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NIU’s Spears to serve as president of NAAC

July 2, 2012

Christian Spears

Christian Spears, Northern Illinois University’s Senior Associate Athletics Director, will serve as president of the National Association for Athletics Compliance (NAAC) in 2012-13, the organization announced at its annual meetings in Dallas. Spears, who served as NAAC’s first vice-president in 2011-12, will lead the association through next year’s national meeting.

“I am honored that my colleagues have chosen me to lead the National Association for Athletics Compliance during such an exciting and historic time for intercollegiate athletics,” Spears said. “I look forward to serving our members as well as representing NIU and the Mid American Conference.

“Substantial changes are underway nationally and our association is significantly involved in those discussions. NAAC is uniquely positioned to make a real difference and ensure integrity is always considered as we look to better serve our intercollegiate athletic programs and specifically our student-athletes, coaches and university communities.”

Beginning his fourth year with Northern Illinois and fifth year on the NAAC Board of Directors, Spears’ responsibilities at NIU include serving as the primary liaison between several campus units and Intercollegiate Athletics, including Academic and Student Affairs. Additionally, he supervises academics, compliance, life skills, strength and conditioning, sport psychology and football operations. Spears coordinates the department’s Academic Progress Rate (APR) and Graduation Success Rate (GSR) and is the sport administrator for cross country, women’s soccer, men’s tennis, track and field and wrestling.

“Congratulations to Christian on beginning his term as president of NAAC,” said NIU Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Jeff Compher. “He has brought a strong work ethic and passion to Northern Illinois University, particularly to our athletic department, and I know he will bring that same energy to that organization.

“Christian is well connected and well regarded nationally for his expertise in NCAA Compliance and Legislation processes. Through his leadership, NIU will be at the forefront of the many of the changes taking place in Division I Athletics.”

NAAC is in its 14th year and serves as the professional and educational association of compliance administrators.

The Association is administered by NACDA, which is now in its 47th year. NACDA is the professional and educational association for more than 6,500 college athletics administrators at more than 1,600 institutions throughout the United States and Canada. More than 2,200 athletics administrators annually attend the NACDA Convention.