; provides information and support for all students;; increases accessibility features in computer labs on all campuses;; and recruits students with disabilities who are attending local community colleges." Gabel explains that NCE Assistant Professor Dymaneke Mitchell is the project coordinator, NCE Assistant Professor Maja Miskovic is the independent evaluator of the grant and Khaled Khader is also project coordinator.
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In Memoriam—the Legacy of Jean Ingram Stockdale
In 1947, Jean Ingram Stockdale graduated from the National College of Education. Stockdale taught kindergarten and first grade in Pennsylvania and Ohio inner city public schools for 15 years and was known as an innovator in the classroom. Throughout her teaching career, she held a strong belief in urban education. Stockdale taught primarily in ethnically and racially segregated schools, but strongly believed in the diversity of the public school system, in particular she had great hopes for urban education and renewal.
Her pastor, Gary Denning, summarized Stockdale's passion for education best when he wrote in the First Baptist, Pittsburgh, newsletter, "It seemed to me that Jean Stockdale had something of a mustard seed spirit regarding education. She would hear an idea and see the potential for it to grow up, put forth branches and become a place where new life would find a nest." Sadly, Jean Stockdale passed away in 2006. During her life, Jean was a consultant to National's Board of Trustees and was actively involved with the alumni program. "Jean truly fulfilled the mission of National in that she sought to expand opportunities for education and improve the quality of life in our society," said former NLU President Richard Pappas.
Not only did Stockdale teach in several inner city schools, but she also provided access to education at National–Louis for numerous at–risk students by paying for their college education. Stockdale backed her commitment to NLU through numerous volunteer efforts and generous financial support over several decades. Today the pioneering vision of Jean Ingram Stockdale lives on at National–Louis through a three–million dollar bequest that will support the university's efforts in urban education. In particular, the bequest serves as a legacy that will provide funding in perpetuity to support the National College of Education's many urban initiatives in Chicago Public Schools and other high–needs, urban environments.
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Associate Professor Elizabeth Peterson passes away
Elizabeth Peterson
Elizabeth Peterson, NLU associate professor of adult education, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), died on January 26, 2009. "Elizabeth was a beloved colleague, a strong but quiet leader, and she will be deeply missed by everyone," said former CAS Dean Martha Casazza about Peterson in an email to the university community. "She had been ill but chose to continue working and not give up. ...She was dedicated to her work and to her colleagues..."
Peterson joined NLU in 2002. She had also served as co–director for the Gidwitz Center for Urban Policy and Community Development in CAS and had launched an online policy journal, Common Concern.
Previously, she taught for 12 years in South Carolina, first at the University of South Carolina in Columbia and later at Clemson University. She authored books and numerous articles in the field of education, most recently co–editing with NLU Associate Professor Todd Alan Price a 2008 book entitled The Myth and Reality of No Child Left Behind—Public Education and High Stakes Assessment: A Report Issued on Behalf of National–Louis University. Her dissertation was published as "African American Women: A Study of Will and Success" and she was the editor of Freedom Road: Adult Education of African Americans. She is survived by her husband, Edward, their son Aaron, two brothers, one sister, and other family members.
Marjorie Roth Leon, associate professor, NCE, said about Peterson, "Her collegial and collaborative work style, endless supply of creative ideas, ever–enthusiastic effort, meticulous attention to detail and follow–through, and warm and gentle sense of humor were, for me, the very essence of Elizabeth."
CAS has launched the Elizabeth Peterson Scholarship Fund to support ACE doctoral students and as an initial gift is donating $1,000 to this fund on behalf of the College of Arts and Sciences.
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NLU presents 2nd annual César E. Chávez Community Award to Vincent Allocco
Vincent Allocco, president of El Valor, center, receives his award from Ana Maria Soto, executive director of Latino initiatives at NLU and former NLU President Pappas.
Vincent Allocco, president of El Valor, one of the largest not–for–profit organizations in the U.S., received NLU's second annual César E. Chávez Community Award for Service to the Latino community for his work in helping Latinos overcome barriers to education. The award ceremony was held in March 2009 at NLU's Chicago campus and attended by members of the NLU community and prestigious leaders such as the president of St. Augustine College and the CEO of Chicago Community Trust.
