Eddie Phillips, Ed.D.
President of National Louis University
Dr. Eddie J. Phillips Jr. serves as the twelfth President of National Louis University, one of the nation's most historic and innovative institutions dedicated to expanding educational opportunity and preparing graduates for meaningful careers, lifelong learning, and lives of purpose.
A respected higher education leader with more than 20 years of executive experience, Dr. Phillips is recognized for advancing student success, driving institutional innovation, and leading transformational change across complex organizations. Widely regarded as a trusted voice on the future of higher education, his expertise spans academic affairs, student affairs, accreditation, organizational leadership, workforce development, strategic partnerships, and data-informed decision-making. Known for combining strategic vision with operational excellence, he has consistently led initiatives that improve student outcomes, strengthen institutional performance, and position universities to meet the evolving needs of learners, employers, and communities.
Before assuming the presidency, Dr. Phillips served as Provost and Senior Vice President at National Louis University, where he led the university's academic enterprise and student affairs division while helping shape institutional strategy, strengthen academic quality, foster innovation, and cultivate partnerships that advanced the university's mission. During his tenure as Provost, National Louis University experienced significant enrollment growth, expanded its academic portfolio, strengthened student support services, launched new academic programs, and accelerated its commitment to workforce-aligned education and healthcare innovation.
A Chicago native raised on the city's South Side, Dr. Phillips has dedicated his career to expanding educational opportunity and creating pathways to economic mobility. Prior to joining National Louis University, he served in several executive leadership roles at Kennedy-King College within the City Colleges of Chicago, including Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Dean of Instruction, Associate Dean of Instruction, and Registrar. He has also held leadership positions at Northern Illinois University, Malcolm X College, and Rush University Medical Center.
Throughout his career, Dr. Phillips has cultivated strategic partnerships and helped secure more than $20 million in federal, philanthropic, corporate, and private investments to advance academic innovation, healthcare education, workforce development, and student success. His collaborative leadership has expanded educational opportunity, strengthened institutional capacity, and created lasting value for students, employers, and the communities his institutions have served.
Deeply committed to civic engagement and educational opportunity, Dr. Phillips serves on the Board of Directors for the Youth Job Center and the Board of Trustees for Adler University. He previously served on the Illinois P-20 Council, advising state leaders on strengthening educational pathways from early childhood through higher education and the workforce, and is 2025 Fellow in the Leadership Greater Chicago Signature Fellows Program.
Dr. Phillips earned his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Administration from Northern Illinois University.
Dr. Phillips believes higher education has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and create lasting economic opportunity. As the twelfth President of National Louis University, he is committed to fostering a student-centered university grounded in academic excellence, innovation, inclusion, and career readiness while preparing graduates to lead meaningful lives and careers in a rapidly changing world.
