Christian Spears will serve as acting director of Northern Illinois University Athletics beginning April 15, 2013. Spears joined the Athletics executive administrative team in April 2009, coming from Southern Illinois University. Promoted from senior associate athletics director to deputy director of Athletics in August 2012, Spears will step up to lead Huskie Athletics following the departure of Jeff Compher to East Carolina University. He has overseen many of Huskie Athletics' administrative units, including academic support services, compliance, life skills, strength and conditioning, football operations and equipment. Under his guidance, Northern Illinois ranks among the national leaders in Academic Progress Rate (APR) and Graduation Success Rate (GSR). He has been involved in hiring coaches and staff and is the sport administrator for women's cross country, women's soccer, men's tennis, women's track & field and wrestling.

Northern Illinois University president John G. Peters announced that Dr. Steven Cunningham, vice president of administration and human resource services, will serve as acting chief of operations and executive vice president of Finance & Facilities. It was announced that Dr. Eddie Williams will take a leave of absence from his university duties.