SHARING AND IMPACTING At NLU, meaningful scholarship doesn’t stay on the shelf—it moves, connects, and sparks change. Our faculty and staff bring their research and practice expertise to audiences that matter most: researchers shaping the field, policymakers guiding decisions, community members driving local action, and practitioners making impacts every day. The following highlights showcase how, over the past year, NLU voices have shared knowledge, inspired dialogue, and made a difference.
Impacting Policy
Empowering through Literacy and Language Dr. Shannon Hammond of the National College of Education continued her significant contributions to shaping literacy policy in Illinois. In past years, she was an invited member of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) team that developed a statewide literacy plan. She now serves on the Illinois Early Literacy Coalition Policy Committee. The coalition’s mission is to improve public policy and funding to ensure every student in every Illinois classroom receives evidence-based literacy instruction.
Ensuring Successful Practice in K-12 Classrooms and Schools Preparing Caring Professionals for Success
Faculty members engaged in policy advocacy at the state and national levels this year. Dr. Todd Price of the National College of Education continued his leadership in the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) Day on the Hill, engaging with federal lawmakers to champion priorities in educator preparation. Dr. Leah Horvath of the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences co-organized the Illinois Psychological Association Advocacy Day in Springfield (May 2025), mobilizing practitioners and students to speak with legislators about pressing mental health policy issues.
Supporting Communities
Supporting Community Resilience and Capacity Dr. Madga Giurcanu of the Undergraduate College continued her commitment to fostering civic participation among young people by working with the Growing Democracy group to launch a podcast highlighting Chicago-area initiatives that empower youth. Dr. Jacqueline Samuel, Graduate School of Business and Leadership, presented Co-Creating Policy: Harvesting Community Expertise and Engagement for Impact as part of NLU’s Forward Together Partnership Virtual Speaker Series.
Dr. Marcia Pita, College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, addressed a need felt by many parents and practitioners with the presentation Building Relationships with Middle Schoolers, given at the YMCA. Dr. David San Filippo, Graduate School of Business and Leadership, led Peer Support Officer Training for BlueLine Support, delivered in Florida and virtually, increasing officers’ knowledge and capacity.
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