Richard "RT" TomSenior Assistant Director of Admissions
< admissions@niu,edu >
B.S., Political Science; Public Administration, Magna Cum Laude, The University of Utah
Hello! As an NIU Admissions Counselor, I enjoy meeting with prospective Freshman and Transfer students at the NIU Office of Undergraduate Admissions on the NIU campus in DeKalb, Illinois. I assist students and their families in understanding the requirements and procedures to be competitive for an admissions offer to NIU. I often attend College Fairs and special College Information programs offered by the various high schools, secondary school districts, colleges and organizations in the Chicagoland city and suburban region. I am an active member of the Illinois Association for College Admissions Counseling.
Some of my special duties include coordinating the NIU Open House Programs, serving as the Admissions representative on the NIU Web Presence Committee, planning the development of the NIU Undergraduate Admissions website, serving as Faculty Advisor of the Kappa Pi Beta Fraternity, and acting as an admissions information resource for military veterans, current active or reserve service members, referring ROTC interest students to the NIU Department of Military Science, Army ROTC, and to the Air Force ROTC point of contact for NIU.
Prior to joining the staff of the NIU Admissions Office, I completed a fulfilling military career with a last assignment as a university faculty member, an Assistant Professor of Military Science, lecturing at NIU, Rockford College, Kishwaukee Community College and Waubonsee Community College. Military education honors awarded include Distinguished Honor Graduate, The U.S. Army Quartermaster School, and Honor Graduate, Contracts Management Directorate, The Army Logistics Management College. Currently in free moments, I am exploring the Masters of Public Administration program and writing a novel series.
I’ve toured the world, lived abroad, spent much time in several countries and am now enjoying being part of the Northern Illinois University campus community with my family here in DeKalb-Sycamore. Outdoor recreation and winter sports in Illinois and Wisconsin are a family favorite!
Please stop by to say "Hello!" when you are visiting Northern Illinois University! I especially enjoy meeting with future students and their families exploring the college search process. I look forward to assisting you in becoming an NIU student! Go Huskies!!!