"For the last 30 years, Vincent Allocco has been a visionary leader whose work embodies inclusion and access to education for the Latino community," said former NLU president Pappas, who presented the award to Allocco. "With Dr. Allocco at its helm, El Valor has drastically increased access to education for children with disabilities, and has done much to eliminate barriers to higher education for emerging leaders of the community." Under Allocco's leadership, El Valor launched an innovative early education and family enrichment campaign and partnered with several universities, including NLU, to make high–quality higher education possible for increasingly more members of El Valor's neighboring communities.
At this same ceremony, NLU also presented its 2009 Latino Educator Award to Juan Rangel and its Student of the Year Award to Loretta Trevino. Rangel, president and executive director of the United Neighborhood Organization (UNO), received his award for his steadfast commitment to bringing high–quality education to Latino neighborhoods by opening nine charter schools—eight in Chicago and one in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He is a champion for giving Latino students opportunities to succeed through education.
Trevino received her award for her commitment to education and her work toward the betterment of her community. She is earning her B.S. in Management (BSM) degree at NLU while continuing to work at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where she promotes the work of small businesses and creates connections among Latina entrepreneurs and professionals. She exemplifies the dedication of a working mother, in getting an education against all odds and becoming an agent of change.
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50th Annual AERC draws crowd of international researchers
Jennifer Kushner, recipient of outstanding graduate student research award
NLU's Adult Education Dept. hosted the 50th Annual Adult Education Research Conference (AERC) in May 2009 at NLU's Chicago campus. AERC provides a forum for adult education researchers to share their current research with students, other researchers and practitioners from around the world. Over 225 educators attended the conference;; they enjoyed their experience at NLU including the opening session at the Chicago Cultural Center and the 50th Anniversary Celebration at Navy Pier. Rita Cassiano, an NLU applied behavioral sciences 2009 graduate, entertained conference–goers with songs from her native Brazil. College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Associate Professor Randee Lawrence moderated a panel of pioneer adult educators who reflected on 50 years of adult education.
The conference featured more than 80 papers and roundtable sessions on a variety of adult education topics. Among the presenters were NLU ACE doctoral students: Patricia Brainard, Nancy Jackson and Jennifer Kushner (Class of 2009) and Mohammed Essack. Kushner also was the recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Student Research Award for this conference. NLU ACE alumni Luis Kong and Carole Lund (2005) and Dianne Ramdeholl, Soni Simpson and Wendy Yanow (2007) also presented.
CAS Associate Professor Tom Heaney and CAS Associate Professor Scipio Colin III facilitated a conversation on the future of adult education to conclude the conference.
Associate Professor Elizabeth Peterson' s vision and determination brought this conference back to its roots in Chicago—sadly, she passed away in January 2009. Randee Lawrence, AERC Committee Chair, led a dedicated team of faculty, staff and volunteers to make it all happen. Special thanks to the CAS AERC Committee: Lawrence (Chair); Laura Bauer, CAS associate professor; Scipio Colin III, CAS associate professor; Sharon Hayes, CAS administrative asst.; Tom Heaney, CAS associate professor; Carrie Johnson, CAS assistant professor; Carole Kabel, library associate professor; Margaret Stemler, dir. of continuing education; Linda Sweeney, CAS assistant professor; and Cynthia Vessel, adjunct faculty.
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Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White visits NLU
Secretary of State Jesse White (center) with former NLU President Pappas and PPSO executive officers
The Office of Student Affairs and the Public Policy Student Organization (PPSO) at NLU sponsored the organization's first Public Policy Forum with Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White as speaker. Students, faculty, staff and the public attended the forum in February 2009 at the Chicago campus. White spoke about the Illinois Secretary of State's office as well as issues facing Illinoisans, including new Senator Roland Burris and former Governor Rod Blagojevich. White also took questions from the audience of about 200. Former NLU President Pappas gave the welcome address to the crowd, and PPSO student officer Fakelia Guyton was the moderator for the event.
