Smithwas named the 2012 Living Legend Award winner by the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration. He received the award at the organization’s annual conference on Aug. 7 in Kansas City, Mo. Established in 1947, the NCPEA is the oldest professional society for educational leadership and policy studies. Since 1999, the group’s Living Legend Award has recognized outstanding contributions to the field of educational administration. Winners exemplify greatness through: living a life that inspires others, providing exemplary service to NCPEA, modeling an ethic of care and professionalism, demonstrating the highest levels of success as a university teacher and researcher, and offering highly significant contributions to the field of educational administration. Smith has contributed to NCPEA as a former executive board member, yearbook author, yearbook manuscript editor and frequent committee member. His research has spanned a large spectrum of educational policy, but he is best known for scholarship focused on the deleterious effects of standardized testing on low-income and disenfranchised youth. Smith said he was very honored to receive the designation of Living Legend. “Those who have received this award before me, like Professor John Hoyle at Texas A&M University, are without question leading minds in the field,” he said. Hoyle, Smith’s friend and former mentor, was the inaugural speaker for his investiture as president at NSU. “Because I have been active in the organization since 1988, it is especially nice to have been selected by my friends and colleagues from all around the country,” Smith said. “This is truly a ‘once in a lifetime’ recognition.” News northern 4 northern today Phillips started in October as Northern’s new vice president of student affairs. He was hired following a nationwide search and replaces Rhoda Smith, who left the university for another career opportunity this summer. A native of Mercer, Pa., Phillips brings to Northern vast experience in the field of student affairs. He has worked in higher education in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Iowa. Most recently, he was associate vice president of student affairs/dean of students at the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, Texas. At NSU, Phillips said, his goals are to get to know the needs of students and staff and to provide quality services to students. “Sometimes it’s just the little things we do,” such as making sure students feel comfortable asking questions, he said. Phillips was inspired and encouraged to enter the field of student affairs by a family friend and pastor who served as his adviser during college. This mentor told him he would be good at helping students be successful. He also gave Phillips sound advice. “Never forget why you’re doing what you’re doing,” he told Phillips. “It’s about the students.” Phillips said his career provides a chance to see students grow and develop. “I love what I do,” he said. Phillips also likes Aberdeen and said it is a place where his kids can grow up. He and his wife, Sharia, moved to Aberdeen with their sons: Keegan, 8; Cole, 7; Caden, 6; and Collin, 5. Phillips also has a daughter, Shania, 16, who lives in Indianapolis. While he and his wife are both from Pennsylvania, the northern climate is a new adventure for their boys. Only the older two have seen snow, and they can barely remember it. “This is going to be their first experience with snow,” he said. “They’re excited.” vice president of student affairs calvin d. phillips NSU president receives top honor from professional society Northern welcomes new vice president of student affairs “Sometimes it’s just the little things we do,” Phillips said. At a smaller institution, it’s easier to make personal connections and see the impact one is having on students’ lives – and that’s part of what drew Dr. Calvin D. Phillips to Northern State University. This summer, Northern State University President James Smith received the highest honor given by a national professional society. “I love what I do,” he said. “Never forget why you’re doing what you’re doing,” he told Phillips. “It’s about the students.”
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