An NIU graduate has been named director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at NIU.

“I’m very excited about having the opportunity of working for the advancement of Northern Illinois University,” said Molly Nelson, the newly-named director.

Nelson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minn. in 1971. She then achieved a master’s degree in music/educational fundraising from NIU in 1992.

Nelson succeeds former director John Lewis, who now is a senior research associate at NIU’s Center for Governmental Studies.

“Molly will lead our business and industry campaign in DeKalb and Sycamore and work with corporations and foundations in DuPage and Kane counties along the I-88 research corridor, and from Chicago’s northwest suburbs and Hoffman Estates along the I-90 Golden Corridor to Rockford,” said Tom Mitchell, acting vice president for Development and University Relations.

Mitchell also said Nelson will serve as development officer for corporate and foundation support, and is responsible for developing the relationships between NIU and businesses and industries in northern Illinois.

“Molly has tremendous people skills,” he said.

Additionally, he said Nelson’s abilities to build strong relations with people will be critical in her work. He said her primary mission will be to enhance the university’s visibility in the northern Illinois area and to generate support for university priorities.

Before coming to NIU, Nelson was the music department chair and coordinator of educational fundraising in support of department priorities at the Avery Coomey School in Downers Grove, where she was responsible for the music curriculum and participated in annual capital campaigns.

Nelson said by recently completing her graduate work at NIU, she had the chance to work with Mitchell and the development staff.

“I look forward to a happy and successful association with the university and all of its constituents,” she said.