The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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20 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BY NOAH FLEISCHMAN C lyde Phillips' final semester at NC State was one to remember for years to come. He watched Jim Valvano lead the Wolfpack men's basketball team to its second-ever national champi- onship in 1983. From that point on, Phil- lips was set on doing whatever he could to support the Pack. He joined the Wolfpack Club soon after graduating from NC State with a degree in business management, and in the de- cades that followed, he con- tinued to assist his alma mater in any way possible. Over the years, Phillips worked his way up the Wolfpack Club ranks. He was an original charter Wolfpack Club representative, serving as both a county and district chairman before joining the board shortly afterward. Phillips said he climbed the ladder "slowly but surely," relishing the oppor- tunity to help support NC State Athlet- ics up close. An entrepreneur, he has a knack for building businesses, and he has helped the Wolfpack Club along the way. "I'm very passionate about NC State Athletics," Phillips said. "I try to give back any way I can, monetarily and with my time. I just enjoy everything to do with Wolfpack Athletics." Now, Phillips is the Wolfpack Club's president. He began his two-year term this summer after he served as vice presi- dent for the past two years under Eddie Wetherill's leadership. Phillips, who has filled nearly every role in the club at one point or another, is focused on continuing to expand the organization. His goal is to get as many people involved as possible, whether that's through monetary donations or by encouraging volunteerism. "To me, strength is in numbers," Phil- lips said. "I like growing the base and see- ing people move up and get experience and access. I will do anything I can do to get them more involved and volunteer. We need all types of people, and all types of help for revenue sports, nonrevenue sports, academics — everything." Phillips is uniquely equipped to serve a critical role at the Wolfpack Club. He was previously on the board for One Pack NIL, NC State's collective, and that ex- perience has given him a broad perspec- tive on the current demands in collegiate athletics. Although the Wolfpack Club isn't an NIL entity, Phil- lips knows the importance of both. He has the ability to ed- ucate those who aren't so sure about the new college sports economy. "I can talk to people that do not understand what the collective is, what NIL is, and how it impacts," Phillips said. "It's not just paying the athletes. Sure, there are horror stories that everyone hears, but there are five great stories that have helped kids and their families for every one story that looks like a kid is being selfish and self-serving." Phillips is focused on growing the Wolfpack Club's base over the next two years. He's eager to get everyone in- volved, from current students to young professionals. His own path in the Wolf- pack Club, one that started just after he graduated from NC State, is something he hopes can be an example for the next generation. Although the college athletics land- scape looks very different than it did when Phillips got his start, the Wolfpack Club's mission hasn't changed in the four decades since. "There have been lots of changes, people change, but the goal remains the same," Phillips said. "We have good peo- ple running the Wolfpack Club and the athletics department. They want to win. They want to do it the right way." Now, as the Wolfpack Club's newest president, Phillips will have a major voice in helping NC State pursue its goals. He's excited about the role, but he also knows the potential challenges that await. "I'm following two really strong presi- dents in Brian McMurray and Eddie Wetherill since I've been on the executive committee," Phillips said. "I've got some big shoes to fill, but we'll do the best we can." ■ Clyde Phillips Clyde Phillips Brings A Wealth Of Experience To His New Role As Wolfpack Club President MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the NC State Student Aid Associa- tion (Wolfpack Club) is to provide private financial support for athletic scholarships and facilities for NC State University. Additionally, the Student Aid Association pro- vides communication and services for all friends of Wolfpack athletics. All of the activities of the Association are done with the highest integrity for academic and athletic excellence and within the guidelines established by the University, the Atlantic Coast Conference, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. WOLFPACK CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025-26 The Wolfpack Club is pleased to announce the Board of Directors and officers for the 2025-26 year. The new officers elected for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2025, are: Clyde Phillips, President, Asheboro, N.C. Elizabeth Cooley, Vice-President, Wagram, N.C. Doug Doggett, Treasurer, Charlotte, N.C. Eddie Wetherill, Past-President, Raleigh, N.C. The new members elected to Wolfpack Club Board of Directors to a four-year term beginning July 1, 2025, are: Kevin Cutts, Clover, S.C. Beth Roach, Apex, N.C. Anna Sullivan, Mooresville, N.C. Jeff Wright, Raleigh, N.C. The remaining Board of Directors for the 2025-26 year are the following: Astra Ball, Raleigh, N.C. Cres Calabrese, Georgetown, S.C. Jerricho Cotchery, Charlotte, N.C. Crystal Fish, Lillington, N.C. Matt Griffith, Atlanta, Ga. Greg Hatem, Raleigh, N.C. Woody Jones, Weaverville, N.C. Ged King, Greensboro, N.C. Kris Neal, Littleton, N.C. Ken Nichols, Laurinburg, N.C. Brad Remmey, Charlotte, N.C. Boo Corrigan (ex-officio), Raleigh, N.C. Chancellor Kevin Howell (ex-officio), Raleigh, N.C. Brian Sischo (ex-officio), Raleigh, N.C. The Wolfpack Club Board of Directors, associated with the NC State Wolfpack Club, serves to guide and support the organization's mission of promoting and financially supporting NC State University's varsity athletic programs.