Jeffrey Salmon

What year did you start working at NIU?
2013

Where is your hometown? and where do you live now?
I grew up in Glendale Heights and Geneva, Illinois. I now live in DeKalb with my spouse and two dogs.

Where did you attend school? What degree(s) did you earn?
I have a doctoral degree in adult and higher education (2023) and a master’s in adult and higher education (2014) from NIU. I also have a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Oklahoma (2005) and a bachelor’s degree in history from Western Illinois University (2001).

Describe your typical day—what do you do while at work?
My days are usually atypical. Since the Center for Student Assistance (CSA) supports students with a wide variety of needs, one never knows who will be calling, emailing or walking through our doors on a daily basis, or what support they will be looking for. I spend a good amount of time meeting individually with students. I support my graduate assistants and student workers with mentoring and student outreach. I'm part of various committees I have different responsibilities for, including co-chairing a SEM 2.0 subgroup. I also support my student affairs colleagues with their initiatives.

What do you like about working at NIU?
As I have been at NIU for over a decade now, people ask me, why NIU? The response is always the same. The students of NIU and my colleagues are the best. The students remind me so much of myself when I was in college. They are smart, gritty, hopeful, caring, dedicated and looking for someone to give them a chance to accomplish their dreams. I'm proud to play whatever small role I can. Huskies accomplish great things. I also can't say enough of my colleagues. They have shared wisdom and guidance many times over. They are collaborative, multi-talented and caring. They put students first in their work, and they look to overcome any barrier. Plus, so many keep grounded with laughter and enthusiasm.

What advice would you give to students currently attending NIU?
Trust yourselves and follow your dreams. There is only one of you, and your individuality is your strength. Explore new opportunities and challenge yourself. You have all the tools you need to be successful at NIU and beyond!

What is important for students to know about the office/department that you work in? What student services does your office provide?
The CSA plays an important role in all Huskies' university experience. My team and I have great institutional knowledge, and we put that knowledge to work for students. That is how we serve as a one-stop shop for student questions and concerns. We know the resources on campus and in the DeKalb community. We are also the office that assists students with basic needs support, whether that be food insecurity, housing insecurity or the student emergency fund. We also help students find off-campus housing. We are lucky to have Students' Legal Assistance in our suite. Joe Lovelace, who is a lawyer just for students, helps with lease reviews and landlord/tenant issues. We also have Huskie Student Life Excellence Development (SLED) mentors who assist students with the entire student experience. If there is ever anything impeding your success as a Huskie, the CSA is available to provide individual support and discuss the best path forward.

In what ways do you see your colleagues help student success?
I'm so proud to be part of the Division of Student Affairs. Dr. Clint-Michael Reneau leads with heart, passion and determination. He meets students where they are at and has the unique ability to make a connection with each student he meets. The Dean of Students, Kelly Olson, is constantly making sure students have opportunities to grow and learn as individuals, while maximizing the student experience. Our housing and dining staff provide a tremendous living community. The Holmes Student Center is a hub of activities. The HSC and Student Involvement staff work with students to put on engaging events and help grow students' leadership skills. I also have other colleagues who provide key resources such as mental health and wellness support, individual academic accommodations, legal expertise, military and veteran support and more. I'm also fortunate to work alongside tremendous colleagues in academic affairs and ADEI.

What is your favorite memory of NIU?
In summer of 2014, I met my future spouse working on a committee for an event called the "Neighborhood Block Party" that we held that fall semester at the Chick Evans Field House. Most of my colleagues on the committee were director level or above. My spouse was the director of the Disability Resource Center and I was in my second year in student affairs at NIU. I probably seemed like a fish out of water and spent too much time on my phone during meetings. Good thing she didn't hold it against me!

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
I'm extremely proud that I was chosen by senior student affairs leadership to help start the Center for Student Assistance in early 2020 and to be the department's inaugural director. The office has come a long way in four years as we helped students navigate the COVID-19 landscape, help eliminate barriers outside the classroom so students can better focus on their academics, mentored hundreds of students, supported re-enrollment efforts, and continue to find new ways to best support the student experience. I've been fortunate to have had various graduate assistants and undergraduate student workers who have helped make the office what it is. I'm indebted to all of them and am so proud to watch them cross the graduation stage each year. I'm also very proud to be a second-generation Huskie, as my dad graduated in 1972.

