Taylor Leonard

Graduate Program Advisor

Department

Office of Graduate Business Programs

Education

B.S. Management and Leadership, Northern Illinois University

Biography

Taylor Leonard (formerly Anderson) began her academic journey at Elgin Community College (ECC), earning an associate's degree in 2022 before transferring to Northern Illinois University (NIU), where she completed her bachelor's degree in management and leadership in 2024. As a student, she was actively involved in the College of Business, participating in student organizations and the mentoring program — an experience that deepened her passion for student success and professional development.

Before transitioning into higher education, Leonard built a strong foundation in retail banking, where she served as a senior staff member focused on coaching and mentoring employees, resolving customer issues and streamlining operational processes. Her ability to mentor and support new employees naturally aligned with her interest in higher education administration.

Leonard began her career at NIU in Student Affairs, where she provided executive administrative support to university leadership, coordinated divisional events, and served as a key liaison for campus-wide initiatives. Her experience in managing student engagement efforts and cross-departmental collaborations reinforced her commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment for students.

Now serving as the graduate program advisor for NIU's Global MBA, Master of Accounting Science (MAS) and Master of Accountancy (MAC) programs, Leonard is dedicated to ensuring students have the resources, guidance and support they need to thrive. With hands-on experience in student services, she is skilled at collaborating across departments to enhance the graduate student experience. A passionate mentor, Leonard is committed to helping students navigate their academic and professional journeys, bridging the gap between their education and career aspirations.