EIU Media Relations

Primary Center Named in Honor of EIU Professor

An Eastern Illinois University professor has been honored for his years of dedication and commitment to a school district.

The Primary Center has been named in honor of Nick Osborne, an EIU professor of educational leadership, for his years of service to District 80, Mount Vernon City Schools.  

Mike Green, current superintendent of District 80, said Osborne was instrumental in bringing students from neighborhood schools to attendance centers. Osborne oversaw the construction of the Primary Center, a school for grades kindergarten through third grade, during his tenure as superintendent from 1994 to 2001.

“Dr. Osborne is an outstanding educational leader and visionary, who has been a true asset to District 80,” Green said. “Not only has he served the district as a teacher, assistant principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent, but his dedication to District 80 can be seen today through the Primary Center.”

Osborne received the honor during a district board retreat in January. Green coordinated with Osborne’s wife, Cindy, to surprise him with the nomination.  

The primary center is now formally called the “Dr. Nick Osborne Primary Center.”