As a newly minted electrical engineer, Terry Johnson understands advanced principles of electromagnetism; he knows why electronic devices are encased in metal and why a Jeep handles so well in the snow.

As a student at NIU, Terry Johnson also learned the value of a life-changing academic experience.

“I didn’t know what I wanted before I came to NIU, but I saw right away that I had a great resource right in front of me: my professors. I talked with each one...to find out what his or her passion was…to find out what makes them tick.

I learned from my professors on so many levels…not just about engineering. I learned their perspectives on life and from their experiences. One of my professors was a certified flight mechanic during WWII and worked on the B52s. He’s how I discovered that I love aeronautics.

Before you become a leader, you have to know how to follow one."