Lindsey Nemcek

Lindsey Nemcek is an online higher education doctoral student with a specialization in community college leadership, from Antioch, IL

Hometown: Antioch, IL

High School: Taft High School, Chicago

Year: Expected graduation: Fall 2025

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 wanted to be a journalist when I was growing up. I was passionate about working on my high school newspaper. My undergraduate degree is in journalism, and I use those storytelling skills in my role in higher education marketing every day.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am in the online community college leadership program, pursuing my doctoral degree in higher education. I work at a community college, and this was a wonderful opportunity to learn as much as I can about these unique and complex institutions.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I've found an NIU Huskie community entirely online. I only stepped foot on campus once to take a photo in my announcement about becoming a doctoral student.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
My program is cohort based, so I grew into a strong community of practice with my colleagues from community college institutions across the country.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
The instructors in the higher education and student affairs program are dedicated learning professionals who value the insight their students as practitioners have.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Fully participating in my classes provides me with the strongest learning opportunities I seek.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Huddled around Blackboard with my warm laptop and a cup of coffee.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
NIU offers amazing opportunities at affordable prices. It's worth investing in yourself.

Why is a college education important to you?
I work in higher education and believe that everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from education so they can achieve a career with life-sustaining wages. Education is the key to that success, if not in the classroom, in the other supports students receive.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
As a working mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, I make time for my education every week. I block out Saturdays to sit in my local coffee shop and work on my studies. It helps to consider this time part of my self-care routine. I am making myself a better person by committing to this work every week.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I personally benefit from quiet time, listening to classical music, reading a book to myself, taking the dogs for a walk and practicing yoga.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I serve my local community college in the strategic advancement unit as the public relations manager. It's my job to ensure positive community relations with the college and let everyone know how wonderful it is.