Gloria Gibson | Former President of Northeastern Illinois University
This is the blog of Gloria Gibson, president of Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, from July 2018 to June 2023. This blog will explore various aspects of Ms. Gibson’s professional life and personal interests, covering a range of topics including student-success leadership teams, the work of Covenant House, Illinois, and fitness for seniors.
Student-Success Leadership
Student-success leadership teams exist to support a changing student population, aiming to provide services and support beyond academic need. These teams can have a significant impact before, during, and after a student’s attendance at college, making student success a priority. They’re also important in coordinating crises interventions by monitoring academic performance and taking action as necessary.
Teams are typically made up of leaders of admissions and enrollment, and leaders of academic and student affairs. They also often include (or consult with) chief data officers and personnel from departments such as those related to residential life, academic advising, financial aid, career services, disability services, counseling and health services, peer support programs, and alumni affairs. Student-success leadership teams can help guide pre-admission engagement and orientation, and recruitment strategies.
Covenant House – Youth Development Center
Ms. Gibson is a member of the board of Covenant House, Illinois, which provides a Youth Development Center operating on a drop-in basis. It’s a place where young, homeless youths can have their most urgent needs immediately addressed in a safe, supportive environment. Access to showers, food, and laundry and personal facilities is offered, as well as case support and employment and education services. It’s a place to relax and rest.
The organization empowers youth through its residential program, which provides trauma-informed care designed to meet each person’s unique, individual goals. As part of this program, accommodation is provided as well as case management and wraparound services. Young people are supported as they access and navigate community services, secure permanent housing appropriate to their needs, and work towards their goals.
Hobbies & Interests
Ms. Gibson loves yoga, which is a great form of exercise for all ages. Yoga can be perfect for seniors looking for an effective and safe way to boost their physical health and wellness in general. Incorporating breathing, stretching, and meditation practices, yoga can deliver many benefits to older people, including improved balance, better sleep, lower levels of stress, and greater flexibility. Yoga incorporating weight-bearing poses can also bolster bone strength, potentially combating problems caused by osteoporosis and brittle bones, and help practitioners reconnect with their body to realign the physical form with the mind and spirit. Practicing yoga has the potential to also contribute to developing a meaningful sense of community with fellow yoga enthusiasts.
