In early 2026, NIU welcomed Russ Devereaux as the new Director of NIU Esports. NIU Esports is an inclusive program that provides opportunities for students and community members of all backgrounds and skill levels to play video games together. Its mission is to build community and promote healthy gaming practices, while supporting new technologies in learning and research.

“We’re excited to welcome Russ as the new director of NIU Esports,” says Dan Streed, director of outreach operations and budget. “His passion for mentoring students is matched by his enthusiasm for gaming, which makes him a natural fit for this role. Russ brings both a strong vision for the future of NIU Esports and the programmatic and leadership experience to make that vision a reality.”

“This position combines two things I care about: video games and mentoring students in higher education, so I feel like I’ve landed just where I was meant to be,” says Devereaux. “I believe esports has the power to bring people together, create community, and enrich our lives and experiences. I’m excited to use esports as a vehicle to help students build the community connections, skills and mindset needed to succeed in school and careers.”

Esports at NIU started as a small student organization in 2013 and grew to a university-supported program in 2017. NIU Esports, in the Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development, has two full-time staff members and about 15 student workers and graduate assistants. The student workers gain valuable work experience as they do everything from welcoming visitors to the Esports Arena to coaching players, providing tech support, marketing events and livestreaming NIU varsity esports matches. Over the course of a week, the NIU Esports Arena has 500 visits from those playing casually and competitively. In addition to open-play sessions and pick-up games, the program fields varsity teams in five different titles. The student-run Huskie Gaming Club competes against other universities in several titles while also hosting regular social events on campus.

Devereaux says his number one message to the NIU community is: “You are welcome here.”

“We have a beautiful Esports Arena in NIU’s Altgeld Hall that’s free to everyone with an NIU OneCard,” says Devereaux. “I think there’s a misconception among some of our population that esports is only for the most serious, most competitive gamers, and that’s not the case! If you’re a cozy gamer or a casual gamer, there’s space for you here. We’re open daily whenever school is in session, and we would love to see you.”

One reason it’s so important that the Esports Arena be welcoming and accessible to all students is because esports can serve as a bridge to success in college and beyond.

“We know from the research that having community, having a connection on campus, making friends and being involved are some of the most important factors leading to student success, retention and graduation,” Devereaux says.

Deveraux also points out that esports helps build many core academic and career skills.

“Playing video games, especially on a team, requires dedication, time management, clear communication, teamwork, comfort with a diversity of experiences and diverse people – all the skills employers want and need,” Devereaux says. “On top of that, our Esports Industries Minor, Career Lecture Series and Turtle Beach internship introduce students to the many career possibilities within the esports and video game industries.”

“I think many people don’t realize that esports has career opportunities on par with those in the entertainment and sport industries,” Devereaux continues. “Esports features professional tournaments called ‘majors’ similar to any large professional sporting event. These multimillion-dollar events have behind-the-scenes professionals working at every level – from the lawyers managing contracts to folks working on operations, shipping, information systems, computer technology, television and streaming media, marketing and sales.”

Devereaux says one of his goals over the next several years is to grow the social media, streaming and technology development sides of NIU Esports to provide students with even more cutting-edge work experiences. One step in that process is to build upon the already successful livestreaming currently provided by students such as NIU senior and Turtle Beach intern Ethan Nguyen.

“I think many people on campus don’t realize that most weeks during the season, Monday through Thursday nights, on NIU’s twitch.tv channel you’ll see a professional-quality livestream of our varsity teams competing,” says Devereaux. “I want to elevate that amazing work, get more eyes on it, and get more students involved because there are so many career opportunities in streaming media.”

Devereaux says he’s in awe of the dedication his fellow staff members and NIU students bring to NIU Esports.

“I’ve discovered that the most remarkable thing about this job is the dedication and the passion that every single student and staff member brings to NIU Esports. Whether it’s the varsity players putting in hours of weekly practice to get better at their titles, or the leaders of our student-run clubs creating fun, social events for their fellow students, our NIU Esports student leaders are putting in the hard work to make their visions a reality. And our NIU Esports Community Ambassador Eli Curry is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space for students of all experience levels to find a community within the Esports Arena.”

Learn more about NIU Esports and find Arena hours and policies at niu.edu/esports.