March 20, 2008

DeKALB, Ill. - The search for a new associate vice-president/director of athletics to guide the Northern Illinois University athletic department has begun as NIU President Dr. John Peters has appointed a 14-person screening committee and enlisted the services of Parker Executive Search as the initial steps in the process.

Earl "Gip" Seaver, NIU Vice Provost, will chair the screening committee, which is composed of representatives of campus constituencies including students, student-athletes, coaches, faculty and staff, administrators and alumni. Seaver will also serve as the lone spokesperson for the group if public statements are deemed appropriate during the process.

The screening committee members are: Earl J. Seaver, Vice Provost, Chair; Terry Bishop, Athletic Board Chair/Faculty; Nancy Castle, University Council/Faculty Senate; Steve Cunningham, Human Resource Administration; Brent Gage, Enrollment Services; Brian Hemphill, Student Affairs/President's Cabinet; David Koronkiewicz, Student-Athlete (Football); Tara Michels, Student-Athlete (Women's Basketball); Carol Owens, Women's Basketball Head Coach; Jarvis Purnell, Student Association; Jan Rintala, Faculty Athletics Representative; Steve Simmons, Men's Soccer Head Coach; Mallory Simpson, University Advancement/Development; Admasu Zike, Affirmative Action, Human Resources.

Parker Executive Search is one of the premiere search firms in the country with expertise in the field of collegiate athletics and extensive resources to assist in the process. The company assisted on NIU's recent searches which resulted in the hiring of head men's basketball coach Ricardo Patton in March 2007 and head football coach Jerry Kill last December.

A specific timetable has not been set for the naming of a new athletic director although the screening committee and Parker Executive Search have already begun the process. Individuals who wish to submit an application or recommend a candidate should contact Parker Executive Search, Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2440, Atlanta, GA 30328, 770-804-1996.

Northern Illinois is replacing current Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Dr. Jim Phillips who is leaving NIU after four years to become the Director of Athletics and Recreation at Northwestern University. Phillips' last day at Northern Illinois is April 11.

-- NIU --