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Draft Strategic Goals

As of September 2025

 

ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø’s next Strategic Plan will support NEIU’s Mission, achieve our Vision, and align with our University Values to provide long-term direction for the University.

The Strategic Plan will also support NEIU’s equity and attainment goals and align with the educational equity goals outlined in the Illinois Strategic Plan.

Goal 1: Strengthen Student Success and Retention

Improve student progression, engagement, and persistence to support the success of NEIU’s diverse student body. This goal will ensure students have the resources, support, and sense of belonging needed to thrive from initial enrollment through graduation.

Team Leads: Claudia Mercado, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management; Terry Mena, Vice President for Student Affairs

Goal Team:

  • Yolanda Aguilera – Deputy Director of Human Resources
  • Maureen Amos – Executive Director of Financial Aid
  • Jeremy Babcock – Director of First-Year Experience (FYE)
  • Ann Carter – Director of Student Payment Services (SPS)
  • Ebony Jiminez-Lee – Staff Psychotherapist and Case Manager, Student Counseling Services
  • Paula Hanley – Director of the One Stop Center
  • Lea Brecel Limon – Student Representative
  • Jaime Mendoza – Academic Advisor
  • Aisha Moosani – Office Administrator, President’s Office
  • Irma Ortiz – Interim Associate Vice President for Retention and Student Success
  • Veronica Rodriguez – Office Support Associate, Student Leadership Development
  • DeWitt Scott – Director, APCDIA
  • Rahshida Walker – University Registrar
  • Michael Zarobe – Director of Alumni Affairs

Goal 2: Enhance Curricular Innovation, Scholarship, and Faculty/Staff Excellence

Advance program innovation, expand learning modalities as appropriate, and provide faculty and staff development to meet evolving student and workforce needs. This goal affirms NEIU’s dedication to academic excellence and continuous professional growth.

Team Leads: Shayne Cofer, Provost; Claudia Mercado, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management

Goal Team:

  • Kimya Barden – Director, Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education Doctoral Program (NDP)
  • Sandra Beyda-Lorie – Executive Director, Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
  • Ru Dawley-Carr – Faculty, Graduate College / Goodwin College of Education (GCOE)
  • Lesa Davis – Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
  • Cassaundra Garcia – Student Representative
  • Matt Graham – Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
  • Jolanta Jonak – Faculty, Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education (GCOE)
  • Max Kruczek – Acting Associate Vice President for Human Resources
  • Elizabeth Lehl – Faculty, El Centro
  • Tim Libretti – Dean, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
  • Tammy Martin – Director of Career Services / Interim Director
  • Abby Murray – Associate Vice President for Human Resources
  • David Nissim-Sabat – Director, Pre-Health Programs, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
  • Sudha Srinivas – Acting Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
  • Mary Thill – Faculty, Ronald Williams Library
  • Diana Valdez – Associate Director, College of Business and Technology (CBT)
  • Sandy Vue – Director, Office of Institutional Research (OIR)
  • Yi Yang – Faculty, College of Business and Technology (CBT)

Goal 3: Improve Infrastructure for a Sustainable, Accessible, and Student-Centered University

Strengthen NEIU’s physical spaces, policies, and technologies to create a sustainable, accessible, and student-centered campus environment. This goal will enhance the student experience, improve institutional effectiveness, and ensure the university’s long-term capacity to serve its community.

Team Leads: Terry Mena, Vice President for Student Affairs; Nicki Bazer, Interim General Counsel

Goal Team:

  • Akua Cason – Interim Director, Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS)
  • Andy Dutil – Executive Director of Budget and Financial Planning
  • Christine Guerges – Deputy Director of Human Resources
  • Amie Jatta – Director, TRIO Student Support Services
  • Jennifer Knuepfer – Interim Assistant Director, Student Counseling Services
  • Emma Lubing – Associate General Counsel
  • Eliot Rodriguez – Chief Information Officer, University Technology Services (UTS)
  • Steve Saba – Director, University Technology Services (UTS)
  • Hemant Shah – Architect III, Facilities Management
  • Josh Sumner – Executive Director of Facilities Management

Goal 4: Elevate NEIU’s Identity as an Urban University with Regional Impact

Increase the visibility and recognition of NEIU’s programs, alumni, and community impact. Leverage strategic marketing and communications to position NEIU as a diverse, inclusive, and influential regional university.

Team Leads: Chris Childers, Executive Director of Marketing, Blanca Jara, Interim Executive Director of Government Relations

Goal Team:

  • Doni Alecia – Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications
  • Mike Bedell – Dean, College of Business and Technology (CBT)
  • Sylvia Daniels – Director of Development
  • Amanda Dykema-Engblade – Acting Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
  • Effie Kritikos, Ph.D. – Interim Associate Provost and University Contract Administrator
  • Jennie Lasko – Director of Student Health Services
  • Timothy Libretti – Dean, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
  • Richard Prescott – Student Representative, Nontraditional Degree Programs
  • Ryan Trout – Director of Admissions
  • Kenneth M. Voglesonger, Ph.D. – Acting Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), and Associate Professor
  • Karl Voigt – Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees
  • Russell Wartalski – Associate Professor and Department Chair, Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education (GCOE)

Goal 5: Advance Fiscal Stability and Growth

Diversify revenue streams, building strategic partnerships, and support enrollment growth to ensure long-term financial sustainability. This goal will secure the resources needed to invest in students, faculty, staff, and the future of the university.

Team Leads: Beni Ortiz, Vice President for Finance and Administration; Liesl Downey, Vice President for Advancement

Goal Team:

  • Garo Agopian – Faculty, College of Business and Technology (CBT); Chair, Faculty
  • Council on Institutional Advancement
  • Jeremy Babcock – Director, First-Year Experience (FYE)
  • Rona Castaneda – Senior Director of Budget and Financial Planning
  • Aaron Cortes – Director of STEAM Pathways, Center for College Access and Success (CCAS); Adjunct Faculty, Computer Science
  • Amanda Dykema-Engblade – Acting Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
  • Tom Philion – Dean, Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education (GCOE); Chair, University Planning and Budget Council (UPBC)
  • Sudha Srinivas – Acting Associate Provost for Academic Affairs; Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Liaison
  • Marcelo Sztainberg – Dean, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP)
  • Ryan Trout – Director of Enrollment Services
  • Paola Vargas – Associate Dean of Students, Division of Student Affairs