NIU President John La Tourette has been named to the First of America Bank-Rockford board of directors to offer insight into the northern part of the state and facilitate the relations of both NIU and the bank throughout the community.

Alvin Becker, president and CEO of the bank, said La Tourette received the position because he has gained special insights into the northern part of the state as president of a major educational institution in a region serving four million people.

“La Tourette reflects an increasing interest the board has and, as a board member, he will share the responsibility for the oversight and performance of the management of the bank,” Becker said.

La Tourette accepted the position to serve on the board with the interests of the university in mind. The university has had programs in Rockford for 40 years, so serving on the board will facilitate state support for NIU and increase corporate assistance, La Tourette said.

“It is typical for university presidents to serve on a board of directors,” he said. “It is an important service that you can provide to the banking community and to the university.”

La Tourette joined NIU in 1979 as provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. He became the 10th president of the university in May 1986.

In addition, La Tourette served on the board of directors for First of America Bank-DeKalb.

“Our bank intends to be merged with First of America-DeKalb later this year so we will have to change our name to First of America bank-Central Illinois,” Becker said. “(La Tourette’s) academic and educational background will help us and, we’re delighted he’s decided to join us and we look forward to working with him.”