John Phillips

Phillips
John Phillips (Age 86)
John D. Phillips, a lifelong advocate for expanding access to higher education and a two-time stroke survivor who turned personal adversity into public service, has passed away at 86 on January 25, 2025. A dedicated policymaker, educator, and sports lover, he left an indelible mark on higher education and stroke recovery advocacy.

Born in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, John was a scholar from an early age. He graduated with honors from Williams College before earning his Ph.D. in American History from Stanford University. His passion for education led him to Washington, where he played a pivotal role in shaping federal student aid programs. As Deputy Commissioner of Higher Education at the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, he was instrumental in drafting legislation that established and expanded direct student financial aid programs.

In 1976, John became the founding president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), leading the organization for a decade. Under his leadership, NAICU grew into a vital representative for over 1,000 private colleges and universities, strengthening their voice in national higher education policy.

A two-time stroke survivor, John refused to let personal hardship define him. Instead, he co-founded Stroke Comeback in 2000, an organization dedicated to supporting stroke survivors on their path to recovery. As its founding board chairman, he helped countless individuals navigate life after stroke, proving that resilience and service could flourish in the face of adversity.

John was a devoted family man, a lover of beaches from the Caribbean to Rehoboth, and an amateur photographer who delighted in capturing the world through his lens. He was also a celebrated bookie - at least within the family - running a low-stakes sports betting pool where the real prize was never the $5 kitty, but the camaraderie it fostered.

In 1980, he married his wife Paula Kuebler, with whom he shared a life rich in travel and adventure. Eventually, they lost count of the dozens of countries they visited together. They lived in Manhattan, McLean, and Rehoboth Beach.

John is survived by Paula, his son Jack, his three stepchildren Katy, Brad, and Jenna, and nine beloved grandchildren. His legacy endures through the students he helped, the lives he uplifted, and the family who continues to adore him.

Details about a commemorative gathering are to come. In lieu of flowers, his family encourages donations to The Stroke Comeback Center in Vienna, VA.