DeKALB | Christine Sorensen, dean of NIU’s College of Education, has accepted the same position at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Sorensen, an Iowa native who has served in her current position since 2002, will leave DeKalb for Hawaii at the end of July.

“My life’s philosophy always has been, ‘You’ll be where you’re supposed to be,’ ” Sorensen said. “Hawaii is a place my husband and I have always wanted to be.”

Sorensen began at NIU in 1996 as an assistant professor in the curriculum and instruction department. She became an assistant chair in 1997, and was named associate dean in 2000 before becoming dean of the college two years later.

NIU President John Peters rates Sorensen among the nation’s best.

“She has provided invaluable leadership for our pre-school through graduate school task force, working closely with deans from four other colleges to create seamless transitions for students as they progress to each new level of education,” Peters said. “Chris Sorensen has made a difference at NIU, and we will miss her energetic leadership.”