Editor’s Note: From time to time, Sweeps will be introducing you to the vibrant personalities that embody the 60115. These people truly are DeKalb characters …

Brian Hemphill is joining thousands of new freshmen in acclimating to the NIU campus this fall. The difference is, Hemphill is overseeing those students in his new role as vice president for Student Affairs after making the move from the University of Arkansas, where he served as the associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs and dean of students for the past three years. The Northern Star sat down with Hemphill to welcome him to campus.

Northern Star: What exactly does a vice president for Student Affairs do?

Brian Hemphill: The primary purpose of a vice president for Student Affairs is to really focus attention on the entirety of student life on campus. The bottom line is looking at every phase of any particular issue that pertains to the student experience.

NS: Why does your job matter to me as a student?

BH: My job matters to you because a great deal of my focus is to spend time thinking about how this particular experience really will blend with what you are learning in the classroom. A big part of what we do is preparing our students to move beyond the university.

NS: What’s your mindset as you assume your role?

BH: If every particular program or activity that we provide in Student Affairs is not enhancing the academic mission of this institution, then I question what purpose we serve.

NS: You’re new to campus. How do you introduce yourself to the campus and begin to understand its flow?

BH: One thing I have learned about this community that is helpful for me is there are no shy people within this community. Everyone will share with you their ideas, opinions and thoughts about what is going well and what is not going well. For me, it has been extremely helpful communication with everyone so far.

NS: Any advice for students?

BH: Go to class.