Krista Schaade

Online Student Success Specialist

Responsibilities

Krista supports the success and online student experience of NIU's online prospective and new student population, counseling prospective online students through the application and admissions process and providing encouragement and support. For continuing online students, she coordinates closely with college/academic unit advisors, financial aid professionals and technical support specialists to provide students with a seamless student support experience.

Programs Supported

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology: Applied Manufacturing Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing for RNs
• Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences - MLT to MLS
• Master of Arts in Teaching (Elementary Education licensure)
• Master of Science in Education in Literacy Education - Reading
• Master of Science in Industrial Management and Engineering Technology
• Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering: Engineering Management
• Doctor of Education in Higher Education: Community College Leadership
• Workforce Development Undergraduate Certificates
• Certificate of Graduate Study: Data Science for Business
• Certificate of Graduate Study: Trauma-Informed Counseling
• Workforce Development Certificate Program: Medical Laboratory Sciences

Background

Krista resides about an hour south of Chicago and prior to her time at NIU, she spent the last six years working with various groups of students at both the secondary and higher education level. Krista has a combination of experiences from academic advising and counseling to professionally educating students in history, family and consumer sciences and college introduction. Krista also coaches for sideline and competitive cheerleading at a high school in Tinley Park.

For leisure, Krista enjoys traveling, working out and walking her dog, Bandit. Krista loves being outside, spending time with friends and family and her favorite seasons are fall and summer.

Education

• M.S., Educational Psychology, Capella University, 2022
• B.A., Secondary Education: History and Social Sciences, Saint Xavier University, 2018
• A.A., Liberal Arts, Moraine Valley Community College, 2015

Success Tip

Krista's #1 tip for online students is to be aware of the voice they have in their own education. You have a voice, use it! Don't be afraid to ask questions, take advantage of the resources provided and speak your mind. You control how your college experience goes, make sure it's one you'll never forget.

Applause

The following comments from NIU faculty were shared through NIU Today Applaud a Colleague:

"Krista is an invaluable member of the RN-BS Nursing Team. She's the very first point of contact for applicants and maintains consistent outreach throughout both the application process as well as their program journey. Her warmth, attentiveness, and ability to truly connect with prospective students have made a remarkable difference. Simply put: she's making a powerful impact on our students' lives and helping them feel supported every step of the way." (September 23, 2025)

"Krista has been a pleasure to work with. Her dedication to prospective students is phenomenal by looking to go the extra mile to give them individualized attention and make them feel welcomed by NIU." (September 22, 2024)