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Committee approves Mary Eric as NIU College of Education dean, effective July 1
Summary
Following a national search, the committee approved the appointment of Dr. Mary Eric as dean of NIU's College of Education; trustees praised her enrollment growth and equity work at New Mexico Highlands University.
The Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Personnel Committee approved the appointment of Dr. Mary Eric as dean of Northern Illinois University's College of Education, effective July 1, 2025, and forwarded the appointment to the full board for final approval.
Provost Laurie Eilish Piper presented Dr. Eric's record, saying Eric has "secured and managed over $48,000,000 in grants focused on equitable educational opportunities" and has administrative experience that includes running a $66,000,000 budget for the New Hampshire Department of Education. Piper told trustees that during Eric's deanship at New Mexico Highlands University enrollment increased 39.5% over 24 months and faculty diversification grew 24% under her leadership.
During discussion, Trustee Jesse Strohm asked Eric how she achieved the enrollment increases. Eric credited presence and rebranding: meeting local superintendents and partners, an "inbound marketing strategy" that elevated existing offerings rather than creating new ones, and establishing mutually explicit MOUs with school partners. "Credibility branding was critical," Eric said, and she described faculty and staff engagement as central to her approach.
Trustees thanked interim dean Bill Pitney for his service and several trustees described Eric's emphasis on inclusive, equity‑minded practice as a good fit for NIU. The committee voted by motion and voice and carried the appointment forward to the full board for final action.