The PPSO coordinated this event and presented Secretary White with a certificate of appreciation and an NLU T–shirt. PPSO officers are Ileen Bryer, president; Fakelia Guyton, VP; Marisa Buscaglia, treasurer; Anthony Hofbauer, secretary; Charles Braxton, student ombudsman; and Ebony Smith, project manager. Brisbane Rouzan, NLU executive director, student affairs, said, "Given the event's success and the leadership and initiative of the PPSO's executive members, I expect that we will see other events from them in the near future."
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Innovations in school funding
NLU, under the direction of NCE Assistant Professors Michelle Turner Mangan and Ted Purinton, is sponsoring the Illinois School Finance Adequacy Initiative, a research and advocacy project whose goal is to provide Illinois with a new, innovative way to think about school funding.
For too long, Illinois public schools have been held down by an outdated finance structure that severely impedes upon their ability to meet state–wide performance standards, explains Purinton. The model for success in Illinois schools is nothing short of a paradox: Every school is held to the same standards of performance, yet every school relies on disparate resources to reach those standards, he adds. While other proposals over the past couple of decades have attempted to tackle the school funding problems in Illinois, they have not utilized approaches that account for "best practices"—strategies based on rigorous research. "Using an ‘evidence–based' model to determine a school funding formula is an objective, transparent process that will hopefully provide Illinois with an innovative edge to ensure that schools get the money they need so that all students, particularly English language learners and impoverished students, get the resources they need to be successful," he explains.
Through detailed research, as well as the guidance of a taskforce made up of prominent legislators, business community members, superintendents, and funding advocates, the Illinois School Finance Adequacy Initiative will produce recommendations likely by the end of 2009.
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Faculty members shine at Excellence Awards
Tenena Soro
At NLU's University Connection conference in September 2008, over 400 faculty and staff members gathered together to celebrate NLU and all its accomplishments and accepted the challenges of the new academic year. During the Connection, the Senate Faculty Development Committee presented the "Awards of Excellence" to faculty members. Associate Professor Edna Bazik, NCE, received the Excellence in Teaching award for full–time faculty members. Professor Jan Perney, NCE, received the Excellence in Service award for full–time faculty members. Tenena Soro, NCE, received the Excellence in Teaching award for adjunct faculty members. Soro is now a full–time assistant professor in NCE.
At NLU's University Connection conference in September 2009, Assistant Professor Charlotte Metoyer, NCE, received the Excellence in Teaching Award. Associate Professor Edna Bazik, NCE, received the Excellence in Service Award.
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Tenure/promotion for faculty members
The following faculty members have been awarded tenure and/or promotion to the indicated rank by action of the Board of Trustees of NLU. These awards are effective at the beginning of the 09–10 academic year.
College of Management and BusinessJames W. Nowotarski—Tenure
National College of EducationJennifer Berne—Early Tenure and promotion to Associate Professor
Arlene C. Borthwick—Professor
Seema A. Imam—Early Tenure
Virginia M. Jagla—Tenure and promotion to Associate Professor
Vera Kenemy—Tenure and promotion to Associate Professor
Janet Lorch—Promotion to Assistant Professor
Valerie Owen—Professor
Harry Ross—Tenure and promotion to Associate Professor
Karen S. Roth—Assistant Professor
Sadia Warsi—Tenure and promotion to Associate Professor
Xiuwen Wu—Tenure and promotion to Associate Professor
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June Stine named director of alumni relations
June Stine
June Stine joined NLU in May 2009 as director of alumni relations. She served for three years as the director of alumni relations at Penn State University for the College of Health and Human Development's 41,000 alumni, overseeing all alumni events and stewardship programs. The alumni groups included the college's board of trustees as well as five affiliate program boards for the Departments of Nursing, Nutrition, Kinesiology, Health Policy Administration and the College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. She also served as the director of advancement for Linden Hall, a college preparatory day and boarding school for young women. At Linden Hall, she oversaw development, alumnae and public relations activities and managed all related events and volunteers. She has a proven track record as a proactive leader in the field working effectively with community leaders, faculty, boards, alumni groups, student groups, volunteer groups and organizations in various capacities to reach common goals. Stine is located at NLU's Chicago campus and you can email her at june.stine@nl.edu.
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