Campbell Davis

Campbell Davis is a communicative disorders major from Chillicothe, IL

Hometown: Chillicothe, IL

High School: Illinois Valley Central High School

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2027

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I am a Presidential Scholar at NIU. Receiving a full academic scholarship has changed my college experience drastically. Money has always been a concerning factor when deciding where to attend college. With my major, I must attend graduate school, and I did not want to be in a large amount of debt. Being awarded this scholarship lets me focus on my academics rather than finances.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
When I was younger, I always knew I wanted my profession to be in the medical field. Growing up, I was always watching “Grey's Anatomy” with my mom. As I got older, I realized I did not want to be a doctor, but I still wanted to go into an occupation in the medical industry.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am currently majoring in communicative disorders with a minor in deafness. After finishing my undergrad, I plan to attend graduate school and become a speech pathologist. This allows me to practice in a hospital, a clinic or even a school.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
In high school, your teachers tell you that college professors are stern and unforgiving. However, during my time at NIU, I have found it super easy to communicate with my professors. They are very flexible people, and I have even been given opportunities to further my education when speaking with them.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
The University Honors Program at NIU has been a great experience thus far. I was so scared of moving away from home, but the first people I met were fellow students who went on the freshman honors retreat. Making these connections so early in the year was very important, and I am still friends with these individuals today. We study for classes, go to honors events and hang out whenever we can!

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I am currently a member of the sorority Alpha Sigma Alpha here at NIU. Being a part of this group of inspiring women is not something I would take for granted. I also hold a position in my sorority. As the education director, I work to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in our chapter, as well as on campus. I am also in charge of planning core values for my sorority. I find guest speakers from NIU or the DeKalb community to come speak to us about how we can implement our core values. I am so honored to have this opportunity. I am also a member of the Signing Huskies Club on campus. This club is a place where I can practice my sign language in public and learn more about deaf culture. There are many students with my same major, which has helped me form connections! Lastly, I attend

Communicative Disorders Student Association (COMDSA) meetings as often as I can. This is a club on campus that is specifically for my major, which helps me associate with students and professors who share my interests.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The NIU Writing Center has become one of my favorite tools. By making an appointment at the writing center, someone will be able to help you fix and correct your paper for any class. This has led me to be successful and feel more confident with my writing abilities.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
I like to attend the Honors House faculty dinners. The honors program provides dinner while a professor from one of the colleges comes to speak. It is interesting to hear the professors talk, and you get a nice dinner out of it!

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy being a part of a group of students who value their academics as much as I do. Schooling is very important to me. Having people who want to go study or work on homework pushes me in my academics, as well.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors thus far has been Professor In-Sop Kim. I am currently taking COMD 220, which he teaches. I submitted an in-course contract to make this course an honors class. Every week, I send Mr. Kim two annotated bibliographies having to do with Alzheimer's/Parkinson's patients about studies using fNIRS. I find articles he can use for his research, and then we talk about my findings. He even allowed me to watch one of his graduate students take data at the clinic using an fNIRS.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Going to class is very important. I feel that it is harder to learn online. Furthermore, some professors go into detail in person about a topic. If you do not attend class, you will not hear this useful information.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the Oasis at the Holmes Student Center. Whenever I need to study or do homework, I go get Starbucks and then sit down there. It is a place where I know I can get work done.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
My advice would be to visit all of the college campuses in person. After coming to see the NIU campus in the spring before I committed, I was immediately drawn to it and knew this was where I wanted to be!

Why is a college education important to you?
I have always enjoyed going to school. College was in the books for me. Getting to research the things I love and make new connections all over campus is so important to me. I want to be a speech pathologist in the future because it is something I am passionate about. Therefore, a college education is important to me, because I need it for my profession.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I like to get my homework done as soon as possible. If I see that a due date is approaching, I try to have my work done a couple of days before that. Therefore, I have a cushion. Also, I choose to make an assignment tracker every semester, that way I never miss when it is time to turn in an assignment. Staying organized is the key to balancing your limited time.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I follow all of my clubs on social media. NIU, the honors program, my sorority, Signing Huskies and COMDSA all have Instagram pages that post about important events or meeting dates. Reaching out to someone who is on the executive board is another way I stay informed, because these members know about all events.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
When I am feeling tired or down, I go to the Rec Center on campus or Hotworx in Sycamore. Working out is a great way to relieve stress, and you are keeping your body healthy.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I do not have a job while at NIU, but I have an internship back in my hometown. However, I am still super busy. When I have free time, I like to craft, watch my favorite show, go thrifting or play with my cat at home.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I love NIU, the people I have met and the opportunities I have been given. Roll Huskies!