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Chapter 10: Independence, Milestones and Expansion

1990-1997

Successful defense of graduate programs kicked off a decade that also saw NIU gain independent governance. Off-campus programs were consolidated in new regional education centers while the DeKalb campus was expanded to the west. Excellence in teaching gains new recognition and private funding; an athletic barrier comes down; a musical ensemble gains international recognition; and NIU celebrates its first century.

P-Q-P: NIU defends against threats to academic programs (1990)

Disability Resource Center established (1990)

First Presidential Teaching Professors named (1991)

First regional education center opens in Hoffman Estates (1992)

First female athletic director named (1994)

NIU celebrates its Centennial (1995)

First endowed professorship created (1995)

NIU gets its own independent governing board (1996)

Board enlarges campus with purchase of far-west land (1997)

NIU Jazz Ensemble caps off decades of achievement at Montreux festival (1997)