What Others Say About NIU Athletics Director Jim Phillips:

From Chronicle Wire Sources

"Knowing both (NIU President) John Peters and Jim Phillips, all I can say is that NIU has a real 'dream team' in terms of future athletic success. Jim can really galvanize support for athletics throughout the university * he's first and foremost a relationship builder. Four years after he left here, I still get calls from donors and fans asking about him or saying they got a note from him * his interest in people is genuine. When I heard the position at NIU was open, I called John Peters and told him he didn't need to look any further than South Bend. In a field where there's often more sizzle than steak, Jim Phillips is the real deal." - Mike Hamilton, Tennessee AD

"Jim will bring a lot of 'juice' to NIU's program. He's highly energetic, always enthusiastic, and terribly passionate. Without question, Jim will exceed expectations and seriously overachieve. In the athletic recruiting vernacular, Jim represents a great 'get' for NIU, and, conversely, NIU is the perfect 'get' for Jim and Laura Phillips and their wonderful family." - Kevin White, Notre Dame AD

"I've come to know Jim, his wife Laura, and their family quite well. He is a wonderful family person, and has done an exemplary job of balancing his professional life and family obligations. He is a very gregarious, upbeat person, and he has the unique capacity to make people feel comfortable. I have also found him to be very insightful: He understands the importance of academics, respects the mission of the institution, and understands the complexities of intercollegiate athletics within the larger landscape of higher education. I think he'll provide great leadership * not only for NIU, but also for the Mid-American Conference and elsewhere on the national scene." - Rev. Edward Malloy, Notre Dame President

"Jim is a terrific selection. He has a great handle on the workings of intercollegiate athletics, both on and off campus, and a great vision of where the industry is going. He has provided terrific leadership wherever he's gone, and he's very well known and well respected in athletic circles around the country. As we continue to evolve in the MAC, his leadership at NIU is going to be a big plus. We're thrilled to have him in the league. Jim has a proven ability to raise money and friends, and he operates with a level of integrity that is simply unquestioned. I really look forward to working with him." - Thomas Boeh, Ohio AD

"What a coup for NIU! Jim is a genuinely classy guy who knows what it takes to be good. Beyond that, I can honestly say as the coach of a women's sport that he has a genuine interest in the entire athletic program, and he's been a great supporter of women's sports here at Notre Dame. I think he was at every single one of our games for the last four years, and he would always call or stop by afterward, whether we won or lost. All the NIU coaches are going to love him, because he's been a coach and he understands the ups and downs of job. He's also a great recruiter, and no matter what sport you're coaching, he's going to help you land that top recruit - he's that good. He's also a great fundraiser - he came in here and built that program from the ground up. I can't think of any part of the job that Jim's not ready for or in which he hasn't already proven himself - he's just a great match for NIU, and I'm going to miss him a lot here at Notre Dame." - Muffet McGraw, UND women's basketball coach

"Congratulations to Jim - he's a heckuva guy and a great person to work with. What a great hire for NIU! Being a Chicago native, he certainly has a great feel for the area and a great love for the region. Jim is a real rising star in the world of athletics administration, and I think the coaches and student-athletes at NIU are in for a real treat with him running the show. If Jim were still coaching, he's the type of man that you'd want your children to play for." - Mike Bray, Notre Dame men's basketball coach

"I think that Jim Phillips is a great fit for NIU. In fact, I can't imagine a better fit, especially with his ties to Chicago. He has endless energy. What makes him unique is that he has coached, and he understands how coaches think and what they need to be successful. He's had experience at private and public institutions. I know he looked into this situation very carefully. You will enjoy working with him." - Gene Corrigan, Past President of NCAA; Former Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner; Former Notre Dame / Virginia AD

"There's a good reason why so many people all around the country are interested in Jim Phillips: he's got an incredible background, he's a strong manager and he has absolutely terrific communication skills. Jim's worked with student athletes, coaches and administrators in the PAC 10, the Big 10, the SEC and now Notre Dame * my gosh, you combine that with his ability to communicate a vision and you have the ultimate combination for success. He's a consummate professional who brings a lot of passion to his work, and I know he's passionate about what he can bring to NIU." - Mike Alden, Missouri AD

"Jim is a young man who I've had an eye on for quite a while. He is an absolute star in this field, and he great integrity. Jim makes decisions professionally that are just right on the mark. Family is extremely important to him - really, family is in the forefront of everything he does. He's really something special, and he's absolutely ready for the challenges at NIU. There are a lot of great things going on at Northern, and I know Jim will capitalize on those strengths. At the end of the day, the real winner is NIU and its student-athletes." - Dutch Baughman, Executive Director Division I-A Athletics Directors Association

"That's awesome.Jim has so many qualities that will make him successful at NIU: He's a people person, and he'll inspire those around him. He has positive energy and positive attitude - if someone thinks their glass is half empty, Jim's (glass) is running over. He brings out the best in others. I'm excited for Jim and equally excited for NIU. He is a great choice. I've been to DeKalb and I know people will embrace Jim, his leadership, and his philosophy." - Pat Summitt, Tennessee women's basketball coach