Southeastern President Appointed To NCAA Division II Presidents Council

Press Release Date: 11-15-2005

Southeastern Oklahoma State University President Dr. Glen D. Johnson has been appointed to serve as a Region 3 representative on the NCAA Division II Presidents Council. The appointment is effective with the April 27, 2006 Presidents Council meeting, scheduled to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana.

He is the first president from the Lone Star Conference to serve on the Council.

“It is an honor to represent all of the Region 3 institutions on the NCAA Presidents Council,” President Johnson said. “The Council’s work has a tremendous impact on intercollegiate athletics and higher education. I look forward to working with the other Council members on the many important issues that impact student-athletes.”

Members of the Presidents Council serve four-year terms; President Johnson’s term will run from 2006-January 2010. He will serve as a representative from Region 3, which encompasses the states of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Dr. Johnson was appointed President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1997.

A native of Okemah, Oklahoma, President Johnson was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1982. In 1990, he was elected Speaker of the House, and at that time, was the youngest person in the United States to hold that office.

President Johnson holds memberships in numerous professional, state and national organizations and has been the recipient of many awards and honors during his career. Earlier this year, he was named Administrator of the Year by the Oklahoma Academic Advising Association.

He currently serves on the American Association of State Colleges and Universities National Board of Directors; is past chairman of the Council of Presidents for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education; is past chairman of the Lone Star Conference Council of Presidents; is a member of the Oklahoma State Fair Board; and is chairman-elect of the board of directors of the Oklahoma Heritage Association.

The Division II Presidents Council is a 15-member body that consists of chancellors and presidents from Division II member institutions and serves as a leadership structure and forum for presidential priorities in Division II intercollegiate athletics matters.

“This is an exciting time not only for Southeastern Oklahoma State University but also for our entire conference,” said LSC commissioner Fred Jacoby. “Dr. Johnson has impressive credentials, including a keen interest in athletics, excellent negotiating skills and a proven track record in leadership positions. His experience as a former chair of the LSC Council of Presidents, plus his background as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives will serve him well in this position. He knows the realistic place of an intercollegiate athletics program in higher education, so I’m confident that he’ll excel in this new role.”

Among other duties, the Presidents Council is empowered to implement policies adopted by the Association’s Executive Committee; establish and direct the general policy of Division II; establish a strategic plan for Division II; approve recommendations of the Division II Management Council;. ratify, amend or rescind the actions of the Division II Management Council; and develop and approve the budget and the use of funds allotted to Division II.

“President Johnson’s appointment to the NCAA Division II Presidents Council is a wonderful tribute to his commitment to the student-athletes, coaches, athletic staff and supporters of intercollegiate athletics at our University,” said Dr. Jeff Hale, vice president for enrollment management-marketing and intercollegiate athletics at SOSU. “His service on the Presidents Council, the highest appointment a president can receive, provides him the opportunity to shape NCAA policy and positively impact the student-athlete experience. Southeastern Oklahoma State University and the Lone Star Conference Schools will benefit greatly from his service.”

The Division II Presidents Council meets on a quarterly basis — at the annual Convention in January, and in the months of April, August and October.