University President, Acting Provost, and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Eddie Phillips, Ed.D.
Provost Welcome
"At National Louis University, we believe in the power of education to achieve equity. National Louis has grown to be a regional, comprehensive Teaching 1 institution dedicated to providing access to exceptional education to learners of all ages and backgrounds. NLU is leading the way as a model university that is student-ready and teaching-focused where financial resources are dedicated to instructional delivery and enhancing the educational experience for each student.
The Provost serves as the Chief Academic Officer of the university and provides vision and leadership for all academic programs. As the provost, I lead the effort to evaluate and optimize the academic portfolio of the university and ensure operational efficiency. I am charged with the development, implementation and assessment of academic programs and institutional policies. I support our dedicated faculty and encourage their research, publishing and scholarly activities. I work with deans, faculty and staff to ensure the delivery of student learning outcomes and providing a transformative learning experience for all students."
President and Acting Provost Eddie Phillips, Ed.D. Bio
Prior to being named the twelfth President of National Louis University, Eddie Phillips, Ed.D. was appointed as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at National Louis University (NLU) in May 2022, bringing more than 20 years of experience and a record of achievements in academic and educational leadership.
A respected higher education leader, 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.
