During NIU’s final home football game recently, College of Engineering and Engineering Technology associate professor Dr. Iman Salehinia was recognized on the field as part of the university’s Faculty/Staff Spotlight program.
The initiative allows student-athletes to highlight faculty and staff members who have made a significant impact on their academic and personal success.
Pierce Oppong, a mechanical engineering major, nominated Salehinia. In conjunction with Salehinia’s recognition at the November 28th game against Kent State, Oppong credited the associate professor for his guidance and support.
“I was deeply humbled to learn that I was nominated by Pierce, one of our outstanding mechanical engineering student-athletes,” Salehinia stated. “I’ve heard nothing but exceptional things about Pierce. Not only is he an outstanding performer on the field, but he also excels academically.”
A native of Bloomington, Minnesota, Oppong played a key role in NIU’s historic upset victory over Notre Dame during the 2024 season and capped his successful gridiron career this year by converting from defensive line to tight end. He is one of about 25 CEET students who are on Huskie athletic rosters.
Among the teams represented by engineering majors are men’s tennis, women’s tennis, wrestling, women’s soccer, gymnastics, volleyball, track and field, men’s golf and softball.
This spring, Salehinia received the Outstanding Teacher Award at CEET’s Scholarship, Staff, Faculty and Student Awards.
He was also featured earlier this year for his creation of a YouTube series, “College Success Series: Top Strategies from a Professor.” In that series, he combined feedback from students with his own academic and professional journey to help students thrive inside and outside the classroom.
