National Louis University to Appoint Dr. Eddie Phillips as Provost
National Louis University is excited to announce that Dr. Eddie Phillips, Vice Provost of Academic Programs and Accreditation, will assume the role of Provost as of May 1, 2022. As NLU's new Provost, Dr. Phillips will bolster the university's longstanding mission to break down barriers to college while supporting academic innovation and student-centered instruction.
"I am honored and excited to begin this new role at NLU. I look forward to working with the entire NLU community and serving our students, faculty, and staff. I am eager to lock arms with my colleagues and continue to work toward educational equity and supporting students of all backgrounds pursue and achieve their personal, professional, and academic goals," Dr. Phillips said. "I joined NLU because I share the institution's commitment to access, affordability, equity, and fostering student success through innovative, rigorous, and engaging learning experiences," he added.
"As a recognized leader in the effort to drive educational equity and college completion, NLU is constantly looking for ways to raise the bar even higher on student learning and achievement," said Dr. Nivine Megahed, President of National Louis University. "With Dr. Phillips assuming the role of Provost, we will be in an even stronger position to empower learners from all backgrounds with the innovative instructional methods and career-focused curriculum we are known for,"she added.
After joining NLU as Vice Provost of Academic Programs and Accreditation in summer 2021, Dr. Phillips lead the regulatory affairs team on all areas related to accreditation, including the reaffirmation of accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission. He led the development and implementation of a "new program process" for the academic curriculum. He is also deeply involved in new initiatives and new technologies that aim to improve learning outcomes.
Dr. Phillips has broad knowledge of academic affairs, having served in a variety of leading roles throughout his career. Before joining NLU, Dr. Phillips served as the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Kennedy-King College, where he served for nine years in several roles. As Vice President, Dr. Phillips provided strategic direction and leadership to Kennedy-King College's academic operations, student support services, as well as the college's accreditation and compliance efforts. Dr. Phillips managed an academic portfolio of more than 60 academic programs and a collective budget of $12.5 million.
Dr. Phillips has also served in various roles at Northern Illinois University, Malcolm X College, and Rush University Medical Center in the areas of Residential Life, Academic Advising, Student Finance, College Registrar, Academic Affairs among others.
Dr. Phillips holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Sociology and Criminology as well as a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Administration all from Northern Illinois University. His academic interests are focused on examining social and structural inequities for justice-involved individuals of color and challenging existing structures of power and privilege.
About National Louis University: National Louis University is a nonprofit, non-denominational university focused on preparing the diverse workforce of tomorrow and widening access to quality educational and career opportunities for all learners. NLU offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in the fields of education, business, computer science and information technology, management, human services, social work, counseling, public policy, culinary, hospitality and other fields in career and professional development. NLU serves approximately 10,000 students annually at locations in Illinois and Florida as well as online. Visit nl.edu for more info.