Brian Williamsen

What year did you start working at NIU?
2023

Where is your hometown? and where do you live now?
I grew up in Chatham, Illinois. I currently live in Germantown Hills, Illinois.

In what department do you work?
Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost

Where did you attend school? What degree(s) did you earn?
Bradley University, B.S. in communications - radio/TV

Describe your typical day—what do you do while at work?
A typical day doesn't exist, and I love that! Each day here is unique, and the tasks vary quite a bit. This suits me perfectly, and I enjoy the variety. Some days include writing stories for NIU Today. Other days include writing correspondence about programs and initiatives to inform our internal audiences. Others include working on the Provost Post newsletter or website revisions to best convey what is available and going on here at NIU. And the list goes on. I really enjoy getting to communicate what is happening and being a part of the information pipeline, so others can get and stay connected.

What do you like about working at NIU?
I really enjoy how dedicated everyone is to doing their jobs well and the enthusiasm shown by NIU employees for what they do. Student success is more than a phrase here — everyone I've met does their very best to provide an environment that best contributes to the success of our students. In short, this is a good place to work because good people work here. Personally, I enjoy getting to share students' stories through articles and other forms, along with working in tandem with administrators, staff and faculty members to spread the word about the many cool things happening here.

What advice would you give to students currently attending NIU?
Don't be afraid to ask for help; there are so many caring and talented people here who want you to have the best experience while you're at NIU and beyond. It's OK to not have everything figured out; just take things one step at a time and give yourself a lot of grace along the way. Enjoy the moments as they come and try some new things while you're at it. You're doing great — keep going!

What is important for students to know about the office/department that you work in? What student services does your office provide?
Academic Affairs provides all kinds of services to students. Everything from advising to career counseling to financial advising, and so much more. Led by Executive Vice President and Provost Laurie Elish-Piper, this team is here for you and wants you to succeed. Don't hesitate to reach out!

In what ways do you see your colleagues help student success?
One example I've seen is our Career Services director providing detailed guidance to a student who was seeking to change his career while attending NIU. The director provided multiple options and took time to explain the benefits of each one, all while offering additional help and resources to the student. This is just one of many examples I've seen here where staff members do whatever they can to help students.

What is your favorite memory of NIU?
I've only been here nine months, but I'd say getting to spend time with my son who transferred to NIU just before I started working here is at the top of the list. Seeing him grow as a person while being here and having time together with him on the days I've been on campus has been priceless.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
Not into patting myself on the back, so I'll just say I'm proud of how this division has served students this past year. I'm just glad to be a tiny part of a wonderful team of people who want the best for everyone involved with NIU.

What fulfills you personally and professionally?
Personally, I find fulfillment through faith and after that, it's family. Professionally, it's fulfilling to get to share people's stories. It's something I've had the opportunity to do through communication management and media roles throughout my career. Very thankful!

Which of NIU’s core values align with your own?
If I have to pick one, I'd say service and stewardship. I believe we're all called to serve in whatever way we can. Service comes in many different forms, and every person has the ability to positively impact the world by serving others. This could be in your own household, your community or beyond. A lot of folks don't realize just how impactful their life can be for others, in a good way. We can all make a difference on any given day, no matter where we are in life.

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 have not to this point, but plan to do so. NIU is a great place to support financially, based on all I've listed above.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you currently doing it? If not, what changed your path?
I don't know if I should share this, but I wanted to be a lawyer and didn't pursue that because it was going to require so many years of being in school! That's called irony, I suppose, with this current role in higher education. I wanted to be a sports broadcaster after that, and it actually led to my initial role in the television news industry, which I did for about eight years at two different locations. Broadcasting roles ultimately led to communication roles, so it was all part of the journey to today.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I enjoy fishing, boating and swimming (OK being in a pool, not competitively swimming!), among other activities. Basically, being outside is where I like to be. Summer is my favorite time of year because you get to enjoy the outdoors on a daily basis. We go to the Gulf Coast every fall when it gets cooler around here, and the beach is always relaxing and recharging. Plus, after living near a beach for six years, it's always nice to see one again — being by the sea is a happy place, for sure. Listening to music also falls in this category of relaxing and recharging for me.

Do you have any hobbies or interesting personal pursuits you're involved with in your spare time?
I started playing tennis when I was about 10 years old and still do so today. It's the one sport I was blessed to be almost halfway decent at, so it's fun to still get out there on the courts on a regular basis. Golfing is fun too, despite the fact that the shots aren't that good! Also, podcasting has been enjoyable for me, since leaving the broadcasting industry a number of years ago.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
Go Huskies! I'm glad to be a part of the NIU family.