Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public research university located in DeKalb, Illinois. It was founded in 1895 as Northern Illinois State Normal School, with a mission to train teachers for the state of Illinois. Today, NIU is a comprehensive university that offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across seven colleges.
NIU is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, education, and the arts. The College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in accounting, finance, marketing, and more. The College of Engineering and Engineering Technology is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and offers programs in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and more.
NIU has a diverse student body of over 15,000 students, with students coming from all 50 states and over 70 countries. The university has a number of student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, academic clubs, and cultural groups. NIU is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Center for Governmental Studies, the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality, and the Illinois Interactive Report Card.
NIU has a strong commitment to community engagement and service. The university’s Civic Leadership Academy provides training and resources to local leaders, while the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies offers education and support to nonprofit organizations. NIU also hosts a number of community events and outreach programs, such as STEMfest, which promotes science, technology, engineering, and math education to K-12 students and the community.
Northern Illinois University (Wikimedia)
Do you want to know more about Northern Illinois University? Let’s take a look at these 35 interesting facts about Northern Illinois University.
- Northern Illinois University (NIU) was founded in 1895 as Northern Illinois State Normal School.
- The university is located in DeKalb, Illinois, about 65 miles west of Chicago.
- NIU is a comprehensive university with seven colleges and over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs.
- The university is home to over 15,000 students from all 50 states and over 70 countries.
- NIU is the third-largest university in Illinois by enrollment.
- The NIU mascot is Victor E. Huskie, a Siberian Husky.
- NIU has a strong athletic program, with 17 NCAA Division I teams.
- The university’s colors are cardinal and black.
- The Holmes Student Center is the hub of student life on campus, with dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
- NIU is home to the Center for Black Studies, which is one of the oldest and most respected Black Studies programs in the country.
- The NIU Art Museum features a wide range of art from around the world and hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year.
- The College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
- The College of Engineering and Engineering Technology is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
- NIU has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
- The university is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Center for Governmental Studies and the Illinois Interactive Report Card.
- NIU has a partnership with Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, one of the premier high-energy physics research facilities in the world.
- NIU’s Outdoor Adventures program offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, rock climbing, and camping.
- The university’s Huskie Marching Band is a source of pride for the NIU community and has performed at events across the country.
- NIU’s Digital Convergence Lab provides students with access to cutting-edge technology and equipment, including virtual reality and 3D printing.
- The university’s Greek system includes 28 fraternities and sororities.
- The NIU College of Education is one of the largest producers of teachers in the state of Illinois.
- The College of Health and Human Sciences offers a range of programs in fields such as nursing, public health, and nutrition.
- NIU’s Northern Television Center provides students with hands-on experience in television production and broadcasting.
- The NIU Steelband is one of the premier steelpan ensembles in the country and has performed at events around the world.
- NIU is home to the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies, which offers education and support to nonprofit organizations.
- The university’s Latino Resource Center provides support and resources to Latino students on campus.
- NIU’s Study Abroad Office offers programs in over 50 countries around the world.
- The university’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers programs in fields such as anthropology, biology, and psychology.
- NIU’s Division of Outreach, Engagement, and Regional Development provides resources and support to communities throughout northern Illinois.
- The NIU Department of Geography offers a program in Geographic Information Science (GIS), which is one of the fastest-growing fields in the country.
- The university’s Northern Illinois Center for Accelerator and Detector Development (NICADD) conducts research in particle physics and related fields.
- The NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts includes programs in art, music, and theatre.
- The university’s Center for the Study of Family Violence and Sexual Assault conducts research and provides education and support to prevent and respond to domestic violence and sexual assault.
- The NIU College of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program and a Master of Laws (LLM) program.
- NIU is home to the Pick Museum of Anthropology, which features exhibits on cultures from around the world.
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a comprehensive university that provides students with a rich academic and cultural experience. With over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, a commitment to sustainability, and a dedication to community service, NIU is a vibrant and dynamic institution. The university’s strong athletic program, world-class research centers, and renowned academic departments all contribute to the unique and diverse character of the campus. NIU’s commitment to innovation, diversity, and student success make it an excellent choice for students seeking a high-quality education in a supportive and welcoming environment.
