Four NIU groups appoint new directors

By Collin Quick

The offices of NIU Student Involvement and Leadership Development, a division of Student Affairs, have some new members in new positions.

The Campus Activities Board, Leadership and Volunteer Services, Student Organization Services and Greek Affairs all had new directors appointed within the past month.

The SI replaces the former office of University Programs and Activities.

“We thought University Programs and Activities as an office title didn’t convey what the department was all about,” said Michael Coakley, assistant vice president of student life.

The SI was formed in December 2004. Leaders of each department have taken office. The four new directors will work together to get students more involved in campus life at NIU.

Monica Trevino, the new head of Leadership and Volunteer Services, has been on the job for more than two weeks. Some of her tasks include working with incoming freshmen interested in NIU’s leadership awards, getting more students to volunteer around the DeKalb area and organizing alternative Spring Break trips.

Nolan Davis, a former assistant to NIU President John Peters, will be in charge of Greek Affairs. In addition to looking over the four major Greek bodies – IFC, CPC, NPHC and the Minority Greek Council – Davis will communicate with individual chapters to make Greek life more a part of campus life.

“Nolan Davis is great at engaging and working with students,” Coakley said.

During Welcome Days, Greek organizations will host a carnival day and show themselves off to incoming freshmen and transfer students.

“We are trying to show new students this is what Greek life is beyond the parties,” Coakley said. “The chapters are excited about the idea.”

While Davis has just begun his duties in Greek Affairs, the title will be short lived.

“Next year, we’re going to have a national search for someone to fill the position,” Coakley said. “It’s basically a broader base of experience for Nolan.”

Excell Lewis heads CAB, the department in charge of bringing fine arts performances and concerts to NIU. Lewis is working on finalizing events for Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Phyliss Dupre, a former Housing and Dining Services employee, is now head of Student Organization Services. Dupre will manage student-run organizations and clubs and help with technological and media needs as well. Dupre will also focus on training school clubs on NIU policies.