Northern Illinois University MBA Program

03/16/2026

Damien Maldonado, a current NIU Global MBA student, first-generation college student, and entrepreneur, is featured in a new College of Business spotlight that shares his MBA experience and what motivates him both inside and outside the classroom. From supporting his family business to stepping into leadership opportunities like the De La Vega Pitch Competition and becoming the first Latino member of Project FLEX, Damien’s journey reflects resilience, ambition and purpose.

Check out the full article here:

First-gen Student and Entrepreneur Damien Maldonado, ’25, Reflects on His MBA Experience

03/10/2026

Ready to level up your career in just 12 months? Our One-Year MBA is an accelerated program designed for busy professionals who want to earn their MBA fast — without pausing their career.

With two convenient formats — in-person evening classes in Schaumburg or a hybrid Chicago cohort — you’ll build leadership skills, expand your professional network, and gain real-world business insights. The program also includes a nine-day international immersion trip to broaden your global perspective and deepen your business understanding.

Whether you’re looking to grow your confidence, sharpen your strategic thinking, or take the next step in your career, this one-year journey may be the perfect fit!

We are currently accepting applications for our program. Contact us at [email protected] for your next steps.

03/09/2026

Ready to see what sets the Global MBA apart? Discover how the Global MBA at NIU prepares future business leaders to thrive in a global marketplace. With a full-time cohort model, international immersion opportunities, and a rigorous, career-focused curriculum, this program is designed to accelerate your impact.

Watch the video and learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuyGXFKvHw4

Today's global economy is competitive and changes rapidly. Get the edge you need to succeed with our one-year Global MBA, offered on our main campus in DeKal...

03/04/2026

Last night, undergraduate and graduate business students (and a few Huskies from across campus) gathered for our Behind the Game event at the Convocation Center. Attendees enjoyed an exclusive sports industry panel with NIU Athletics and an eye-opening behind-the-scenes tour, before staying for the NIU Huskie vs. Kent State basketball game. College of Business Dean Joan Phillips-Hernandez was joined by members of her Dean's Student Advisory Board as they received a commemorative jersey.

A huge thanks goes to Dan Bieritz and Jason Kowitt from Van Wagner for leading our event. And a special shout-out goes to Tony Ledwell, Chris Barker, Zach Prater, Linnea Kangas and the "Voice of the Huskies," Andy Garcia, for sharing so much great information about NIU Athletics with our students.

02/18/2026

Last week, John Tsaras, NIU ’14, Head of Operations for Operating Unit Digital Services at The Coca-Cola Company, was our featured Executive in Residence speaker at NIU Naperville.

Joining Executive MBA students, alumni and prospective students, John reflected on his journey from Huskie to global executive and shared insights on leading in the age of AI. He explored the human side of emerging technologies, underscoring the importance of ethical decision-making, strong governance and thoughtful adoption.

John also spoke candidly about leadership and the importance of taking accountability and championing others in their growth. His message was clear: great leaders develop more leaders. Building meaningful relationships, fostering trust and clearly communicating your ambitions are all essential steps in advancing your career.

02/14/2026

Today we’re celebrating the NIU MBA community who continue to support and inspire one another. Happy Valentine’s Day!

02/11/2026

Reminder — this Friday night (Feb. 13) — current and prospective Executive MBA (EMBA) students, along with their guests, EMBA alumni, and faculty, are invited to attend an exclusive networking dinner and presentation featuring John Tsaras, Head of Operations for Operating Unit Digital Services (OUDS) at The Coca-Cola Company. It promises to be an engaging evening sharing real insights into the challenges and opportunities of leading and transforming organizations.

Attendance is limited to members of the Executive MBA community and their invited guests. For more information about the Executive MBA program or the Executive in Residence series, please contact [email protected].

02/10/2026

Congratulations to Ryan Larsen, One-Year MBA Chicago, ’24, on beginning a new chapter as an HR Business Partner at CDK Global. This milestone is a testament to his hard work and determination throughout the program. Wishing him all the best as he moves forward in his career!

02/06/2026

Congratulations to Caroline Kent, Women’s Golf, on being recognized as NIU’s Student Athlete of the Month! Caroline earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of Business in May ‘25 and is currently completing her final semester in our Global MBA program. An accomplished student and athlete, she also serves as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Graduate Business Programs, where she focuses on marketing communications for the MBA program. Caroline exemplifies the power of applying classroom learning directly to real-world practice. Congratulations on your outstanding work, Caroline!

02/05/2026

Daniel Pineda, '18, One-Year MBA Chicago ’24, is blending his entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for helping others to support local businesses, street vendors and nonprofit partners through mutual aid socials across Chicago’s South, Southwest and West Sides. He founded the Chicago Comida Collective, a social enterprise that promotes local economic growth and builds community by connecting neighborhoods in the city’s underserved areas.

The organization launched its “Buen Coffee, Buena Gente” series in January at La Malinche Coffee & Tea House, where more than 50 guests gathered in support of the cause. The event raised funds to provide over 100 cups of coffee to the unhoused community—with Chicago Comida Collective matching the total—and also kicked off a winter gear and blanket drive.

We are proud to see Huskies making a real difference. Keep up the great work, Daniel!

02/04/2026

Students in the One-Year MBA Schaumburg program recently heard from guest speaker Ashley Dedmond (Chan), MSDM ‘20, during MKTG 654: Marketing Management, taught by Alex Eddy.Ashley shared a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how marketing measurement informs strategy, from setting the right KPIs to making decisions around budget, targeting, creative and long-term planning. Her perspective helped students connect course frameworks to how marketing operates in real organizations.

Bringing industry professionals like Ashley into the classroom reinforces the value of experiential learning and prepares MBA students to translate data, strategy and insight into meaningful business decisions.

02/03/2026

Congratulations to Jeff Taylor, One-Year MBA Schaumburg ’25, on beginning an exciting new chapter as President, North America at ANDRITZ Schuler North America. This impressive milestone reflects Jeff’s leadership, industry expertise and dedication to continuous growth qualities he demonstrated throughout his time in the One-Year MBA Schaumburg program. His commitment to learning and professional excellence has been evident both inside and outside the classroom, and we are proud to see him step into this leadership role.

Earlier this year, Jeff shared a unique and meaningful MBA journey alongside his daughter, Cassie Taylor, as the two completed the One-Year MBA Schaumburg program together. Coming from different professional backgrounds, they embraced a shared learning experience that strengthened their business acumen while offering a rare opportunity to grow, learn and support one another in a rigorous academic setting. Learn more about Jeff and Cassie’s inspiring MBA journey here: https://cob.news.niu.edu/2025/11/19/father-daughter-mba-students-discover-their-individual-strengths-together/

We wish Jeff continued success as he leads ANDRITZ Schuler North America and looks ahead to this exciting next chapter.