Music Education alumna Hayley Gotzsche wins Golden Apple Award

Hayley Gotzsche decided at a very young age that being a music teacher would be a great job. "I've always loved music," she said. "Music has always been a source of joy and an expression of confidence. It was just natural to go into it. I love to get to bring those...

Kelly Gross named Illinois Higher Education Art Educator of the Year

Kelly Gross, Ph.D., assistant professor of art and design education in the NIU School of Art and Design has been named the 2025-2026 Higher Education Art Educator of the Year by the Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA). Gross was honored at their annual...

NIU faculty, alumni and students highlight annual National Art Education Association conference

A strong contingent of faculty, alumni and students will represent the NIU School of Art and Design's art and design education program at this year's National Art Education Association conference in Chicago March 5-7. Three members of the faculty are being awarded...

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Commencement profile – Khadija Nagi

Commencement profile – Khadija Nagi

Khadija Nagi, a DeKalb native, and now a proud graduate of the NIU School of Music is the subject of the fall 2025 commencement video profile. Khadija says she chose to stay in town to study music in part because of the accomplished alumni who are so supportive of...

In Passing: Ron Modell and more

In Passing: Ron Modell and more

by Antonio Garcia Jazz education lost a giant in the field with the passing on June 10 of my friend and colleague Ron Modell. Ron joined Northern Illinois University’s faculty in 1969 after a performance career that had already included touring as a teenager with...

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