Northwestern picks NIU's Phillips as AD

As expected, Northwestern University has named James Phillips as its new athletics director.

The appointment becomes effective on April 14, Northwestern president Henry S. Bienen announced today.

Phillips has been Northern Illinois' athletic director since 2004.

"To be certain, I am thrilled to be coming to Northwestern but will always remain extremely grateful to the wonderful people at Northern Illinois University," Phillips said. "A significant part of my heart as well as my family's heart will forever remain at NIU."

Phillips has been successful in fund raising and marketing for Northern Illinois. He spearheaded the fund raising and construction of the $14 million Yordon Academic and Athletic Performance Center at NIU, the largest capital project in athletics history at NIU, and led several successful fund-raising campaigns for athletics. In addition, the Huskies opened an indoor practice facility for baseball, softball and men's and women's golf and will begin construction this spring on a new soccer/track and field complex.

"Jim brings a remarkable combination of enthusiasm, experience and expertise to the position," said Bienen. "He has a track record of success at the Division I level and a commitment to the values that Northwestern has always maintained in college athletics."

Phillips succeeds Mark Murphy, who resigned as athletic director in January to become the president of the Green Bay Packers football team.