04-10-2008, 10:35 PM
http://niuhuskies.cstv.com/genrel/041008aac.html
Quote:eKALB, Ill. - Robert Collins, a 19-year veteran of the Northern Illinois athletics staff who currently serves as deputy athletics director, has been named the Huskies' Interim Athletic Director, President John Peters announced Thursday.
Collins will lead Northern Illinois' 17-sport athletics program beginning next week until such time as a new athletic director arrives on campus. He takes over from Dr. Jim Phillips, whose last day at NIU is Friday, April 11 as he will become the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation at Northwestern University.
"I am very pleased that Robert Collins has agreed to serve Northern Illinois and the athletic department as interim athletics director," Peters said. "Under Robert, our head coaches and our senior administrative team, I am confident that Huskie Athletics will continue to build momentum and grow during this transition."
In his role as Deputy Athletics Director, Collins is responsible for the oversight of the football, men's basketball and softball programs while also directing the Student-Athlete Welfare areas of the department, which include Sports Performance, Athletic Training, Sports Psychology, Athletic Equipment and Housing. He originally worked at Northern Illinois from 1986-89 as an assistant basketball coach before moving into administration.
Collins, who chose not to pursue the permanent athletic director's post, said he was proud and honored to serve NIU in this capacity
"I appreciate the confidence that President Peters has shown in me to lead the athletic department during this transitional period," Collins said. "I am honored to accept this responsibility and hope to continue to build on the success we have enjoyed under the leadership of Jim Phillips over the past four years. Our first priority will continue to be to assist our student-athletes and coaches in their growth both on and off the field. I believe our new athletic director will see a unified, professional staff that is ready to move forward under new leadership."
The search for Northern Illinois' next athletic director is in progress. Peters said he expects to name Phillips' permanent replacement in the near future. [quote]