Our History
The University Honors Program at Northern Illinois University was established in 1969. In 1982 the program's current structure of Lower Division Honors, Upper Division Honors, and University Honors was instituted.
The University Honors Program at Northern Illinois University seeks to provide an enriched educational experience for students of high intellectual potential who are committed to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Through specialized courses and academic advising, engaged learning opportunities, a customized living-learning community, and extracurricular programming, the University Honors Program strives to facilitate the development of creative and challenging educational encounters. Through collaborative interaction with the University's colleges and departments, these opportunities are provided for students in all academic disciplines.
The following individuals have served as directors of the program.
| 1969-1970 | John Ulrich |
| 1970-1974 | Roger Irle |
| 1974-1980 | Jack Villmow |
| 1980-1983 | William Johnson |
| 1983-1986 | Eleanor Godfrey |
| 1986-1991 | Marion Miller |
| 1991-1994 | Jeff Chown |
| 1994-1999 | James Massey |
| 1999-2002 | John "Jay" Wagle |
| 2002-2008 | Michael Martin |
| 2008-2009 | Nancy Castle |
| 2009-2011 | Daniel Kempton |
| 2011- | Christopher Jones* |
*On July 1, 2011, the title of the administrative leader of the University Honors Program was changed from Director to Associate Vice Provost for University Honors.