In 2023, Northern Illinois University partnered with the JED Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit organization on the forefront of promoting mental health and preventing suicide among young adults. NIU joined the JED Campus program to support students’ holistic wellbeing and mental health.
JED works directly with high schools, colleges and universities — representing millions of students — to put systems, programs and policies in place to create a culture of caring that protects student mental health, builds life skills and makes it more likely students will seek help and struggling students will be recognized, connected to mental health care and supported. JED has partnered with NIU to develop a strategic plan that addresses the following areas:
- Strategic planning
- Develop and support life skills
- Promote social connectedness
- Identify students at risk
- Increase help-seeking behavior
- Provide mental health and substance abuse services
- Restrict access to potentially lethal means
Read our mid-partnership update (PDF).
Members of the JED Campus Team
- Sarah Moskal, LPC, interim associate director of Student Wellness, Co-chair
- Rachel Boldman, Ed.D., assistant vice president for Student Affairs, Co-chair
- Angela Kaminski, LCSW, interim director of Student Counseling Services
- Christopher Mitchell, Ed.D., co-interim director of the Center for Black Studies
- Leslie Matuszewich, Ph.D., associate professor, Neuroscience and Behavior
- Maegen Swanson, Northwestern Medicine, Health Services
- Jeanne Isabel, Ed.D., MLS, SH(ASCP)CM, associate professor in Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Jennifer Salmon, Ed.D., director of the Disability Resource Center
- Leanne VandeCreek, associate dean, Public Services, NIU Libraries
- Heidi Carlson, associate director of event productions, Holmes Student Center
- Lauren Teso, director of Housing and Residential Services
- Angélica Mendoza, assistant director, Undocumented Student Resource Center
- Jeffrey Salmon, Ed.D., director of the Center for Student Assistance
- Christine Lagattolla, assistant director of Community College Initiatives
- Lauryn Stoffgren, graduate assistant, Student Wellness
- Michelle Pickett, director of Academic Advising
- Brian Smith, MSW, LCSW, director of Employee Well-being
- Junelle Bennett, Ed.D., Prevention Program Director
- Alan Clemens, Ph.D., director, Illinois Interactive Report Cards
- Erin Reid, academic advisor, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Maribeth Voss, program coordinator, International Student and Scholar Services