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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The big noise from the Bronx

The big noise from the Bronx

This article originally appeared in a 2014 edition of Northern Now. by Mark McGowan They called it “Jazz Alley” – four swingin’ groups from the NIU School of Music, stationed throughout the main floor of the Holmes Student Center, jamming for the passersby.  Part of...

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