Oct. 26, 2007

DeKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois University Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Dr. Jim Phillips has been named to the Division I-A Athletic Director's Association Executive Committee for 2007-08. Phillips, who will serve as the lone representative to the group from the Mid-American Conference, was named to the Executive Committee at the organization's recent meeting in Dallas, Texas.

The Division I-A Athletic Director's Association is an organization comprised of the athletic directors from each Division I-A (now Football Bowl Subdivision or FBS) institution in the country. The entire group meets twice a year to discuss issues in intercollegiate athletics affecting FBS institutions, while the Executive Committee serves as the leadership arm of the organization.

"It is an honor to be asked to serve on the Executive Committee of the Division I-A Athletic Director's Association for 2007-08," Phillips said. "This is a very important and influential group in collegiate athletics, led by someone who I greatly admire in Dutch Baughman, and I am proud to represent Northern Illinois University and the Mid-American Conference as a board member."

Phillips is also in his first year as a member of the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee, which selects the field and oversees the operation of the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship, and he serves as chair of the Mid-American Conference Athletic Directors. In that role, he sits on the Executive Council of the MAC.

In his fourth year as the Huskies' athletic director, Phillips' remains focused on providing a world-class experience - academically, athletically and socially - for all 467 NIU student-athletes in 17 sports programs.

-- NIU --