J. Carroll Moody had a unusual problem when he first started his job as executive secretary of the University Council: distractions.

Moody said he had a hard time adjusting to the view of the entrance of Altgeld Hall from his new office in Lowden Hall. “I would sit here reading and whenever someone would walk by or a car would turn around, I’d look up,” he said.

Moody, who recently was elected to another term, said he has since become more comfortable with his view.

Moody was born in Abeline, Texas and came to NIU as an associate history professor in 1968. He served as chair of the history department from 1974 to 1984.

He taught American labor history until he was elected UC executive secretary in April, 1989. Although he instructs a few graduate assistants working on their Ph.D.s, he said he still misses the classroom.

Despite his position, Moody said he is still a faculty member, and “would have liked to keep one course.” However, when he became executive secretary, Moody said he was warned that teaching would only add to his hectic schedule.

The best part of the job is dealing with “virtually every contingency on campus,” Moody said. While he is in contact with various students, faculty, staff and administration members, some faculty never make contact with people outside their own departments, he said.

Through his position at the council, he has been able to “facilitate the process of shared governance,” Moody said.

This is done through planning the council and Faculty Assembly meetings and consulting with and getting information to members.

Moody said “some (UC) meetings are more interesting than others.” Interesting issues, like ROTC policies, sometimes come up unexpectedly and “all of a sudden, here they are,” he said.

Moody does not think he will be elected to a third term. “I get the feeling it’s not a good idea to stay more than two years,” he said. “Two years should be enough.”