By Adriana Betancourt
After earning her MBA degree from NIU in 1998, Anissa Kuhar built a career that blended real-world business experience with a passion for teaching. While completing her degree, she began working in marketing and sales roles for the university, a path she continued for more than two decades. In 2022, she began working as an Impact Lab instructor for UBUS 110.
Grounded in both professional practice and her own time as a graduate student, Kuhar’s approach to teaching remains deeply shaped by the experiences that first connected her to the university.
“I loved the NIU MBA program,” Kuhar said. “We worked in teams and used a lot of critical thinking and brainstorming skills. Today’s students really need to build these skills.”
Kuhar regularly incorporates hands-on learning activities into her courses within the Impact Lab, which allows students to do hands-on projects with real-world companies. Students work together to analyze business problems, brainstorm solutions and present their ideas experiences that mirror the collaboration expected in professional environments.
Before focusing fully on teaching, Kuhar spent many years marketing a wide range of higher education services, including degree and nondegree programs, meeting spaces and consulting services. Her work in marketing, sales and admissions allowed her to collaborate with both consumer and business audiences while developing strong leadership skills in planning, project management, partnership collaboration and strategic business development.
These experiences now shape the way she teaches business strategy and consulting within the classroom. Kuhar often explains to students that managing an admissions team requires many of the same strategic elements found in running a business.
“I managed my admissions team like a small business that generated revenue for the university,” she explained. “Planning, setting goals, implementing strategies and measuring success were all part of that role.”
A key foundation of Kuhar’s teaching philosophy is what she calls the “3 Cs,” which requires students to stay curious, confident and connected. She encourages students to develop these qualities throughout their time at NIU and carry them into their careers.
Of the three, Kuhar believes the most challenging for many students today is learning how to become truly connected.
“Becoming connected is most challenging because it requires students to verbally network with other students and professionals to build relationships,” Kuhar said.
To help students strengthen these skills, Kuhar teaches networking strategies through her S.M.I.L.E. networking framework, which has even been featured on NPR. The model encourages students to move beyond digital communication and develop meaningful, face-to-face professional relationships.
“The business world is all about building relationships,” Kuhar explained. “Many students have mastered being social behind the screen, but mastering the handshake, building verbal rapport and continuing the connection are important skills.”
For Kuhar, some of the most rewarding moments in the classroom come when students experience breakthroughs in their learning.
“I love the lightbulb moment when a student understands how to pitch a recommendation, conduct research or deliver a solid presentation,” Kuhar said. “Seeing that huge smile of confidence is the best reward as a teacher.”
Her dedication to teaching and student development has also been recognized by her colleagues. Kuhar received our College of Business’ VIBE Award for integrity in May 2025, an honor that highlights individuals who embody the college’s core values.
Kuhar has also been recognized as a scholar of The Association of College and University Educator’s (ACUE) Certification in Effective Teaching program, reflecting her commitment to creating supportive and impactful learning environments for students.
“I am an advocate for lifelong learning,” Kuhar said, a mindset that continues to shape the way she approaches both teaching and professional growth.
As she continues her work at NIU, Kuhar hopes her impact on students reflects the same principles she teaches every day.
“I want students to develop their curiosity and feel comfortable dealing with ambiguity,” Kuhar said. “I want them to gain confidence in who they are as professionals and strengthen their presentation skills. And, most importantly, I want them to build meaningful connections with their peers and professional networks.”
