NVP: Northwestern’s Valuable Personnel
Did you know that Northwestern Human Resources hosts a Gratitude Wall which helps to celebrate and recognize the special contributions made by members of the Northwestern community? NUSAC will be highlighting a staff member each term from the gratitude wall by spotlighting them in our newsletter and honoring them with a small token of appreciation and recognition as well.
Spring 2024 NVP: Tracey Gibson-Jackson
Your Name: Tracey Gibson-Jackson
Your Title: Director, Student Organizations & Activities (the architect of fun!)
Month and Year You Started Working at Northwestern: November 1, 2007 (16.5 years)
Tell us a bit about your Northwestern journey: I started as a coordinator for all the theatre and performing arts student groups. I worked in that role for several years then was promoted to assistant director. At that time, there was no clear path forward for advancement in my area. That’s when I decided to strategically think about and work to create a path of advancement for myself. It was not quick or easy, but I stayed persistent and after a lot of hard work dismantling some of the structures and systems that were creating barriers for my advancement, I eventually became the associate director, a role which I created (that is a longer story. If you want to know more about that journey, feel free reach out and we can have lunch or coffee and I’ll tell you all about it!). By the grace of God, my winning personality and fighting spirit, I was promoted to my current role Director, Student Organizations & Activities.
What do you find the most rewarding and fulfilling about your work? I’ve been a student affairs professional since 1996 and I absolutely love what I do! I enjoy creating engagement opportunities and experiences that help students find and build community, connectedness, and meaningful relationships that last far beyond their years at Northwestern.
Your favorite spot to visit on campus: The lakefill on the Evanston campus. I like to watch the sail boats go by. I also sometimes stare out of the window from my office in Norris to watch and secretly judge people who fish illegally on the lakefill. If they knew what was in that water, they would think twice before eating those fish!!!! And yes, there are multiple signs that say NO fishing!
What’s something you couldn’t function without? Prayer and meditation, English breakfast tea hot, unsweetened iced tea, honey crisp apples, and navel oranges, Lifetime Movie Network, and Little House on the Prairie. Yes I’ve seen every episode at least 100 times!
What’s on your bucket list? I’m a huge tennis fan. I plan on going to all four major tournaments. (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S Open) Game, set, match!!!
Interesting fact about you: I personally send out over 700 greeting cards every year. In high school I was the Philadelphia all-public city badminton singles champion.
Any organizations in which you participate at Northwestern or elsewhere: I had the pleasure of serving on NUSAC for six years. After my tenure on NUSAC, I founded the Northwestern University Black Professionals Network (BPN) staff affinity group. We are over 350 members strong! I am also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Winter 2024 NVP: Jennifer Bivens
Your Name: Jennifer Bivens
Your Title: Lead Business Analyst, Weinberg College IT Solutions (WITS)
Month and Year You Started Working at Northwestern: January 2012
Tell us a bit about your Northwestern journey: While I started work as an adult at Northwestern in 2012, I started work as a work-study student in September 1990; I was a research assistant to then Associate Professor Rebecca Blank in the Department of Economics and the School of Education and Social Policy (SESP). I was her assistant for two years and full time one summer until I took a leave from school and returned with a different major (Comparative Literature) and so decided to shift my work-study to the literary magazine.
What do you find the most rewarding and fulfilling about your work? As many here would say: I love learning and institutions that encourage the pursuit of learning and other humans that share those loves. I like change—hopefully, change for the better and for the greater good—so where better to be than higher ed IT in the 21st century?
Your favorite spot to visit on campus: I love the lakefill in front of Norris and the entire path around the lakefill. You can see the Chicago skyline, the breadth of Lake Michigan, and a nice view of campus. We celebrated my son’s 9th birthday several years ago in the game room in the basement of Norris, and that was a blast (If anyone ever wants to play ping pong down there, let me know.).
What’s something you couldn’t function without? Bicycle and public transportation. I mean, technically, I could function without these, but I like living in Evanston where just about everything I need is reachable by foot, bicycle, or public transportation. I aspire to get back to pre-pandemic times when I rode my bicycle everywhere.
What’s on your bucket list? I would love to see the Northern lights. I would love to go to Ireland with my children and husband who all have last names beginning with “O” + apostrophe.
Interesting fact about you: I taught myself to juggle my senior year of high school, and I regret not teaching myself to ride a unicycle.
Any organizations in which you participate at Northwestern or elsewhere: Unfortunately, not currently, but this is an excellent kick to change that. Pre-pandemic, I ran a math club at Oakton Elementary School in Evanston for about four years, and I still miss that. My husband is deeply involved in the Chicago theater scene, and that connects me to some excellent community work by default. I have begun to help out with some band events (jazz band, marching band) at Evanston Township High School, and I hope to expand that volunteer work when both kids are at the high school next year.
Fall 2023 NVP: Toni Montgomery
Your Name: Toni Marie Montgomery
Your Title: Sr. Project Administrator
Month and Year You Started Working at Northwestern: May 2006
Tell us a bit about your Northwestern journey: My position at Northwestern began as a Business System Analyst in the Student Loan Office. However, I was allowed to expand that position to one where I wore many hats. I provided IT Support within the office. I was the Facilitator and Trainer of Customer Service Collaborations across many student-facing offices. My strength in managing multiple projects led me to use my tuition benefits here at Northwestern and gain a certificate in Project Management. My role in Student Finance has expanded, allowing me to manage critical projects and assist in creating processes to increase better student experiences.
What do you find the most rewarding and fulfilling about your work? Collaborating across campuses and producing valuable outcomes while enhancing relationships within Northwestern.
Your favorite spot to visit on campus: in Evanston, Shakespeare Garden; In Chicago, Walking along the Lake Front to Navy Pier
What’s something you couldn’t function without? My Faith
What’s on your bucket list? Attending more National Parks
Interesting fact about you: I played at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall. I sat in the woodwind section, where I played my clarinet with some schoolmates. Our most famous piece was ‘Flight of The Bumblebee’.
Any organizations in which you participate at Northwestern or elsewhere: My leadership skills have allowed me to reach outside the current business office and join ANUW. I joined the mentoring committee, and I assisted in launching the ANUW Mentoring Program. I later joined the mentoring program as a mentor. As a mentor, I get to assist in the professional development of a mentee.
I have been a member of NUSAC, where our cohort was instrumental in many improvements, such as winter recess and the staff survey. I held the leadership in the Career Development series with Human Resources.
As one of the NU Black Professional Network (BPN) co-chairs, I connect with 300+ black staffers across the Evanston, Chicago, and Qatar campuses. The NU BPN affinity group builds community collaboration and creates events that lead inspired action with black staff and senior leaders. As the Director of Dialogue, I develop and oversee open dialogue sessions for members with our executive coaches.
Please be sure to visit the Gratitude Wall and submit an entry!