Jerry D. Blakemore named VP, general counsel

Growing up in East Chicago Heights, Jerry D. Blakemore clearly recognized the importance of education and public service.

His father, J.D., who worked in the Youngstown Sheet and Tube steel mill for 31 years, held a seat on the village board and volunteered as a police officer and firefighter. His mother, Mattie, an operator for Illinois Bell, led his school’s PTA while she encouraged her three sons to read and study hard.

Blakemore, a first-generation college student who combined those passions toward a prestigious career in law and government, has been named vice president and general counsel at NIU.

Pending formal approval of the appointment by the NIU Board of Trustees at its Thursday, March 24, meeting, Blakemore will begin work April 1. He replaces Kenneth L. Davidson, who retired in December.

“Jerry Blakemore will be a tremendous asset to NIU. He is able to ‘hit the ground running’ and brings to his position an extensive expertise and knowledge about Illinois law, public policy and regulatory affairs,” NIU President John G. Peters said. “He is one of the most well-known and highly respected higher education attorneys in Illinois and the United States. NIU is fortunate to have attracted a senior executive of Mr. Blakemore’s reputation.”

“We’re excited to have him join our team. He brings broad experience in higher education in Illinois, and has already been tested in providing counsel to an independent governing board,” added Marc Strauss, chair of the NIU Board of Trustees. “This position is important to the Board of Trustees because the general counsel provides vital input into the workings of the board and supports the consideration of issues crucial to the development of NIU.”

Blakemore, vice president and general counsel at Southern Illinois University since 2005, is already setting an ambitious agenda that will continue to boost NIU’s presence in the region, state, nation and world.

“I’m not solely interested in how University Legal Services can turn out more contracts in a timely and technology-driven manner. What excited me about coming to NIU was joining such an experienced leadership team. It is clear that my previous experience in public policy, regulatory and legislative affairs and risk management will add value to NIU, further enhancing the critical role the university plays in the Chicago metropolitan region,” Blakemore said.

“Really, I want to help NIU continue to serve students by providing a quality education and making a difference in the lives of our students and the generations of students to come.”