Xavier Phillips

Xavier Phillips is a marketing major from Glen Ellyn, IL

Hometown: Glen Ellyn, IL

High School: Glenbard West High School

Year: Expected graduation: 2026

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I was offered the NIU merit scholarship because of my good academic standing in high school. It’s helped me not be in a lot of debt.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
When I was younger, I wanted to become a Broadway singer; it’s always been a dream of mine to perform on a big stage. However, I realized that I am really good with making new connections and being able to work with a team, no matter what the situation is, which led me to become a business major.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is marketing, and I chose this because I love connecting with other people and giving new, creative ideas. My minor is in ASL. It’s something that I am really passionate about, and I love to help others, so if I can make someone’s day by communicating with them through ASL, it’s something very special for me.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The one thing that I was really surprised about was how much the professors and the staff really care about their students succeeding. It’s a huge thing for me because that is how my high school was, and to be able to have that connection with my professors and staff on campus has really opened new doors for me.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I’m a part of a Greek organization, which has helped me spread my wings throughout campus. I am very open-minded and have a big personality, so I am able to communicate and to get to know people on a deeper level, which helps me make new friendships and bonds.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I am a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. I am also the Fraternity and Sorority Life coordinator for the ambassador program here at NIU. Being a part of my chapter has taught me so much about leadership positions, as well as what it’s like to have a sense of belonging. Being a part of the ambassador program has shown me a bigger picture of being able to represent not only the Interfraternity Council (IFC), but all of the other councils here at NIU. It’s important that we strive for Greek unity here on campus. I’ve also attended a leadership retreat that has gotten me to make so many new connections around the school and gotten me very interested in other organizations that I can join throughout the school year! I am very grateful for all the people I have met because of Greek life; it has only set me up for success.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Division of Student Affairs has done so much for me in general and has taught me how to get involved. It’s also helped me make new connections and friends on campus.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Liz Grant teaches Accounting 206 and 207. I have had her for both of those classes, and she has always had my back and made sure that I was doing OK. The content in the class may have been very challenging, but she was always there for me whenever I had a problem with anything in the class and has always been interested in what I have been doing here at NIU. I would also like to say that Kelly Olson and Dr. Clint-Michael Reneau from Student Affairs have done so much for me. They are constantly supporting me and helping me find my way through life. They are my biggest cheerleaders! A quote that I remember Dr. Reneau said to me was, it takes one person to open that door for you. Ever since he said that, countless doors have opened for me here at NIU, and I am so grateful.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
It helps you build new connections and understand the content that is given to you.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
The Oasis Suite in the Holmes Student Center is my favorite spot in the school because there are so many people interacting with each other, and I usually see all of my classmates or some of my brothers there.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Take your time. Even if you don’t go with your first choice, that doesn’t mean you won’t fit in at another school. Another big thing I would say is to get involved when you get to school. Make sure there are things the school offers that you know you would be interested in.

Why is a college education important to you?
I really want to be successful! I want to live a comfortable life. My stepdad is an alum, and I see how successful he has become, so it motivates me to follow the same track he did.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Time management is the number one factor. I always make sure that all my schoolwork is done before I go out to hang out with my friends or my brothers. I use the Blackboard calendar to see when all of my assignments are due, and I use a planner so I know when all of my events are.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I use the Huskie Hub app to see when there are events going on around campus. I also reach out to Student Involvement to see when there might be events coming up, or I look at the Oasis Suite, at the big board right outside of Starbucks, and it tells all of the upcoming events.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
For me to relax, I usually watch some TV or hang out with some of my friends.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently have two jobs. I work at Target, mainly in the beauty and style departments. I love to see people smile and help them out with products they may need or clothing brands. My other job is on campus; I’m the FSL coordinator. I help run the social media and come up with new ideas throughout the school year for Greek life events, as well as help our Greek ambassadors thrive. Some of my hobbies are listening to music, going on long car rides and traveling.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I am an openly gay man, and I thought coming to NIU was going to be very bad for me. However, it has been my best decision I’ve made! Getting out of your comfort zone is when your real story begins.