Nathaniel Banks is a life-long resident
of Champaign, Illinois. He was educated in the Champaign
schools, and graduated from what is now called Champaign
Central High. He received his college education at the University
of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign campus and has a Bachelor
of Arts and Masters of Science in Applied Music and Music
Education respectively.
Upon leaving college, Nathaniel Banks worked as the Assistant
Director of the Afro-American Cultural Program for nine
years. He then left campus to become the Principal of
Judah Christian High School. He returned to the U of I
in 1990 to work in the Office of Minority Student Affairs,
where he is currently employed. Mr. Banks has worked in
several capacities in OMSA including the Director of Upward
Bound, the President's Leadership Program, and his current
position as Director of the African American Cultural
Program. Throughout his professional career, Mr. Banks
has had a love for young people and has worked on numerous
committees to address their needs. His most current interest
is in the establishment of a Charter school to serve at-risk
children in the Champaign-Urbana community.
Nathaniel Banks is married to Lisha Banks. They have
three grown sons and are part of a large extended family.
