As reported in The Northern Star last week, Robert Collins will officially take over as NIU’s new associate athletic director.

Athletic Director Gerald O’Dell, after denying any future hiring of Collins last Tuesday, made the announcement Friday that the 45-year-old Collins would accept the position.

“Robert embodies the qualities that truly represent our program—integrity, strong work ethic, tireless, highly professional in every area,” said O’Dell.

The DePaul University men’s basketball assistant coach will leave the Blue Demons and start his duties at NIU on Saturday.

“The hardest part for me was getting away from coaching itself and working directly with kids,” said Collins. “That’s where my background really was—working directly with kids and trying to develop them physically, mentally and spiritually.”

Collins returns after leaving NIU’s men’s basketball program in 1989. He had been one of many names considered for the new head coaching job at the time, but was turned down by O’Dell for Jim Molinari. However, there are no hard feelings between Collins and O’Dell about the past.

“Not getting the job at Northern was a growth process for me. I learned a lot, and I’ve always learned you never burn bridges behind you,” said Collins. “And, if I wasn’t the man for the job at that time or another, it wasn’t meant to be.

“I think I’ve learned a lot, and it has paid off for me down the line. It’s not that it didn’t bother me at the time. It’s just that you learn to live with life. There’s a lot of support for me in DeKalb and the people around there, and I think that’s one of the main reasons why I’m coming back.”

Collins will be responsible for the supervision of seven sports, the weight and conditioning program and equipment and inventory. His history includes the recruiting of Donnell Thomas, Howard Nathan, Donald Whiteside, Tom Kleinschmidt and Brandon Cole.

Overall, Collins is ecstatic about the job and moving back to DeKalb.

“My wife loves the town,” said Collins. “My daughter Paige was born there, and we just had a very positive experience with DeKalb.

“I appreciate the selection committee and Gerald O’Dell for seeing me in the light of what they have chosen me for, and I’m really looking forward to it.

“My main focus right now is to try to become extremely good at what I do, and understand the ins and outs of intercollegiate athletics. You just never know what the future holds for you. My family and I are very happy to be back in DeKalb.”