The Office of External Affairs and Economic Development (OEAED) serves as the university's official liaison with state and federal government, national organizations and economic development agencies.
Working with state legislators and members of the U.S. Congress and their staffs, OEAED advocates for the university and its missions in teaching, research and engagement.
Led by Vice President Kathryn Buettner, the OEAED develops and maintains partnerships with funding agencies, national laboratories, higher education associations and consortia and many other groups and individuals representing state, regional and national interests.
OEAED monitors legislation and provides university leadership with regular updates on the status of proposed statutes, regulations and laws. In addition, the Office of External Affairs and Economic Development serves as liaison between the university administration and NIU's governing body, the Board of Trustees.