Timothy Keller

What year did you start working at NIU?
2022

Where is your hometown? and where do you live now?
My hometown is Chicago and I live in Sycamore now.

In what department do you work?
Department of Counseling and Higher Education (CAHE)

Where did you attend school? What degree(s) did you earn?
I’m currently pursuing my Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) and minoring in English and social change leadership.

If you attended college, were you a first-generation student? If so, what advice would you offer to current first generation students?
My mother was the first-generation student in my family. Seeing her succeed at earning an MSLS while raising a family was inspiring. My advice: Education is invaluable, and it's never too late to learn.

Describe your typical day—what do you do while at work?
My day consists of duties including enrollment of students, processing myriads of paperwork relating to dissertations, schedule changes, syllabi, travel vouchers, expense tracking, etc., and a wealth of other managerial office tasks. 

What do you like about working at NIU?
The NIU culture—this is an environment centered around progress, inclusivity and success. 

What advice would you give to students currently attending NIU?
Step outside your comfort zone, challenge yourself, stand up against inequity and never stop learning. 

What is important for students to know about the office/department that you work in? What student services does your office provide?
Our faculty and staff are genuine, transparent and dedicated to our students’ success and well-being. 

Counseling services are offered via our Community Counseling Training Center. We are also trained proponents for the LGBTQ+ and trans ally community.

In what ways do you see your colleagues help student success?
Through their direct engagement and active participation in our students’ academic goals. 

What is your favorite memory of NIU?
Hanging out with Mission II at NIU events—I'm totally a dog lover!

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
Graduating from KC magna cum laude, while working full time and serving my church, community and NIU is various ways.

What fulfills you personally and professionally?
Music and water are my personal go-tos. Playing the piano, composing and listening to music keeps my mind at peace. Being outside near water (preferably the Pacific!) brings my spirit peace. Professional fulfillment comes from knowing I've helped a student, crushed a project goal, completed all my duties and genuine validation from peers.

Which of NIU’s core values align with your own?
All of them!

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?
Yes, because as human beings, we will all need help in some form (even if too proud to ask for it), and I'm a Huskie!

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you currently doing it? If not, what changed your path?
As a child I desperately wanted to be an astronaut. No, I am not performing any NASA duties—I have never left, nor am I currently beyond, the Earth's exosphere! Why not? Reality kicked in!

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?
SUMC Trustees, SUMC Pride Committee and NIU Ally. These positions have helped me to better serve others selflessly.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
Meditation to relax and bicycling or hiking to recharge.

Do you have any hobbies or interesting personal pursuits you're involved with in your spare time?
I have my own music studio for composing and recording. As Friedrich Nietzsche said, "Without music, life would be a mistake."