About

Welcome to Military and Veteran Services.

We serve as a liaison between the Department of Veterans Affairs and military-connected students at Northern Illinois University. As advocates for your academic success, we work to create clear pathways to your goals and encourage you to embrace every opportunity to connect with the Huskie Experience. We are here for active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, guard members and their families, including spouses and children. All are welcome in our lounge to connect with others or simply find a quiet place to study.

Whether this is your first day at NIU or you are continuing a journey already under way, we look forward to walking alongside you. Your win is our win.

Meet the Director

Jorie O’Brien, M.S.Ed.
Director of Military, Veteran and Off-Campus Student Services
jobrien9@niu.edu

Jorie is originally from the south suburbs of Chicago, and she and her family currently reside in central Illinois. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Calumet College of St. Joseph and a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs from NIU, and she is currently pursuing a doctoral degree.

Jorie’s professional background includes six years at a community college as a financial aid manager and school certifying official for the veterans department, as well as experience as a bank manager. At NIU, she has worked in the financial aid department, served as an academic advisor and worked in Student Financial Aid Services. Jorie joined MVS in January 2023 as associate director and was recently appointed director.

Jorie enjoys working with students and helping them become their best selves. She is a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and watches as many games as she can, from spring training to the World Series. She also loves cheering on her kids in their sports and is an avid crocheter. Although Jorie has not served in the military, her father served in Vietnam and her grandfather served in World War II.