Not only does Connors oversee the local police and fire department, he also is in charge of running the city of DeKalb’s administration.

“My job is to oversee all the operations of the city,” said Connors.

He has worked as the city manager in DeKalb for three and a half years, but has 25 years of experience behind him.

Connors graduated from NIU with the class of 1972. He received an undergraduate degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration.

“I think of my job as being the overall supervisor, like a superintendent,” he said. “I answer to the mayor.”

Connors knows what it is like to be a student.

“We are here to serve students as citizens of DeKalb,” Connors said. “I see things from a student’s point of view as a former student–I have seen it as a resident and city manger. I feel students are very much a part of the community.”

Connors’ family is also a big part of his life. His wife, Chris, and four children, Jim, Chris, Katie and Shawn, have always lived in Dekalb.

“All four of my children were born in Dekalb’s hospitals,” he added.

Connors’ family is not the only contributor to his success as city manager.

“Professionally, a big aspiration in my life has been Dr. James Banovetz,” he said. “He was one of my professors who headed the Public Administration Program. He was a professor whom many city mangers went to for professional advice and insight.”

Connors didn’t know he wanted to go into city management until he took courses at NIU.

“I found myself doing more work than I needed to because I was very interested in it. Northern had growing public administrative and city management programs. It was a very exciting program and has remained strong ever since,” said Connors.

One of Connor’s plans for DeKalb is to build up more retail stores in the area, such as Old Navy, TJ Maxx, Bath and Body Works and Pier One.

“The community and students have told us that having stores would keep them here more. I think you will see more restaurants,” said Connors.

In Connors’ spare time he enjoys being with his family and playing basketball. He also takes pleasure in getting involved with local community groups. Connors is the chapter adviser to Quians.

Connors has said that he is very interested in students’ viewpoints and concerns.

“We are a growing community and we want to keep the quaintness of DeKalb,” he said. “Maybe some of the larger suburbs have lost their home town touch, but not Dekalb.”