Mary Beth Hawkinson

Position: Director of Academic Services Alma Mater: Northeastern Illinois University

Mary Beth Hawkinson joined the Northwestern academic services staff as a full-time member in September 1991 after working part-time beginning in the fall of 1982. Hawkinson currently serves as an academic advisor to 12 of NU's 19 varsity sports. She was elevated to Director of Academic Services in February 2013.

Hawkinson's responsibilities include coordinating academic appointments for prospective student-athletes and assisting with the freshman study skills/tutoring program. Hawkinson also works with graduating seniors to secure grants, scholarships and fellowships for postgraduate degrees.

Prior to her tenure in the athletic department, Hawkinson served as associate director of Northwestern's Women's Center and could be found working at a shelter for adolescent wards of the state in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood during that time.

A native of Glenview, Ill., Hawkinson attended undergraduate school at Northeastern Illinois University and earned her master's degree from Northwestern's School of Education and Social Policy.