Northeastern Illinois University will celebrate the inauguration of its eighth president, Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D., with three days of activities from Oct. 3-5, 2024. The theme of the inauguration festivities is “Education, Excellence and Empowerment.”
“We invite our University community, alumni, neighbors and friends to join us for this inspiring celebration of the next chapter in the history of Northeastern,” said Vice Chair of Northeastern’s Board of Trustees Michelle Morales, who is also an alumna of the University (M.A. ’12 Educational Leadership, School Leadership). “We are delighted to come together in acknowledging President Bell-Jordan, a distinguished leader who will undoubtedly strengthen our unwavering dedication to providing the excellence that NEIU students rightfully deserve.”
Bell-Jordan joined Northeastern in 1997 as an assistant professor in the Department of Communication, Media and Theatre (CMT). Since then, she has held various leadership roles, including serving as CMT department chair, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. She was appointed dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in March 2020 and served for one year as interim president of Northeastern prior to becoming president on Aug. 1, 2024.
The Inauguration Ceremony will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 on the University’s Main Campus, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave., on the University Commons. The stage will be in front of the Student Union between the Salme Harju Steinberg Fine Arts Center and Building B. Complimentary parking will be available in Lot L with handicapped parking available in Lot J. An RSVP by Friday, Sept. 27 is requested.
A semiformal Inauguration Celebration will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5 on the University’s Main Campus in Alumni Hall, which is located in the Student Union. A meet and greet will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person. Complimentary parking will be available in Lot F. An RSVP by Friday, Sept. 27 is required to attend.
From Oct. 3-5, a series of inauguration events will be held that are free and open to the public including:
- Peace Fire Ceremony, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m. on the Main Campus, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave.
- CMT Expo, Oct. 3 at 12:15 p.m. on the Main Campus, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave.
- Oktoberfest, Oct. 3, various times across University locations
- Day of Service, Oct. 5, various times across University locations
More information about inauguration activities can be found on neiu.edu/2024inauguration.
Please visit the campus map and directions web page for more information on getting to the University and navigating the Main Campus.
Top photo: A portrait of Dr. Katrina E. Bell-Jordan.
