March 6, 2013

Link to ECU Press Release

NIU PRESIDENT DR. JOHN PETERS

"I want to thank Jeff, Cathy, [and sons] C.J. and David Compher for their commitment, support and contributions to our community during their time here at NIU.

"I am personally gratified by the strong leadership and guidance Jeff provided while helping heighten the profile of the Huskie athletics program. Jeff is well-regarded among league administrators, but what has impressed me the most has been his commitment to the well-being of NIU's student athletes.

"While the selection of a new director of athletics will be the prerogative of NIU's next president, I will work with Jeff and his staff on a transition plan that ensures continuity within the athletic department in the interim."

NORTHERN ILLINOIS HEAD COACHES

Football Head Coach Rod Carey
"I am really happy for Jeff and his family, but sad to see him go. He's been a great leader for NIU and has taken us to places we haven't been before as a football program and as an athletic department. I have the utmost respect for Jeff and his wife, Cathy."

Volleyball Head Coach Ray Gooden
"Jeff Compher is one of the main reasons I have stayed at NIU. From day one, we established a relationship of respect and honesty and I have appreciated our time working together. I thought he did a very good job helping us get to the next level."

Men's Basketball Head Coach Mark Montgomery
"Jeff has been an unbelievable athletic director at Northern Illinois. He has been very involved in the basketball program, he gave me the opportunity to come to Northern and I will always be grateful to him for that. Jeff has taken the NIU athletic department to new heights. I enjoyed working for him and wish him and his family nothing but the best at East Carolina."

Jeff Compher

"I would like to thank President Peters, the student-athletes, coaches and staff for the opportunity to lead the Huskie Athletics Department. I am also very grateful to the generous donors, alumni and fans who have helped build a tremendously successful athletics program. My family will miss the many good friends we have made here and appreciate how the community accepted us over the last five years. We wish nothing but the best for Huskie Athletics and Northern Illinois University in the future. "

-- NIU --

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