In his role as Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs at Davis & Elkins College, Phillips oversees faculty and promotes their excellence in teaching, research and service, explores innovative approaches to enhance the educational experience for students and manages the academic, accreditation, strategic and fiscal planning for the College, among other duties. As the chief academic officer of the College, Phillips has served as a member of the president’s senior management team since his appointment in July 2017.
Education
- Ph.D. Political Science, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Ill.
- M.A. Political Science, Northern Illinois University
- B.A. Political Science, North Central College, Naperville, Ill.
Experience
A career veteran in higher education, Phillips has worked as an educator and administrator. Beginning in 1998 at Wheeling Jesuit University, he has taught graduate and undergraduate level courses in leadership, American government, international relations, political philosophy, research, and religion and politics. As an administrator, he held multiple roles at WJU including chief academic officer, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, vice president of academic affairs, chair of the Department of Social Science and Modern Languages and curriculum coordinator for the Master’s program in Organizational Leadership.
Prior to his work at WJU, Phillips taught political science at Dominican University, North Central College, Northern Illinois University, and College of DuPage. He also worked as a researcher and speechwriter for the Consulate General of Japan in Chicago.
Activities
Phillips has written book reviews and articles for the Journal of Politics, Catholic Social Science Review and Cardinal Perspectives. With research interests in the history of political philosophy, the theory and practice of leadership and the role of religion in American politics, he has presented conference papers and participated on panels for multiple national, regional and state political science associations, the Society of Catholic Social Scientists and the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. He has also delivered public lectures on religion and politics.
