Northeastern Illinois University: A History of Breaking Barriers
Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), a public university located in Chicago, Illinois, boasts a rich history rooted in its commitment to providing accessible and affordable education to a diverse student body. Founded in 1867, NEIU has evolved from its origins as a teacher training school to a comprehensive university offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. This article explores the key milestones and transformations that have shaped NEIU into the institution it is today.
From Normal School to University: The Early Years
NEIU's story begins with the Cook County Normal School, established on September 2, 1867, in Blue Island, Illinois. As the first teacher training school in Cook County, its primary mission was to prepare educators for the region's elementary and high schools. The State of Illinois acquired the title to the Chicago Parental School and its grounds. The parental school, having outlived its usefulness and lacking necessary state funding to remain open, closes. In 1896, the institution was renamed the Chicago Normal School, followed by another name change in 1938 to Chicago Teacher's College (CTC).
In 1949, the Chicago Teachers College (CTC) separated into two branches with the north branch eventually becoming Northeastern Illinois University and the south branch becoming Chicago State University.
These early years laid the foundation for NEIU's enduring focus on education and its dedication to serving the needs of the Chicago community. Members of the School Board attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the North Side branch of Chicago Teachers College on North St.
Expansion and Transformation: The Road to University Status
As the demand for higher education grew, the institution underwent significant expansion and transformation. The Jerome M. Sachs Administrative Building was built in 1960. In 1966, by an act of the legislature, Northeastern Illinois State College was established, marking a significant step towards university status. This transition reflected the college's broadening academic offerings and its growing role in the region's higher education landscape.
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The Science Building is constructed in 1970. The building is now known as Bernard J. In 1971, Northeastern Illinois State College officially became Northeastern Illinois University, solidifying its position as a comprehensive university with a commitment to research and scholarship.
Key Developments and Milestones
Throughout its history, NEIU has experienced numerous key developments and milestones that have shaped its identity and mission. These include:
- Launch of the Northeastern Football Club: The Northeastern Football Club is launched. The Golden Eagles play an eight-game schedule, beginning with a 21-8 victory over Prairie State.
- The NEIU Honors Program: The Northeastern Illinois University Honors Program is implemented under the direction of Dr. Mohan Sood.
- Introduction of New School Colors: Northeastern unveils a new logo and school colors. The old brown and gold color scheme is abandoned in favor of blue and gold.
- Division I Athletics: The Golden Eagles begin Division I play.
- Establishment of the Class Gift Program: Lisa Cooper Gavin, director of Alumni Relations, inaugurates the annual Class Gift program to fund an endowed scholarship program.
- Exit from NCAA Division I Sports: By a vote of four to three from the trustees, Northeastern exits NCAA Division I sports, sparking anger and disappointment among a few students, parents and the Intercollegiate Athletics program.
- Construction of On-Campus Housing: In September 2016, Northeastern first began to offer on-campus housing for its students. The six-story Nest has the capacity to house 432 students and 8 live-in staff. The construction of student housing at NEIU, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave., has not been without its detractors. Though The Nest is situated within the university's campus boundaries, plans also call for residence halls to be built on Bryn Mawr Avenue. The estimated cost of The Nest is $34.2 million, with NEIU contributing $3.5 million. The Collegiate Housing Foundation assisted with financing for the residence hall, and American Campus Communities entered into a "ground lease arrangement" with NEIU to own and operate the building for 10 years longer than the 32-year bond term. The Nest features apartment-style living. Incoming freshman Luz Colin checks out her new kitchen.
- Development of El Centro: Rep. Luis Gutierrez makes remarks during the grand opening of El Centro on Sept. The ribbon is cut on the new El Centro building on Sept. From left: Alderman Rey Colón, Interim Director of El Centro Maria Luna-Duarte, Board of Trustees Chair Carlos Azcoitia, El Centro employee Alejandra Tafoya, Gov. Pat Quinn, President Sharon Hahs, State Rep.
- Establishment of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: August 23, 2022: President Gloria J. Gibson announced the official development of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, under the Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Dr.
- Opening of the Business Innovation & Growth (BIG) Center: MAY 2023: The first physical location of the Business Innovation & Growth (BIG) Center at the Jacob H.
Academic Achievements and Innovations
NEIU has a long history of academic achievements and innovations, demonstrating its commitment to providing a high-quality education to its students. Some notable examples include:
- Development of the Math Lab: Dr. John Cibulskis, professor of mathematics, develops the Math Lab and locates it in the Classroom Building.
