BOT welcomes new student trustee

by Mark McGowan

A senior public administration major from Glendale Heights has joined the NIU Board of Trustees as its new student member.

Eric Johnson, who is chief justice of the Student Association Supreme Court and also represents District 6 on the DeKalb County Board, began his duties July 1. He is the fourth student elected to the formerly appointed position.

He succeeds Kevin Miller, whose term ended June 30.

“This is my fourth year of involvement with the Student Association, and just being able to work with administrators and students over the last couple years, I think I’ve got a good starting point,” said Johnson, state chairman for the Illinois College Republican Federation. “The issues the board has dealt with are issues that are interesting to me, and it’s an avenue where I feel I can make a difference for the student body.”

Johnson said he hopes to spark “open-minded” discussions on the rising cost of parking tickets and textbooks, as well as promoting campus diversity and striving to maintain NIU’s affordability in light of the state’s financial difficulties.

“Even with all the budget cuts, the university manages to keep doing good things, providing a quality education and keeping students happy,” he said. “I’m looking forward to diving in.”

On campus for the summer, Johnson has been working closely with Miller to make a smooth transition. He already sat down with NIU President John Peters, and said he still plans individual meetings with the trustees.

Johnson will pursue a law degree after graduation next spring.

7-26-04