An NIU alumnus is making his mark in higher places.

Illinois Attorney General Roland W. Burris recently announced the appointment of John Stevens, 1978 alumnus of NIU School of Law, to the position of Chief Counsel to the Attorney General.

Stevens, a resident of Springfield, took office on January 14 and is based in the Springfield Office of the Attorney General. He was formerly Legal Counsel under Burris in the Comptroller’s Office.

Stevens said when he attended NIU, the law school was called Lewis College of Law and he watched it develop into what it is known today as the NIU School of Law.

The ability to be a part of a new institution is very exciting. My most fondest memory of NIU was to see a first rate institution grow,” he said.

Stevens said he sees the switch from Legal Counsel to Chief Counsel to the Attorney General as an enormous challenge but yet he feels absolutely comfortable in his new position.

“Chief Counsel to the Attorney General presents many challenges and room for my own personal growth,” said Stevens. “The range of issues that I deal with now are much more suited to my legal background that I obtained from my education at NIU.”

“We are pleased to have John’s continued expertise,” said Attorney General Burris. “John knows the law and understands government. He will greatly enhance the effectiveness of the Attorney General’s Office and I have complete confidence in his abilities.”