Meet the Staff

Caroline Kosmel

Student Relations Specialist
ckosmel@niu.edu
815-753-8341

Caroline joined Career Services in 2001. She likes to travel and explore new places, even thinking she might work as a flight attendant someday. Now, she helps students explore potential careers. Her primary role is internship administration.

Jan Wylde

Employer Relations Specialist
jwylde2@niu.edu
815-753-8346

Jan works with employers to help them post jobs/internships and set up interviews with students. She joined Career Services in 2006 and encourages students to finish their degrees: "A bachelor's degree opens up a whole new level of opportunities for you."

Diane Hart

Employer Relations Specialist
dlhart@niu.edu
815-753-7159

B.S., Business Management, Emphasis in Human Resources

Diane joined Career Services in 1999. She coordinates the all-majors internship fair, as well as the intern of the month and intern of the year scholarship programs. She advises students that "it's never too early to begin developing soft skills like communication."

Joyce Keller

Associate Director, Career Development
jkeller@niu.edu
815-753-9113

M.S.Ed., Counseling, Emphasis in Student Development in Higher Education
B.A., English

Joyce began working at NIU in 2001. She provides direction and leadership for student career development. She enjoys seeing students' progress, saying, "The best part of my job is the privilege of witnessing students discover new possibilities for their lives."

Brian Pillsbury

Assistant Director
pillsbury@niu.edu
815-753-9180

Ph.D., Counseling Psychology
B.A., Psychology

Brian collaborates with students to help them reach their career ambitions. Having joined Career Services in 2000, he manages office operations and conducts outreach efforts. He is "energized by helping people discover and develop their untapped potential."

Edward Heard

Assistant Director (Career Advisor)
edwardheard@niu.edu
815-753-8347

Psy.D., Clinical Psychology
Th.M., Theology
B.S., Journalism

Edward began working at NIU in 2004. He focuses on promoting student success and performs strategic outreach to diverse campus communities. He advises students to be flexible as their path evolves: "It's natural to redefine your goals. Be prepared for change."

Teri Schmidgall

Career Advisor
schmidgall@niu.edu
815-753-7201

M.A., Community Counseling
B.A., History and Secondary Education

Teri joined Career Services in 2007. She helps students plan their life and career goals. She encourages students to be open to the unexpected: "Your career path won't be a straight line. There will be detours and obstacles; think of them as opportunities."