Northern Illinois University Executive and Leadership Team

Michael Daigler, the President and Chief Executive Officer - NIU Foundation at Northern Illinois University, directs all philanthropic initiatives and donor engagement strategies. Overseeing the expansion of endowment funds, the President and Chief Executive Officer - NIU Foundation ensures alignment between private support and the university's core research mission. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with alumni and corporate partners to secure long-term financial sustainability for academic programs. By optimizing fundraising operations, Michael Daigler directly impacts the capacity of the institution to provide scholarships and advanced research facilities. Daigler manages complex capital campaigns that support the broader goals of the university, ensuring that resources reach critical areas like the sciences, arts, and engineering. Through strategic oversight of the foundation, the President and Chief Executive Officer - NIU Foundation strengthens the overall financial health of the institution while fostering a culture of philanthropy across the entire campus community.

George Middlemist, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Northern Illinois University, manages the fiscal health and administrative operations of the institution. Overseeing budget allocation and long-term financial planning, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the university's diverse academic and research objectives. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board and other executive leaders to maintain fiscal transparency and operational efficiency. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditure patterns, George Middlemist secures the financial stability necessary for growth in fields like law, business, and health. Middlemist directs administrative policies that streamline campus services, allowing the university to focus on its core mission of student-centered education. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Vice President, Administration Finance & Chief Financial Officer enables the institution to invest in infrastructure and faculty development, ultimately driving the long-term success of the university within the competitive higher education landscape.

Sarah McGill, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Northern Illinois University, executes strategic financial management and capital resource planning. Overseeing the university's internal audit functions and risk management protocols, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with state and federal regulations. This leadership role involves analyzing economic trends to inform institutional investment strategies and operational budgeting. By optimizing procurement processes and supply chain logistics, Sarah McGill reduces overhead costs and improves the efficiency of campus services. McGill collaborates with academic deans to align financial resources with the specific needs of the sciences and humanities departments. Through the implementation of advanced financial reporting systems, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides the leadership team with actionable data to support informed decision-making. McGill maintains the fiscal integrity of the university, ensuring that every dollar contributes to the overarching goal of providing a world-class education to the student population.

Brandon Goff, the President at Northern Illinois University, directs the strategic vision for the university's specialized research centers. Overseeing the development of interdisciplinary programs, the President ensures that research initiatives remain at the forefront of innovation in the sciences and engineering. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with industry leaders to create experiential learning opportunities for students. By championing academic excellence, Brandon Goff drives the university's reputation as a premier public research institution. Goff manages the integration of new pedagogical methods into the curriculum, ensuring that the university meets the evolving needs of the workforce. Through the coordination of faculty research projects, the President supports the advancement of knowledge in the humanities and arts. Goff maintains a focus on student-centered outcomes, ensuring that the university's research output directly benefits the educational experience and prepares graduates for successful careers in their respective fields.

Richard Dowen, the President at Northern Illinois University, leads the strategic expansion of the university's professional education programs. Overseeing the development of curriculum in business and law, the President ensures that academic offerings align with current market demands and professional standards. This leadership role involves managing faculty recruitment and retention efforts to maintain high-quality instruction. By cultivating relationships with regional employers, Richard Dowen creates pathways for student internships and career placement. Dowen directs the implementation of new degree programs that address emerging trends in the global economy. Through the oversight of academic departments, the President fosters an environment of intellectual curiosity and professional growth. Dowen ensures that the university remains a leader in providing accessible, high-impact education to a diverse student body. By focusing on the intersection of theory and practice, the President supports the university's mission to prepare students for leadership roles in their chosen professions.

Wayne Silvius, the Illinois Chapter President at Northern Illinois University, directs regional outreach and alumni engagement efforts across the state. Overseeing the coordination of local events and networking opportunities, the Illinois Chapter President ensures that the university maintains a strong presence within the regional community. This leadership role involves mobilizing alumni support for university initiatives and fundraising campaigns. By facilitating connections between current students and industry professionals, Wayne Silvius enhances the university's career development ecosystem. Silvius manages the communication strategy for the regional chapter, ensuring that stakeholders remain informed about the university's achievements and strategic goals. Through the cultivation of local partnerships, the Illinois Chapter President strengthens the university's impact on the regional economy. Silvius drives the expansion of the alumni network, creating a robust support system that benefits both the institution and its graduates as they navigate their professional journeys in the state.

Gretchen Moore, the President at Northern Illinois University, leads the strategic development of the university's health and wellness initiatives. Overseeing the integration of clinical research and student health services, the President ensures that the institution provides comprehensive support for the well-being of the campus community. This leadership role involves managing partnerships with healthcare providers to expand training opportunities for students in the health sciences. By promoting a culture of wellness, Gretchen Moore enhances the overall student experience and supports academic success. Moore directs the implementation of health-focused programs that address the specific needs of the student population. Through the oversight of campus health facilities, the President ensures that the university remains a leader in providing high-quality care and education. Moore fosters collaboration between academic departments and health services, creating a holistic approach to student development that prepares graduates for careers in the healthcare sector.

Richard Dahlberg, the President at Northern Illinois University, directs the strategic growth of the university's arts and humanities programs. Overseeing the development of creative initiatives and cultural programming, the President ensures that the institution remains a vibrant hub for artistic expression and intellectual inquiry. This leadership role involves managing the allocation of resources for galleries, performance spaces, and research archives. By fostering collaborations between the arts and other disciplines, Richard Dahlberg encourages interdisciplinary innovation across the campus. Dahlberg directs the promotion of the university's cultural impact, ensuring that the community engages with the diverse academic work produced by faculty and students. Through the oversight of arts-related departments, the President supports the preservation and advancement of humanistic knowledge. Dahlberg ensures that the university provides a rich, multifaceted educational environment that challenges students to think critically and creatively about the world around them.

Melissa Freeman, the President at Northern Illinois University, leads the strategic initiatives focused on educational equity and student access. Overseeing the development of support programs for diverse student populations, the President ensures that the university remains committed to its mission of providing inclusive, high-quality education. This leadership role involves managing partnerships with community organizations to expand outreach and recruitment efforts. By implementing evidence-based strategies to improve retention and graduation rates, Melissa Freeman drives the university's success in fostering student achievement. Freeman directs the coordination of academic support services, ensuring that all students have the resources necessary to thrive in their studies. Through the oversight of student affairs, the President promotes a campus culture that values diversity and academic excellence. Freeman ensures that the university continues to serve as a catalyst for social mobility, preparing students from all backgrounds to succeed in their professional and personal lives.

Matthew Parks, the Senior Associate Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Northern Illinois University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern research and education. Overseeing campus-wide network security and data management systems, the Senior Associate Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer ensures seamless integration of technology into the classroom and laboratory environments. This leadership role involves managing large-scale digital transformation projects that enhance operational efficiency across all departments. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, Matthew Parks protects sensitive institutional data and maintains the integrity of the university's research output. Parks drives innovation in cloud computing and instructional technology, enabling faculty and students to access cutting-edge tools for academic success. Through the strategic deployment of IT resources, the Senior Associate Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer supports the university's mission to provide a high-quality, technology-driven learning experience for the entire student body.