What fulfills you personally and professionally?
Being part of an amazing team at the CSA, in the Division of Student Affairs and at NIU. I'm proud to work alongside so many who put students in the forefront of all they do. They face various challenges on a daily basis, like our students, and show up daily asking, "How can I help?" I keep emails and thank you cards from students and staff. When I'm down, I can always find something from a student or colleague who was kind enough to take the time to show appreciation, and it helps to re-energize me. I also like to achieve goals I set out for myself, whether finishing my doctorate, working to get published, presenting at a conference or finding that next evolution of my office. Finally, I find great fulfillment from knowing I have the respect of so many great people at NIU.

Which of NIU’s core values align with your own?
NIU’s core values make me feel at home. Part of the reason I haven't taken other opportunities is because of NIU's values. Working in student affairs, especially at the Center for Student Assistance, one has to have the heart of a servant. I stopped one career I had to come to NIU because I wanted to help students have a transformational learning experience like I had in college. At NIU, we encourage students to create their own transformational journey. We focus on student success by looking to reduce systemic barriers. We encourage students to be bold, curious and innovative, while also contributing to things greater than ourselves. We see the diversity of our students and the individuality they bring to campus as strengths to be fostered. Also, the motto "Huskies Never Quit" stands out to me greatly. You see that mantra in the lived experiences of students and our campus community. I always felt that not quitting was one of my strengths.

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 contribute yearly to Day of Giving and Huskies United. Typically, I give to the Student Emergency Fund or the Huskie Food Pantry. Basic needs are such a core part of the student experience. If students lack food or are concerned an emergency will greatly impact their finances, research shows they'll struggle inside the classroom. My office supports students throughout their time at NIU in basic needs, and I'm honored to be able support the NIU Foundation campaigns that focus on the student experience.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you currently doing it? If not, what changed your path?
I always wanted to have some sort of career in sports. During my first graduate program at the University of Oklahoma, I got connected to the athletics media relations department. I spent more than eight years working in different athletics departments and accomplished my dream. But sometimes dreams change. Also, during my first graduate program, I was a teaching graduate assistant to the public relations faculty and worked with more than 400 students. Years later, I told a friend of mine I missed working with students, and they helped me get a job with the academic support center at the University of Kentucky athletics department. I worked nights as an academic tutor to student-athletes. After some time, I thought to myself that I could either work for my friend, who was the academic advisor for men's basketball and baseball, or I could become my friend. That's when I chose to come to NIU to get my second master's in education and start my journey in student affairs.

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 have been a member of Supportive Professional Staff (SPS) Council in the past. I currently co-chair a SEM 2.0 subgroup looking at student engagement and well-being. I'm also part of the second Staff Professional Development Academy cohort. I also try to help my former HESA program faculty support the current graduate cohorts in whatever way I can. It's an honor to be chosen for shared governance positions. One is often recommended for these positions, and I want to do right by those who have faith in me. The positions have helped me meet various colleagues and understand the wider campus. These positions also allow me to use my voice to best support the student experience.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I love my home basement. I painted it in Cubs colors and have all sorts of sports memorabilia and pictures from my past life working in athletics media relations. When I need to recharge, I'll take my dogs, Blue and Rey, to the basement to watch a game, a science fiction movie or some disaster movie on Tubi.

Do you have any hobbies or interesting personal pursuits you're involved with in your spare time?
I'm going into my 20th football season as a freelance production assistant for Westwood One Radio. Westwood One is the national radio home of the NFL. My first assignment came when I was working as a student intern for the University of Oklahoma Athletics Media Relations Department in 2004. My old boss thought I could do a good job assisting the national radio crew with a Sooners vs. Oregon football game. Since then, I get assigned five or six games a season, which keeps me involved in sports. I nonverbally communicate tackles and other plays to the announcer or relay information up from the sidelines. I worked 10 straight SEC championship games and have worked at stadiums across the country. My favorites stops are the annual Thanksgiving game in Detroit and Dolphins games in Miami, where I get to meet up with my friend on the Dolphins' coaching staff. We met during move-in weekend in August 1997 at WIU. We've both come a long way.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I’m so proud to be a Huskie and to have played a small part in so many students’ journeys to graduation. I’d like to thank recent NIU graduate Amanda Woo for nominating me for this spotlight. I’ve gotten to know Amanda over the last several years as the advisor to Sigma Sigma Sigma (Tri Sigma). It has been an honor to be the Tri Sig advisor. I’ve told the ladies before that my mother-in-law, who is a Tri Sig alumna, had the biggest smile when I told her I became the NIU chapter advisor a few years ago.