Northern Illinois University College of Business

When you spend your career teaching communication, adaptability and confidence, there's always an opportunity to keep learning.

This summer, NIU Professional Sales Program Director Jenny Redisi traded her role as instructor for that of student by taking an improv class at The Second City in Chicago.

While improv and sales may seem like an unlikely pair, both rely on many of the same skills: active listening, quick thinking, adaptability and the ability to connect with others in the moment.

The best communicators never stop learning, and Jenny is proving exactly that.

Today, we honor Juneteenth — a celebration of freedom, resilience and progress. As we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, we reflect on the past, recognize the work that remains, and renew our commitment to building a more equitable future for all.

Thank you to Carol Lavin Bernick for sharing complimentary copies of her book — Alberto Culver: The Dream, The Drive, The People, The Brands — with our NIU College of Business students. This work chronicles the inspiring journey of the American consumer products company, known for brands like Alberto VO5, TRESemmé, Nexxus, St. Ives, and dozens more, which grew from $100,000 to $100 million in sales in just nine years!

The lessons gathered in this work will certainly encourage and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, founders and business leaders. Your generosity is so appreciated!

Thank you to James Innis, who earned his M.S. in accountancy in May, for serving as a student trustee on the NIU Board of Trustees last year. He was honored for his work at the board's June meeting.

James, we at the College of Business appreciate your service and wish you the best as you move forward in your career!

The Huskie Den is open this summer, from June 15 through Aug. 14, for all students, staff, faculty and community members.

Hours vary. Visit the Huskie Den website for more information at https://bit.ly/4em8UTI.

Last week, the MBA Program joined the College of Business for a fun evening at Topgolf Naperville.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and prospective students came together to enjoy great food, drinks, conversation and a little friendly competition. Between swings, attendees had the chance to catch up with familiar faces, meet new people, and strengthen connections across the Huskie network.

📍 Advance your career in the heart of Chicago.

Apply to the NIU One-Year MBA Chicago program and you may qualify for the Windy City Award — a limited-time $1,000 tuition credit for Fall 2026 students.

To be eligible, applicants must:
✔ Apply and be admitted by July 31, 2026.
✔ Accept admission by July 31, 2026.
✔ Submit the $1,000 non-refundable deposit by July 31, 2026.

Ready to take the next step?

📧 Contact [email protected] for all details and more information.

Congratulations to Accountancy Professor Chih-Chen lee, whose article “Digital Institutions and Occupational Fraud” has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Management, a Financial Times Top 50 journal.

This project was supported by the ACFE Research Institute through a research grant that provided access to the data used in the study. The research asks how a country’s digital institutions influence the magnitude of occupational fraud within firms.

Way to go, Chih-Chen!

Immersive international travel is a huge part of our MBA program.

Last month, our One-Year MBA Chicago cohort continued their international immersion experience with the second leg of their trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Students enjoyed guided exploration of Buenos Aires’ southern districts, including Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, La Boca, and Puerto Madero, before embarking on business visits at TCA Tanoira Cassagne, Cofco International, Universidad Blas Pascal, BALANZ and the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies. These visits provided global insights, leadership lessons and firsthand exposure to international business in action.