Matthew Baltimore

Matthew Baltimore is communication studies alumni from Livonia, Michigan

Hometown: From Livonia, Michigan. Currently living in Overland Park, Kansas

Class of: 2016

What is/was your profession? And, if applicable, what is your current title and employer?
I am a pet digital education specialist at Hill's Pet Nutrition.

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
I chose NIU because I wanted to start my own journey and gain independence. Having visited Chicago multiple times, I loved the city's energy and opportunities, and NIU's proximity to a major metropolitan area made it an ideal choice — especially when I initially planned to pursue business. Additionally, NIU was one of the schools that recruited me for football, which played a significant role in my decision. The combination of athletics, academics and location made NIU the perfect place for me to grow both personally and professionally.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you currently doing it? If not, what changed your path?
When I was growing up, my dream was to play in the NFL — an easy choice since I played college football. However, after sustaining my fourth concussion, I had to rethink my path. That’s when I shifted my focus to video editing, then to producing and now to my ultimate goal of becoming a creative director. Each step brought me closer to what truly fits me, and I love the journey because it keeps giving me new goals to strive for. While I may not be in the NFL, I’m still pursuing something I’m passionate about — storytelling, content strategy and creative leadership.

How did NIU prepare you for your current profession?
NIU prepared me by teaching me how to adapt. As an out-of-state student, I had to build new relationships and navigate a new environment, which helped me develop resilience and flexibility. That adaptability has been crucial in my career, especially when transitioning into roles outside my immediate expertise. For example, when I moved into a sales role at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, it was a completely new space for me compared to my background in media studies. However, NIU equipped me with the ability to learn, grow and thrive in unfamiliar situations. That mindset ultimately led to my promotion into my current role as a digital education specialist, where I now apply my digital media skills in a unique and impactful way.

Describe what a typical day at your job looks like.
A significant part of my role involves working cross-functionally with marketing, sales and veterinary experts to ensure our educational content is both informative and engaging. This might include scripting and producing training videos, coordinating with designers to enhance visual storytelling or strategizing how to best deliver information through digital platforms. Throughout the day, I also manage partnerships and training initiatives, ensuring our messaging is aligned with company goals. Some days involve brainstorming new ways to improve our digital education strategies, while others are focused on troubleshooting challenges and refining content to better engage our audience. No two days are exactly the same, and that’s what I love about it. Whether I’m creating digital assets, working on long-term content strategies or exploring new ways to enhance user experience, I’m always learning and evolving in my role.

What are you most proud of in your professional career?
What I’m most proud of in my professional career is that my journey isn’t finished — and that’s exactly what I love about it. I’m always striving for growth, whether it’s through new challenges, evolving roles or continuing my education. Right now, I’m pursuing my master’s in strategic communications, which is helping me refine my skills and expand my expertise. Having a goal to reach for keeps me motivated, and I take pride in the fact that I’m constantly learning and pushing myself to the next level.

In a few sentences, please share the impact NIU has had on your life. How would your life be different if you hadn’t attended NIU?
NIU had a profound impact on my life by equipping me with both technical skills and invaluable life lessons. The students and faculty shaped my ability to adapt, collaborate and think critically — skills that continue to influence my career today. I originally started in the College of Business but struggled and ultimately had to switch to communications. That challenge became a turning point for me, and by my final semester, I had not only found my true passion but also made the dean’s list.

Who at NIU had a significant impact on you? What valuable lesson did you learn from them?
Two people at NIU had a significant impact on me — Matt Swan and Randy Caspersen. Matt Swan was essential in helping me develop my scriptwriting skills and always appreciated my sense of humor, which made learning even more engaging. Randy Caspersen, on the other hand, gave me the technical foundation I needed to understand film production. What made both of them so impactful was their real-world experience. They weren’t just teaching theory — they had worked in the industry, which gave me something to look up to and strive for. Their guidance made it easier for me to listen, learn and apply those lessons to my own career.

Did you form any long-lasting friendships or personal/professional relationships as a result of attending NIU? Tell us about them.
I’ve formed a few lasting friendships at NIU, and while we don’t talk every day, we still check in on each other from time to time. It’s great to see that everyone is succeeding in their careers. What’s nice is that I know I can always reconnect with them whenever I’m back in town. Those friendships remind me of the strong community at NIU, and it’s reassuring to know that those connections will always be there, both personally and professionally.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time at NIU?
My best memories from NIU were working on group projects with my classmates in the media production classes. I loved collaborating on scripts, bouncing ideas off each other, filming and even those late-night editing sessions in the lab. Those moments were a blend of creativity, teamwork and hard work that made the experience unforgettable. They shaped not only my skills but also my appreciation for the collaborative nature of media production.

What advice would you give to a student who is considering attending NIU?
My advice would be to embrace the opportunities that come your way and be open to discovering new passions. NIU offers a unique environment where you can learn both in and outside the classroom. I came in with one path in mind and ended up shifting to communications, which opened doors I hadn’t anticipated. Be sure to build relationships with professors and classmates — these connections can shape your professional life in ways you might not expect. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to explore and step outside your comfort zone. The experiences you gain at NIU will prepare you for success in both your career and life.

What advice would you give to a student who is currently attending NIU?
My advice would be to keep pushing yourself to try new things and take full advantage of the resources available to you. You’re already in a place where growth is encouraged, so don’t be afraid to explore different fields, whether it’s through internships, group projects or extracurriculars. Take advantage of extra-credit opportunities and events where professionals in your field are speaking. I was personally inspired by an NIU alumnus, Bill Weinman, who came to speak. His talk really ignited a passion in me and helped me see what I could become. Build relationships with your professors — they’re not just instructors, but mentors who can help you navigate your career path. Finally, embrace the challenges; they’ll teach you more than you realize and help shape your future.

What made you decide to complete this survey and share your NIU story with other Huskies?
When I saw the opportunity to share my experience, I thought it would be a great chance to give back to the NIU community. I’ve had an interesting journey, and I hope my story can inspire others, just as I’ve been inspired by the professors and alumni I encountered along the way.