About the Director

Julia Rowe joined Northern Illinois University as director of Federal Relations in 2023 and resides in Washington, D.C. Her primary responsibilities include advocating on research and higher education regulatory and legislative proposals before Congress, the administration and federal agencies.

Prior to joining NIU Julia was associate director of Federal Relations at Northwestern University. She brings experience working with key members of the Illinois delegation and knowledge of Illinois higher education and research landscape to NIU. Julia started her career in higher education advocacy at the University of California System working on behalf of the system’s 10 campuses, five medical centers and three managed national laboratories in Washington, D.C. She worked on the system’s research, appropriations and advocacy strategy. Prior to her experience in higher education, Julia worked for U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (CA) and has coordinated outreach strategies for citywide campaigns. Julia holds a B.A. in History from the University of the Pacific.

NIU Federal Relations on Campus

Julia Rowe visits the DeKalb campus quarterly. Please contact her if you would like to meet next time she is on campus.