Cindy Henderson tapped to lead Career Services

by Joe King

Cindy Henderson has been named acting executive director of Career Services, stepping in for Ron Short, who retires Thursday, June 29.

Henderson, who came to work at NIU in 2002, was previously the associate director of the department, responsible for coordinating job fairs, campus recruiting efforts, student outreach activities and marketing.

Prior to coming to NIU Henderson spent most of her career working in customer service for telephone companies. Many of the lessons she learned in that role are also essential to her new job, she said.

“Customer service is a very big part of what we do,” Henderson said. “We have two distinct groups of customers, students and employers, and we want to provide both with the absolute best talent that we can offer.”

Among her goals, she said, is to continue efforts begun by Short to increase awareness of the office, especially getting out the word that the office now can help students find internships as well as jobs.

Micki Emmett, assistant vice president for student services, said NIU is lucky to have a person of Henderson 's skills ready to step into the position.

“Cindy brings a great blend of experience, and leadership to the job, as well as extraordinary energy,” Emmett said. “She is very dedicated to the core values of Student Affairs, and I believe that under her leadership we will see a continuation of the great things we have come to expect from Career Services.”

Henderson, who earned her undergraduate degree from NIU and has a master's degree from National Louis University, lives in Sycamore.

6-26-06