NIU’s corporate relations program expansion led to a new position, assistant director of corporate relations, filled by an NIU alumnus.

Sherman Jenkins, appointed associate director of corporate relations in May, graduated from NIU in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

Jenkins has worked in public relations consulting firms with non-profit and profit organizations, such as McDonald’s and the Chicago Youth Centers.

NIU Corporate Relations Director John Lewis said Jenkin’s position was created to increase the universities’ “visibility and contacts.”

Tom Montiegel, NIU vice president for development and university relations, said Jenkins was a good choice because of his background in sales and communication and because he is “one of our own.”

Jenkins said he took the position because “it fits with my strong points” and because of NIU’s proximity to his home in Aurora.

He also said he is “identifying key foundations” and working on building the groundwork for contacts. However, he said many of his contacts made previously are aware he is at NIU.

In the past four to five years, the university has increased it’s commitment to networking in the corporate community, Lewis said.

Monteigel said Jenkins is working on programs such as fundraising with the college of business dean, Richard Brown, and himself in the department of development and alumni relations.

Lewis said things are going “extremely well,” since Jenkins began his work at NIU.