David Nieto

What year did you start working at NIU?
2019

Where is your hometown? and where do you live now?
My hometown is Madrid, Spain. I live in Whitestown, Indiana.

Where did you attend college and what degree(s) have you earned?
Ph.D., education policy, University of Massachusetts at Boston (2015)
M.S., public policy, University of Massachusetts (2008)
M.A., applied linguistics, University of Massachusetts (2006)
B.A., sociology and political science, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain (1998)

In which department(s) do you teach?
Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Were you a first-generation college student? If so, what advice would you offer to current first generation students?
Yes, I was. Be bold. There is a lot you will have to learn by yourself. It is all worth it, and your family and friends will be happy for you.

What do you like about working at NIU?
I deeply appreciate NIU’s commitment to student access, equity and transformational education. The university’s mission —  particularly its focus on serving first-generation, underrepresented and resilient students — resonates with my own values. I’m inspired by how our community shows up for students, not just academically but holistically.

What advice would you give to students currently attending NIU?
Take full advantage of NIU’s engaged learning opportunities, whether it’s research with a faculty mentor, an internship through the Career Ready program, study abroad or student leadership roles. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; seek them out. And remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Faculty, advisors and campus resources are here because we want you to succeed. Your NIU degree is more than coursework, it’s the network, experiences and confidence you build along the way.

Tell us about a research or engaged learning project you have led.
I led a community-based research project with grad students examining family and community engagement in public schools. Students co-designed surveys, collected data and presented findings to community partners. What made it powerful was how it blended academic rigor with real-world impact. Students didn’t just learn methodology, they saw how their work could inform policy and support local change.

What do you enjoy most about mentoring students?
Witnessing that “aha!” moment when a student connects classroom learning to their personal goals or identity is incredibly rewarding. I love guiding students as they grow as critical thinkers and ethical citizens. I love building trust with my students and learning with them.

What do you hope students take away from their college experience?
Beyond degrees and job skills, I hope students leave NIU with intellectual curiosity, resilience and a sense of agency. College should be a time to ask big questions, challenge assumptions and learn how to learn. Most importantly, I want them to know they belong here and that their voice matters, both on campus and in the world beyond.

What is your favorite memory of NIU?
One of my favorite NIU memories is attending conferences and seeing my students present. Moments like that capture the heart of NIU: transformative growth in a supportive community.

What’s one thing about NIU that’s surprised you?
I’ve been continually impressed by how deeply students care about this university and each other. Whether it’s organizing mutual aid drives, leading DEI initiatives or supporting peers through tough times, NIU students show remarkable empathy and leadership. It’s a reminder that our “Huskie spirit” isn’t just a slogan.

What fulfills you personally and professionally?
Personally, I’m fulfilled when I’m building meaningful connections. Professionally, I thrive when my work contributes to long-term social impact, like improving access to educational opportunities and resources in underserved communities. What ties both together is purpose: knowing that my time and energy are making someone else’s life a little better.

Which of NIU’s core values align with your own?
NIU’s commitment to equity and inclusion deeply aligns with my own values. Growing up in a culturally diverse community taught me the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices. Community engagement is another value that resonates deeply within me, and NIU is always engaging and engaged in community. That's why I’m excited about NIU’s focus on student-driven social change.

Have you contributed to any NIU Foundation fundraising campaigns such as the Day of Giving or Huskies United? If yes, why did you decided to support NIU?
I actually have not yet. But I intend to.

Who has influenced your professional path?
I have many mentors who guided and encouraged me and continue to do so. Many of them were my university professors.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you currently doing it? If not, what changed your path?
Believe it or not, I wanted to be an educator. I guess I have fulfilled that dream!

Are you participating in or have you participated in any NIU shared governance or professional development groups? If so, how has your participation enhanced your experience as an employee?
I am an avid participant in Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning programs. I love the work they do, and I learn so much from their many professional learning opportunities.

Are you a member of or hold a position within a professional or community organization? If so, what organization? What is the purpose of that organization and how does being part of this organization benefit you in your role at NIU?
I am a member of the Center for Latino and Latin American Studies and the Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language and Literacy. Although I have not been able to be very active in these organizations, both of them carry on work that moves both knowledge and practice.

What community organizations are you involved in?
I am involved with organizations that promote language, learning and inclusion.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I relax by playing my guitar and going for hikes around our beautiful state.