Lemuel Watson is the new chairman of the department of counseling, adult and health education in the College of Education.

Watson was helping a doctoral student look for a position when he found out about a higher-education position at NIU. He applied and was accepted.

“Originally, I wasn’t looking for an administrative position,” Watson said. “But I know a little bit about the Illinois system, and I thought it will be a wonderful opportunity.”

A native of South Carolina, Watson decided to attend Indiana University, where he graduated with his doctorate in higher education. He said he’s loving his experience in the Midwest and at NIU.

“I fell in love with the university,” he said. “I think the faculty in this department is hard-working and the staff is excellent. The students appear to be sincere and committed.”

Watson also is a full-time professor. Describing his typical day may sound bizarre to some, but Watson said he loves what he’s doing.

Aside from everyday meetings and difficult decision-making, Watson finds time to be a freelance journal writer, learn Spanish and publish books.

He has published three books and is working on two more. His first book is about case studies on communities and education. The other involves how administrators deal with spirituality and their work environment.

His responsibilities as chairman include handling the finances and budget of the college, scheduling of classes and programs and working with the faculty to ensure the department is on the right track.

Watson said so far, he has contributed to the orderliness of the department.

“I’ve contributed a sense of reflectiveness and direction, and a sense of urgency,” he said.

He also said he hopes to lead the department to move forward and bring a positive attitude toward the future.

“I am committed to lifelong learning. I hope in some ways I’ll continue to learn and be excited about it,” Watson said. “Our mission is to serve professionals who want to be counselors, and adult educators who want to work in various kinds of institutions, colleges and universities, agencies, and the community.”