Joey Moore

Joey Moore is a transfer physical education major from Lombard, IL

Hometown: Lombard, IL

High School: Glenbard East High School

Year: Expected graduation: Fall 2026

Transfer from: College of DuPage

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
It is a great and affordable university with an amazing program I wanted to pursue to better my future.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
I honestly never had a crazy dream job growing up. I guess I would have said I wanted to be a professional athlete. I always loved sports and fitness. I am now pursuing a degree in physical education so I can be an educator and catalyst for students on their path to physical education and physical literacy for life.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in physical education (PE). When I first went to college, I was majoring in business management. After some time, I learned that was not for me. I started coaching baseball and working with kids; I also always have had a love for fitness. This is when I decided to change my major to physical education and pursue a degree where I will learn to teach students and help them grow as physically literate people.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The help from my advisor and all of my professors. I know that at some universities students are just seen as a number, but not here. All my professors and my advisor are always available when I need help with something, and I credit a lot of my success here to them.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have connected with the big cohort of students I have been with for the last year and a half. Over this time, I have formed great friendships with many new people and collaborated with my peers to study for classes and grow into the best educators possible.

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 not a member of any student organizations; however, I have participated in a leadership workshop as a student mentor and been a student panelist for a College of Education recruitment event. Both of these have made my experience as a Huskie even better, as I have been able to be a leader for the College of Education and share my experience with some future college students.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
I haven’t really reached out for support for anything specific from any department or office at NIU. However, I have heard nothing but great things about all the resources available and that they are always there to help students with anything they need.

Are there transfer-specific resources, offices or services that you use to help you succeed at NIU?
I do not use any personally. My biggest resources are my professors and peers. I credit a lot of my success to them.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Professor Zachary Wahl-Alexander has been a great professor who is always available to help his students. He has given me a lot of tools, resources and knowledge to be the best teacher that I can. He teaches KNPE 343/344. Professor Jim Ressler has also been a great professor. He is also always available and has provided me with a lot of opportunities to grow as a leader and educator. He teaches KNPE 335 and KNPE 368.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I have benefited in every way by regularly attending class. As a PE major, a lot of my classes are very interactive. If you aren’t in class you can’t learn. All the interactive and hands-on learning I’m getting from my professors and classes has built my knowledge and prepared me to be an effective teacher once I graduate.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is Anderson Hall. This is where I spend about 95% of my time. All my classes are here, and I am drawn to it because of the accepting environment it provides and all the resources available there for me. I also like the Holmes Student Center because of all that it offers with the food, different activities and student collaboration.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would say to not just look at the program you want to go into, but also look at everything the school has to offer. Your college or university will be your home for two to four years, so it should be a good fit for you. Also, don’t shy away from getting involved in extracurricular activities. You can meet some amazing people and maybe some of your best friends at your college or university.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because growing my skills and knowledge through education is something I’ve always wanted. Also, with what I want to do, learning skills through a college degree program is essential.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I try not to overload myself with too much in one day. I spread out my responsibilities throughout the week so I don’t feel too stressed with it all piling up. I also make sure to take time for myself when needed to just relax, reset and make sure I’m doing okay.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I consistently check out the NIU website to see what is new on campus. I also ask classmates about any events or services they intend to use or go to on campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to lay down and watch a TV show or movie. I am always up to watch a new movie or TV show. I also sometimes like to drink a warm cup of tea at night to relax.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I coach travel baseball and I love it. Working with the kids and helping them grow into better athletes is great. I also love to work out and try to exercise at least five days a week. I also love spending time with friends and family as much as I can. Keeping those loving relationships is very important to me.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I transferred here unsure of what to expect. But my time here has been great. The professors have been great, and I feel prepared to be the best educator I can possibly be upon graduating.