Melvin Terrell, a candidate for the NIU vice president of Student Affairs, explained at Thursday’s open session why he is a “champion for students.”

About 45 faculty and staff members and students attended the session.

“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to be here today,” Terrell said.

Terrell is the vice president of Student Affairs at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, which he said is the most diverse institution in the Midwest. Although NIU has about twice as many students as NEIU, Terrell said programs he has implemented at NEIU are transferable and can apply to students anywhere.

Terrell said he is most proud of Partners for Success, which he founded to help mentor new students. He said about 92 percent of the freshmen who went through the program continued at the university the next year.

If he is chosen for the position, Terrell said his first months at NIU would be a “listening tour.”

He said he would meet with the Student Association president to learn about issues or challenges NIU students face and also would meet with various directors to identify strengths and find areas needing improvement. Terrell said he would want to determine great expectations that could serve as a model for other institutions.

Terrell said part of his interest in NIU came from working under several former NIU vice presidents who have helped him in his professional growth. In addition, NIU is a major research institution with master’s and doctoral programs, and Terrell said his talent could contribute to those areas.

During the session, Terrell addressed a variety of issues including diversity and sexual orientation on campus, students with disabilities and building bridges between students and administrators, faculty and staff.

After the forum, Terrell had lunch with Michael Coakley, director of Student Housing and Dining Services, and a group of student leaders. They asked Terrell a variety of questions, including how he would encourage faculty and staff to promote campus involvement.

Although Terrell has been recognized with awards for a number of accomplishments, Terrell told the group the biggest daily reward he receives from his current job comes from the students.

“I take pride and joy in working with and interacting with students,” Terrell said.