Administrative/Biographical History
With the attainment of university status in 1957 NIU created a Department of Research in 1958 which became the Bureau of University Research in 1959. In 1973 the Bureau reorganized into the Office of Academic Space Analysis and the Office of Analytical Studies, both of which reported to the Associate Provost. Effective September 1, 1978 both offices reported to a newly established Office of Budget and Planning. Franklin Van Buer, the first director of this office reported directly to the president. This move brought together the budgeting for business and academic affairs with an Office of Analytical Studies supporting both the budgeting and planning functions. In 1983 the Board of Regents created a fourth Vice Presidency for Administrative Affairs, and the Office of Budget and Planning became part of the new domain, and Professor Eddie Williams was named director. With reorganization two years later in 1985, Eddie Williams became the first Vice President for Finance and Planning. At this time the Board also created a fifth Vice Presidency, that for Development and External Relations. In 1996 Finance and Planning became Finance and Facilities.
