Chris Sorensen

Virgil S. Lagomarcino Laureate Award
By the College of Human Sciences

 

Chris Sorensen MS Higher Education 1990, PhD Higher Education 1994

This award was established in 1975 to honor graduates who are nationally and internationally recognized for their meritorious service or distinguished achievement in the field of education.

In less than five years, Chris Sorensen's teaching skills, scholarly activities and leadership abilities helped her ascend the career ladder from a beginning assistant professor at Northern Illinois University to the dean of the college of education at one of the ten largest teacher education institutions in the country. While still an assistant professor, she guided her students expertly through the dissertation process, maintained a grueling schedule, yet still earned tenure in a time period that is considered "early" at the university.

Many of her major contributions were evident after she was appointed dean. After her appointment in 2001, she expertly steered the college of education through budget cuts, a major reorganization, and the NCATE accreditation. Her reputation for being well-informed and proactive on educational policy issues in the political arena led to her election as chair of the Illinois Association of Deans of Public Colleges of Education. Her strong work ethic and commitment to the university are two things she brings to work with her every day. A colleague of Sorensen's at Northern Illinois University described her leadership style like this; "Chris's leadership is characterized by striving for consensus. She has brought the chairs together to a point of working together for the greater good rather than their own specific concerns."