The Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees announces the selection of Dr. Katrina E. Bell-Jordan as the University’s eighth president. For the past year, Dr. Bell-Jordan has served as Interim President at NEIU, a public university that stands out in Chicago’s higher education landscape for its inclusion of full-time, transfer, non-traditional, graduate, and international students. Dr. Bell-Jordan’s new role will take effect August 1, 2024, and her appointment will be confirmed at an upcoming Special Meeting of the NEIU Board of Trustees. Her journey at Northeastern Illinois University began in 1997 when she joined as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication, Media and Theatre (CMT). She has since held various leadership roles, including serving as CMT Department Chair, Associate Dean in NEIU’s College of Arts and Sciences, and Interim Dean. She was appointed Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in March 2020 and took on the role of Interim President on July 1, 2023. During her time as Interim President, Dr. Bell-Jordan recruited several exceptional leaders to key positions to help situate the University for success, managed in a fiscally-responsible way, and implemented changes to retain and grow the NEIU student body and modernize the campus. Dr. Bell-Jordan earned a Ph.D. in Rhetorical Studies and Media Studies and a M.A. in Rhetorical Studies at the Ohio University School of Interpersonal Communication. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Bell-Jordan appreciates the support of her husband and son and enjoys travel and culinary experiences, vintage bookstores, trivia, and movies.

Photo Credit: Northeastern University