NLU Taps Provost Eddie Phillips as President Amid 140th Anniversary

CHICAGO, IL – May 04, 2026 – In a move that bridges its storied past with an ambitious future, National Louis University (NLU) has named Dr. Eddie Phillips its 12th president. The appointment, announced by the Board of Trustees, sees the university’s current Provost and Senior Vice President elevated to the top leadership role. He will succeed President Nivine Megahed, who is retiring after a transformative 16-year tenure.

The leadership transition is a cornerstone event in the university's yearlong 140th-anniversary celebration. Dr. Phillips is set to officially assume the presidency on August 1, 2026, inheriting the leadership of an institution serving over 13,000 students annually across its campuses in Illinois, Florida, and online.

A New Chapter During a Historic Milestone

The timing of Dr. Phillips' appointment is deeply significant, intertwining new leadership with a profound reflection on NLU's legacy. Founded in 1886 by education pioneer Elizabeth Harrison, the university has long championed teacher education and community transformation. As NLU celebrates 140 years, Dr. Phillips' presidency is positioned to steer the institution into its next era.

Ian Ross, Chairman of the NLU Board of Trustees, underscored the board's confidence in the decision. "As we celebrate 140 years of expanding educational access and driving economic mobility, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Phillips to lead National Louis University into its next chapter of impact," Ross stated. "He brings the visionary leadership required to advance our core values of innovation and student-centered success."

The anniversary celebration is structured around four key pillars designed to honor the university’s history and chart its future course: The Legacy of Impact, The Future of Education Forum, 140 Acts of Service, and 140 Stories of Impact. These initiatives provide a framework for Dr. Phillips' initial months, allowing him to engage with the community while reinforcing the university's foundational values. His leadership will be crucial in translating the historical momentum of the anniversary into a tangible strategic vision for the coming years.

A Leader Forged in Equity and Access

Dr. Phillips' selection represents a powerful affirmation of NLU's core mission. His career has been a testament to expanding educational opportunities and addressing systemic inequities. Before joining NLU in 2021 as Vice Provost and rising to Provost in 2022, he spent nine years in leadership at Kennedy-King College, including as Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. There, he was instrumental in managing academic operations and student support services for a community of historically marginalized and underrepresented learners.

His professional background is complemented by a deep academic interest in the social and structural inequities faced by justice-involved individuals of color. This focus on challenging and dismantling barriers in postsecondary education aligns perfectly with NLU’s identity as an engine for social and economic mobility. His commitment extends beyond his primary roles, as evidenced by his service as a Trustee for Adler University and on the school board for Nancy B. Jefferson, a Chicago Public School alternative school and youth detention center.

In his own words, Dr. Phillips expressed his commitment to the university's founding principles. "I am deeply honored to have been chosen to lead the National Louis University community at such a monumental point in its history," he said. "Elizabeth Harrison's founding belief that the right use of individual growth is in the service of humanity still pulses through NLU. I look forward to working with our remarkable faculty, staff, students, trustees, and alumni as we continue to build upon NLU's strong legacy of advancing innovation and expanding opportunity."

Building on a Legacy of Growth

Dr. Phillips will take the helm from President Nivine Megahed, whose 16-year presidency was marked by stability and substantial growth. Under her leadership, NLU significantly expanded its student body and reach, solidifying its presence in Illinois and Florida while growing its robust online offerings. Her tenure ensured the university remained a steadfast provider of accessible, quality education.

The decision to promote Dr. Phillips from within the university's ranks signals a strategy of both continuity and evolution. As Provost and Senior Vice President, he has been intimately involved in the university's academic enterprise, overseeing its portfolio, policies, accreditation, and faculty engagement. This experience provides him with a comprehensive understanding of NLU’s operational strengths and strategic opportunities, ensuring a smooth and effective leadership transition. His promotion is seen as a move to build upon the foundation of growth established by President Megahed while injecting new energy and a sharpened focus on innovation and student-centered initiatives.

Aligning with the Future of Higher Education

The appointment comes at a time when higher education nationally is grappling with calls for greater equity, improved workforce alignment, and increased accessibility for a diverse student population. Dr. Phillips' entire career appears to be a preparation for this moment. His leadership is well-positioned to guide NLU in addressing these contemporary challenges.

In his role as Provost, Dr. Phillips has already led the development of NLU's "new program process" and provided strategic direction for its academic portfolio, demonstrating a commitment to curricular innovation that meets the needs of tomorrow's workforce. His background at institutions like Malcolm X College and Rush University Medical Center, combined with his doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and Administration from Northern Illinois University, provides a broad perspective on the intersection of education, community health, and workforce development.

As president, he is expected to champion initiatives that not only widen access but also ensure every learner is equipped to succeed. His vision to empower students to "thrive, lead, and shape the futures of their communities" directly addresses the national dialogue about the role of universities in fostering both individual prosperity and societal well-being. Dr. Phillips' presidency begins as NLU is not just celebrating its past but actively defining its role in the future of education.