Lindsay Vreeland

What year did you start working at NIU?
2020

Where is your hometown? and where do you live now?
I'm from Montgomery, Michigan, which is a small village close to where Michigan, Indiana and Ohio meet. I now live in DeKalb.

In what department do you work?
Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning

Where did you attend school? What degree(s) did you earn?
I earned a B.A. from Adrian College, where I majored in English (writing) and minored in women's studies. I then earned an M.A. in English with a literature concentration from the University of Toledo. I also earned a Ph.D. in English literature and a graduate certificate in women's and gender studies from NIU.

If you attended college, were you a first-generation student? If so, what advice would you offer to current first generation students?
I was a first-generation college student, which made it really difficult to figure out how to manage the workload and apply to graduate school. I recommend that first-generation students use the resources available to them on campus, such as academic advising and support groups, which can help them feel confident about navigating NIU. First-generation students shouldn't feel embarrassed to ask questions or seek help — faculty and staff want you to be successful and feel supported.

Describe your typical day—what do you do while at work?
My job requires me to do a lot of research. I read and attend workshops about innovation in teaching and learning, and then use that information to create blog posts and workshops for faculty and staff at NIU. I also give one-on-one consultations with faculty who would like help with their teaching practices.

What do you like about working at NIU?
I’ve worked at NIU in various positions since 2013, and I’ve been working full time since 2020. I’ve chosen to continue working here because I love the community and the students.

What advice would you give to students currently attending NIU?
Become a part of the community! There are many student groups and activities, as well as cultural centers and academic programs, where you can find people with interests and identities that match your own or provide opportunities to learn more about others.

What is your favorite memory of NIU?
I don't have any one favorite memory, but the annual Lavender Graduation Celebration is one of my favorite events. There is so much joy, excitement and love at every celebration, which is incredible to be a part of.

Which of NIU’s core values align with your own?
My position as an inclusive teaching coordinator directly aligns with the core values of equity and inclusion, as well as curiosity and creation. It’s important to me, both professionally and personally, to ensure that students and other members of the NIU community feel included and respected. Lifelong learning is also important to me, so I value opportunities to learn and improve for my job and my life in general.

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 be a teacher. When I started college, I knew that I wanted to work in higher education. While I'm not teaching right now, I still see myself as an educator. I moved from teaching students directly to helping others teach and support students. I love that I can help others and learn from them, and that in my position, I get to work with and connect with people across the university.

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?
In the 2023-2024 academic year, I attended most of the Faculty Academy on Cultural Competence and Equity (FACCE) workshops, which has been a really great opportunity. In the FACCE workshops, we talk about shifting mindsets and thinking critically about the ways we approach our colleagues and students at NIU. These workshops cover really important topics but also give faculty and staff the opportunity to connect with others from across the university, which has created some important conversations and relationships for me.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To recharge or change my mindset, I like to go for a walk. Whether it’s at the East Lagoon on campus or a local park, it’s helpful for me to move and change the scenery. We have some spots in DeKalb that, even when filled with geese, are great for quiet reflection, enjoying nature or just taking a break from screens.