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Reaction to ACC's Hiring of Jim Phillips

The Atlantic Coast Conference announced that James J. Phillips, Ph.D., the Combe Family Vice President for Athletics & Recreation at Northwestern University, will serve as the conference’s next commissioner. Below are reactions on social media to Phillips' hiring. 

Jim Phillips encapsulates everything our conference needs in its next commissioner and to carry on Commissioner Swofford's legacy: integrity, vision, commitment to the student-athlete, an understanding of the ever-changing collegiate sports landscape, respect for how campuses operate and, perhaps most importantly, a great person. The ACC is lucky to have him as our new Commissioner and on behalf of the University of Miami community, I want to welcome Jim and his family to the ACC family.”
BLAKE JAMES, UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI ATHLETICS DIRECTOR
Jim Phillips will continue the outstanding leadership of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The history and legacy of the ACC has always been balancing the academic achievement and athletic excellence of our student-athletes, and Jim will continue that commitment. Jim makes decisions that are in the best interest of students and we are fortunate that his leadership will support our student-athletes. He has impeccable integrity, national stature, and has been recognized by many in the industry for his honors, appointments and roles on committees and governing bodies. In addition to his professional experiences and successes, Jim is an incredible husband and father. I look forward to working with him in this new capacity.
BUBBA CUNNINGHAM, NORTH CAROLINA DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
Jim (Phillips) has long been a trusted friend in the industry and I look forward to growing our working relationship in his new role as Commissioner of the ACC. As an athletic director at a leading national university and the parent of student-athletes, Jim has the experience and perspective to help lead not just the ACC, but college athletics as a whole. The ACC was very fortunate to be able to attract Jim to the job and I look forward to working with him to put in place a robust plan to ensure the ACC continues to be the pre-eminent conference in collegiate athletics.
JACK SWARBRICK, NOTRE DAME ATHLETICS DIRECTOR
“We are tremendously excited to welcome Jim Phillips as the next Commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Jim is an inspiring and visionary leader who transformed Northwestern Athletics. His work greatly enhanced the experiences of Northwestern’s coaches, staff and, most importantly, its student-athletes. Commissioner Swofford is a first-class leader who will be passing the baton to another leader who will represent the ACC with the highest levels of class and professionalism. Our conference will continue to elevate under Jim Phillips’ direction.”
HEATHER LYKE, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
For two decades I have considered Dr. Jim Phillips a friend and model colleague who truly cares about student-athletes, higher education and the special way sports bring people together. His proven leadership skills and experiences give him instant credibility and trust among ACC athletics directors. I salute President Hatch, ACC Board Chair Kent Syverud and all the presidents & chancellors of the league for making the perfect choice to build on the tremendous work done by Commissioner Swofford over the last 24 years. Mary Lawrence and I look forward to welcoming Jim, Laura and the Phillips family to Demon Deacon contests in Winston-Salem for years to come!
JOHN CURRIE, WAKE FOREST DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
Jim Phillips is a consummate leader in college sports. He is strategic, personable, and well-connected. I have always admired his deep commitment to student-athletes and to doing business in the right way.
NATHAN HATCH, WAKE FOREST PRESIDENT