Meredith Eskoff

What year did you start working at NIU?
2013

Where is your hometown? and where do you live now?
My hometown is Oswego, Illinois, and I now live in Batavia, Illinois.

In what department do you work?
LRS Undergraduate Student Success Center

Where did you attend school? What degree(s) did you earn?
NIU! I earned both my B.A. in political science and my M.S.Ed. in instructional technology.

Describe your typical day—what do you do while at work?
The thing I love about advising is there is no typical day. I have typical duties, such as student advising, but every day can be different. I can have face-to-face appointments with current students. I can advise new students during orientation, and I can meet prospective students, too. I have also been tasked with helping create new events for our students for involvement in the college and to help coordinate events the university hosts. I love that I get to be creative and think outside of the box.

What do you like about working at NIU?
I love the fact that I saw NIU through a student's lens first. I got to go to class, attend activities and grow as a student. Then, I developed as a professional at NIU. And through a staff member's lens, I get to see the students develop with my assistance and all the other resources NIU has to offer.

What advice would you give to students currently attending NIU?
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Specifically, in advising, if you don't ask about topics such as minors and double majors, you would never know if that was possible. And you never know what something like a minor could add to a resume. And don't forget to join at least one club! There are so many to choose from. You never know who you will meet or what doors will be opened for you.

What is important for students to know about the office/department that you work in? What student services does your office provide?
Our office is so much more than just advising. We serve as a hub of resources for our students. We are the first door students see when they come into Barsema Hall. We are here to help guide you in whatever direction you need to go, whether that’s how to get to graduation or how to get around the building!

In what ways do you see your colleagues help student success?
Not only do I see how great the advisors within the College of Business work together as a team, but I also see how great our advisor network is across campus. Whenever a student looks to change majors, it is awesome to see their advisor reaching out to other departments to connect the student with their possible new college, rather than let them figure it out alone.

What is your favorite memory of NIU?
My favorite NIU memory is from when I was a senior and the football team went to the MAC championship up in Detroit. Students got discounted tickets, lunch and a ride to Ford Field. I went with my now husband, and we had a blast. The Huskies came back to win, and it was such a fun experience as a fan and student to see all the excitement surrounding the day.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the creative events I have helped plan. I have overseen the large-scale WOW (week of welcome) event for the College of Business over the past several years. Each year I have evolved it to fit our new incoming population and keep it fun. Most recently, I help organize "Pin a Feather, Bring a Can" for our office. We asked students and staff to come to our office to contribute to a food drive and fill out a "thankful" feather to pin to our turkey on display. It was fun to plan and to see the results of our thankful turkey while giving back!

What fulfills you personally and professionally?
My family. I work hard for them and always enjoy coming home to see them. But that is also what motivates me while at work.

Which of NIU’s core values align with your own?
Ethics and integrity. Ethics is huge in the College of Business. I have embodied that as a part of my daily practice, and I hope it shows not only with students but also those I work with. I want to model what is being taught, and if someone sees integrity with me, they will hopefully also continue that through aspects of their lives.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you currently doing it? If not, what changed your path?
Originally, I had planned to become a lawyer, which is why I majored in political science. However, after college, I decided it wasn't right for me. I applied for jobs and landed one in the admissions office at NIU. Working with prospective students became a passion. I fell in love with higher education, and here I am 10 years later!

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 currently a member of NACADA, which is a national advising association. I was lucky enough to get to attend their national conference this past October in Florida and others in the past. It was amazing to meet others in my field and learn from those who have made profound strides in the academic advising world.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I love to be outside playing sports or taking walks. As well as read a good mystery book!

Do you have any hobbies or interesting personal pursuits you're involved with in your spare time?
I have always loved to write. I practice handwriting and calligraphy. I have been asked to do special projects for friends and others like invites and signs for weddings and even large-scale welcome signs for baby showers and more. I love trying new styles and new pens.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
My husband is a double graduate of NIU with bachelor's and master's degrees in accountancy. We met our sophomore year while living on the same floor in Stevenson Towers and even got engaged on campus! NIU holds a special place in our hearts.