- Recognition of the Jazz Ensemble: Northeastern’s acclaimed Jazz Ensemble is selected as one of three outstanding bands at the Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival, the oldest and most prestigious jazz competition in the nation.
- AACSB Accreditation for the College of Business and Management: AUGUST 2016: The College of Business and Management receives accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
- CAEP Accreditation for the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education: JUNE 2, 2020: The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) has granted Northeastern Illinois University’s Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education accreditation at the initial-licensure level and advanced-level.
- Rankings and Recognition: News & World Report ranks Northeastern number one among Midwestern colleges in graduating its students with the least amount of debt in its “Best Colleges” issue.
Campus Developments and Expansions
NEIU's physical campus has also undergone significant changes over the years, reflecting the university's growth and evolving needs. These developments include:
- Construction of the Science Building (now Bernard J. Brommel Hall): Ground is broken for the new 165,000 square-foot Science Building. SEPTEMBER 30, 2010: The University honors professor emeritus and major benefactor Dr. Bernard J. Brommel by renaming the Science Building to Bernard J.
- Construction of the Commuter Center and Expansion: Construction of the Commuter Center expansion wraps up. The addition features a dining hall, ticket office for student events and an auditorium. The Commuter Center completes a two-year renovation. The Campus Commuter Center is shown in 1982. The view from the Commuter Center is shown on a snowy day in the late 1970s.
- Renaming of the Classroom Building to Lech Walesa Hall: MAY 29, 2009: The Classroom Building is renamed and dedicated as Lech Walesa Hall, honoring the Nobel Laureate and president of Poland who helped bring about the downfall of communism in his native land. The Classroom Building is shown in the 1980s.
- Establishment of the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs: JUNE 8, 2011: In recognition of her 44 years of service to Northeastern, work begins on the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs with a mission to promote and advance social justice, inclusivity, and diversity through educational and extra-curricular programs. OCTOBER 7, 2020: Angelina Pedroso, for whom Northeastern Illinois University named its multicultural center after her 44-year career as a respected Spanish language and Hispanic literature educator, died on Oct. 7 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
- Establishment of Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh Servant Leaders Hall: OCTOBER 2013: Northeastern names a student area in the College of Business and Management in honor of the late Iranian prime minister Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh. The hall is designated Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh Servant Leaders Hall.
- Renaming of the College of Education to the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education: JANUARY 1, 2016: Northeastern thanks Daniel L. Goodwin for his philanthropy and honors him by renaming the College of Education the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education for his generosity to the University as a major benefactor. JULY 23, 2020: Daniel L. JULY 2022: Dr. Thomas Philion appointed Dean of Daniel L.
Challenges and Controversies
Like any institution with a long history, NEIU has faced its share of challenges and controversies. These include:
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- The Slaying of Associate Professor Charles Kane: Associate Professor Charles Kane of the Physical Education Department is slain inside his office by a disgruntled student.
- Student Protests: Actress Jane Fonda and anti-war activist Tom Hayden address the Northeastern student body about the military and political situation in South Vietnam. The national college “streaking” fad reaches Northeastern. Three men and one woman shed their clothes and race around the parking lots near St.
- Faculty Strike: DECEMBER 7, 2004: The eighteen-day strike ends when Board Chairman Daniel L. Goodwin donates $400,000 ($100,000 per year) to be dispersed over the life of the new four-year contract. The agreement included a 3.5 percent across-the-board increase.
- AAUP Censure: Button, Keith. "AAUP censures Northeastern Illinois U over tenure denial case". ^ Cortezsays, Leticia (2014-06-14). "AAUP Censures Northeastern Illinois University". ACADEME BLOG.
- Controversy over Land Acquisition for Student Housing: Beginning the pursuit of the neighborhood land in 2014, the properties were acquired by the University through eminent domain in 2016. Construction is still several years away due to decline in student enrollment. ^ "NEIU Prevails After 2-Year Fight to Seize Private Land for Student Housing". DNAinfo Chicago. Archived from the original on 2018-03-18.
- Financial Challenges: APRIL-MAY 2016: The University mobilizes its resources in a lobbying effort to break a ten-month stalemate in Springfield that had dragged on since June 2015 when Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed the 2015-2016 state budget.
NEIU Today: A Diverse and Accessible University
Today, NEIU stands as a testament to its enduring commitment to providing a high-quality, accessible education to a diverse student body. As both a Hispanic-serving institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution, NEIU plays a vital role in promoting educational equity and opportunity in the Chicago region.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, preparing students for success in their chosen fields. With a strong emphasis on teaching, research, and community engagement, NEIU continues to be a valuable asset to the city of Chicago and beyond.
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