Ann Vam Dijk, one of the newest members to NIU’s art studies, moved from Cincinnati to DeKalb to follow her passion for art history.

“I love the subject and want to convey my own interests to my students in art and art history,” Vam Dijk said. “I started out wanting to become an artist, but then my interests were redirected toward the history of art. Eventually, I became as interested in art history, if not more than being an artist.”

Vam Dijk, who has been teaching since 1997, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto and then went to Johns Hopkins University to obtain her Ph.D in art history.

Before coming to NIU, Vam Dijk taught at smaller schools. She believes students benefit most from classes taught on a personal level, and because of class capacity she isn’t always able to focus on individual students.

“I have a lot of students in my classroom, which is a good thing, but I like to work on an individual level with my students, too,” she said.

Although she enjoys many artists, including Hagia Sophia, her specialty and favorite period of art history is the Middle Ages.

Outside of teaching, Vam Dijk’s interests include reading and dining out. She also likes to be with her husband, Gagik Aroutiunian, who is a sculpter in Cincinnati.

She believes DeKalb has a location advantage because it is so close to Chicago’s museums and art institutes.

“Being so close to the city, students have access to contemporary art as well as the history of art through galleries and art institutes,” said Vam Dijk. “Unfortunately, I am not able to go to the city as much as I would like.”

Vam Dijk is pleased with the art programs at NIU, as well as the art department staff.

“There is a very dedicated and knowledgeable faculty at NIU who want to introduce students to the subject of art,” she said.