The search for NIU’s new athletic director will close today at 10:30 a.m.

NIU President John Peters’ pick for the new AD will be announced at Mike Ditka’s Restaurant, located inside the Tremont Hotel, 100 E. Chestnut St. in Chicago.

The new AD will be introduced at the NIU Convocation Center at 3 p.m.

The search was narrowed to two people: Kevin Anderson, the senior associate AD at Oregon State University and James Philips, the senior associate AD at the University of Notre Dame. Scott Barnes, AD at Eastern Washington University, dropped out of the running Aug. 16 after negotiating a new contract with his university.

“We know these individuals very well,” Peters told the Northern Star. “Now it’s just a matter of trying to match one of them with NIU.”

The position opened when Cary Groth, NIU’s AD for the past 10 years, accepted the same job at the University of Nevada at Reno March 8.

Interviews for each of the candidates were completed in early August. The 12-person selection committee, headed by Vice Provost Earl Seaver, was formed by Peters in late April. They picked the finalists from a list of more than 70 candidates.

Former NIU General Counsel George Shur has served as interim athletic director since Groth’s departure.

Both Anderson and Phillips would move up the ladder if selected as NIU’s AD.

A group of NIU kitchen helpers marched from the parking garage on Normal Road to Lowden Hall to make a brief statement and present a petition to NIU President John Peters Tuesday.

Ruth Stone, vice president of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 963, said the petition was signed by 40 of the 42 kitchen helpers working on campus. It stated that they think they are underpaid and want NIU to renegotiate fair contracts with them and AFSCME.

"It would be nice if we were paid what we deserve," kitchen helper Kathy Franklin said.

But NIU’s thin budget presents a problem for the kitchen workers, helper Charlotte Frickman said.

"They say it would take $300,000 to give us all a raise and they don’t have it," she said.

The decision to organize the march came in response to the difficulties of the negotiation process, Stone said.

"We’ve had five negotiations scheduled, but the NIU management team has canceled two of them. It doesn’t seem like they want to talk, so we decided to try to push these negotiations along a little," she said.

In addition to scheduling problems, the negotiation process has been hindered by a refusal to release records, AFSCME Local 963 President James Sheridan said.

"Back on June 2, we asked the management team to provide us with copies of the budget over the past three years so that we can estimate a more precise economic request for them. We have been told the only way that information will be released to us is if we file for a Freedom of Information Act demand," Sheridan said.

Sheridan said the group hoped delivering their petition would mean a release of the budget records.

"That budget information is on the computers at Lowden Hall," Sheridan said. "What’s the big secret?"

Sheridan said frustration over the slow movement of negotiations was a major factor in deciding to march.

"We’ve been talking since May 26, and in that amount of time, we haven’t made any progress in the economic portion of the contract bargaining," he said.

Sheridan also said they want to find out where the unused money from students’ meal plans went.

"We would like that information, and we’d gladly share that with any student organizations that are interested," he said.

Stone said that the march was the kitchen helpers’ first "presentation."

"After this campaign, we’re hoping they’ll take us seriously, but if they don’t, then we have a few other things up our sleeves," she said.

The office of Finance and Facilities was not available for comment.

As of press time, the kitchen helpers reported they had not received a response from NIU.

Brian Hemphill will enter his office Aug. 23 as the new NIU vice president for Student Affairs after a nearly yearlong search.

Hemphill will replace the retiring vice provost of Student Affairs, Gary Gresholdt, and assume the new title that now includes a seat in NIU President John Peters’ cabinet.

"I have been very impressed with Dr. Peters and his cabinet," Hemphill said. "When you read about a student from this institution talking about the president saying, ‘I love that guy,’ it’s rare."

Hemphill has touted a philosophy of increasing communication and collaboration to address the needs of NIU students.

"One thing we must ask ourselves regarding every program we provide is, ‘How does this enhance the academic and social experience of our students?’" Hemphill said. "Our work will be guided by a student-centered philosophy."

Hemphill will oversee Student Housing and Dining Services, University Health Service, Greek Life, Student Legal Assistance and other NIU programs relating to student life.

His philosophy, along with the communication skills and excitement that Hemphill brings, will be a great asset to the NIU community, Peters said.

"I am pleased that NIU has attracted a person of such experience and energy to bring renewed focus to student affairs," Peters said in a press release.

Looking toward the first 90 days of his new job, Hemphill said much of that time will be spent building relationships and assessing the fundamental strengths and weaknesses of the division.

"Much of my time will be spent communicating with members of the community," he said. "I don’t plan to spend a great deal of my time at my desk. I will be diligent about connecting with students to ensure that the decisions we make on their behalf are always in their best interest."

Hemphill will report to Ivan Legg, executive vice president and provost. Legg said he is sure Hemphill’s personality and experience will pay dividends in improving everyday student life at NIU.

"He has an infectious enthusiasm for the job, and he is very articulate. We are quite confident that we are putting this position into the right hands," Legg said in a press release.

Hemphill has spent the past three years as associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs and dean of students at the University of Arkansas.