Treveda Redmond

Treveda Redmond has multiple degrees in education from NIU, most recently an Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy studies

Hometown: Joliet, IL

Class Of: 2023

What year(s) did you complete degrees from NIU?
I have several NIU degrees: B.S., M.S., director of special education graduate certificate and Educational Specialist (Ed.S.). I obtained my latest NIU degree, an Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy studies, in 2023. My son also goes to NIU, and I love that we were enrolled here at the same time.

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
I decided to attend NIU because it was close to home. My parents never attended college, and it was all new to me.

In a few sentences, please share the impact NIU has had on your life. How would your life be different if you hadn’t attended NIU?
NIU has had a huge impact on my life. It was because of my ability to student teach in DeKalb that I got my first job. If I had not attended NIU, I would not have had this many job experiences.

What is/was your profession? Describe what a typical day at your job looks like.
I am the principal of Huntley Middle School in DeKalb. I begin my day with reading emails and creating a checklist for the day. Soon after that, students enter the building, and I am there to greet them. Once students are settled into their classes, I move around the building to visit classrooms. During the lunch times, I rotate around the cafeteria checking on students and helping wherever it is needed. At some point during the day, I meet with teachers and other district officials. I make time to meet with parents to discuss the success of their students. At the end of the day, I like to attend student activities. Students like when administration shows interest in them.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
I was admitted into the CHANCE program in 1992. It was through this program that I developed friendships with staff and students. CHANCE gave me a chance to get myself together so that I could graduate.

Who at NIU had a significant impact on you? What valuable lesson did you learn from them?
Dr. Kelly Summers, my dissertation chair, has had a significant impact on me. Dr. Summers has inspired me to keep pushing for the stars. She has been there to listen to me vent as well as celebrate my success. I learned that all dreams are possible. She is the reason that I will be finishing my doctorate next year.

Did you form any long-lasting friendships or personal/professional relationships as a result of attending NIU? Tell us about them.
NIU has allowed me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. While I have been able to learn amazing things in the classroom, I have been able to learn about different cultures as well. My doctoral cohort has two people in it who I was friends with as an undergrad. One person in particular, we did our student teaching together.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time at NIU?
My favorite memory of NIU is living in the dorms. Dorm life is fun for all incoming freshmen. The dorms offer the opportunity to meet new people and to grow up. The food wasn't the best, but I survived. I loved how all of my friends went to dinner at the same time. It gave us the chance to check in with each other and laugh!

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
My advice would be to find people you can connect with who can help you in times of need. Going off to school can be overwhelming, and we all need someone to give us the motivation we need. Also, do not take any 8 a.m. classes your first year. I know you were used to it in high school, but it is not the same.

What advice would you give to a student who is currently attending NIU?
Continue to push forward. Every class you take gets you closer to the finish line. Be around like-minded people. Iron sharpens iron.

What made you decide to complete this survey and share your NIU story with other Huskies?
I decided to complete this survey because all of my degrees have come from NIU. I felt that it was important for you to know that there are success stories right in your backyard.