Lisa Thanos-Harrod

Lisa Thanos-Harrod is speech pathology alumni from Chicago, IL

Hometown: I grew up in Chicago and now live in Manteno, Illinois.

Class of: 1996

Major: Speech pathology 

What is/was your profession? And, if applicable, what is your current title and employer?
I am the superintendent of Manteno CUSD No. 5 and CEO of Leveraging Excellence.

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
I loved the opportunities it provided. Greek life was an amazing option.

Did NIU's location near Chicago shape your professional opportunities and network? If so, how?
Yes, if you take the time to build relationships, the network you create is vast.

What role did NIU's alumni network play in your career journey?
I have enjoyed continuing to stay in touch with fellow alumni, and I am extremely proud that my son has chosen to attend NIU in the fall!

How did NIU's emphasis on experiential learning (like internships, research and hands-on learning) impact your career readiness?
When I attended NIU, it had more of a traditional focus on curriculum and instruction. By attending recent events and activities on campus, I’ve seen that NIU has embraced the approach of education of students as a whole, creating opportunities for hands-on learning and a variety of outstanding experiences.

Which NIU resources or centers (like career services or specific labs/facilities) were most valuable in preparing you for your current role?
I believe utilizing the library services and all they had to offer was critical in shaping my career path. I loved the learning labs and also utilized building spaces for study groups.

How did learning alongside people from a variety of backgrounds influence your professional perspective?
The diversity of the student body afforded me the opportunity to learn about other cultures, and being exposed to other perspectives has served me very well in leadership roles. I would highly recommend becoming involved in all the campus has to offer.

What unique opportunities did your academic program provide that helped launch your career?
I believe having the speech and hearing clinic on campus was an extremely valuable resource and provided a strong foundation for the future.

Describe a specific project, internship or class that directly impacted your professional success.
The course I took on stuttering was exceptional. The professor was extremely caring and very practical.

How did faculty mentorship or networking opportunities influence your career path?
Through both my course of study and Greek life, I was able to become involved and build a huge network. This has served me well through the years.

How did your education prepare you for your current role in ways you might not have expected?
My education prepared me for the unique challenges and celebrations of public education.

What aspects of your student experience influenced your career path or proved most valuable in your professional life?
I highly value the time I spent at NIU. Each foundational step prepared me for the leadership role I am now in.

What skills or perspectives did you develop at NIU that set you apart in your field?
The leadership experience I gained at NIU was phenomenal due to the opportunities I was presented with. The ability to work with others with varying perspectives helped me become a well-rounded and productive member of society.

Looking back, what surprised you most about your educational journey?
How the challenges experienced through courses pushed me to excel and comprehend material in different ways.

What advice would you give to someone considering NIU?
I would have them look at the university as a whole. The amount of support they offer is unmatched. I have been so impressed with the personalization and focus on the individual! Administrators are out of their offices meeting students and problem-solving.

What advice would you give to a student who is currently attending NIU?
Take advantage of the support and opportunities that NIU has to offer. Meet new people and build your network.

How would you describe the return on investment of your education?
There’s no better return on investment than education. The NIU experience is amazing and will prepare you for the future.

How did your education prepare you for changes in your industry?
My educational experience prepared me to remain flexible, become a change-agent and problem-solve decisions made in the best interest of all involved.

What aspects of your education continue to benefit you in your career progression?
The field of education is ever-changing, and to remain resilient in the face of challenges, it helps to keep the momentum moving forward and take care to invest in what matters most.

What made you decide to complete this survey and share your NIU story with other Huskies?
As a proud alumna, I am happy to share my story and the importance of becoming involved and creating your personal network. I also wanted to spread the word about taking advantage of opportunities and support the university has to offer. And I’m proud to have a son attending NIU in the fall!

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
The experience will be what you make of it. Make it awesome!