DeKALB – The Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees on Thursday promoted Bill Nicklas to vice president for public safety and community relations.

Nicklas has served the university in multiple roles since joining the universtiy in October 2011, most recently as acting director of public safety after the university police department was mired in an evidence mishandling controversy involving rape charges against a former officer. He was city manager of DeKalb from 1992 to 1997 and held the same position in Sycamore from 1998 to 2011.

In his new position, Nicklas will continue to oversee the public safety department and use his municipal experience to work with leaders in DeKalb and Sycamore to strengthen relationships.