Four-year term starts after board’s Aug. 2 meeting

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – East Tennessee State University President Dr. Brian Noland will represent the Southern Conference on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, with his four-year term beginning after the board’s Aug. 2 meeting.

“This is a pivotal time in collegiate athletics,” Noland said. “Now, more than ever, we must provide holistic support for our student-athletes to help them balance the increasing demands and challenges they face on and off the field of play. I am honored by the opportunity to work with [incoming NCAA] President [Charlie] Baker and his staff as we shape the next chapter of the NCAA and to represent the outstanding athletes, coaches, staff and faculty from the member institutions in the Southern Conference.”

The Board of Directors is the top governing body for Division I, responsible for strategy and policy and overseeing legislation and management of the division. The board is comprised of 24 members: 20 presidents, one from each FBS conference and 10 seats rotating among the remaining 22 conferences (five FCS and five Division I Subdivision conferences); one director of athletics; one senior woman administrator; one faculty athletics representative; and one student-athlete.

“Dr. Noland will be an outstanding NCAA Division I Board of Directors representative for the SoCon,” SoCon Commissioner Jim Schaus said. “He brings a wealth experience in higher education and served on the NCAA Presidential Forum recently. He is passionate about college sports and the importance of the student-athletes being students first.” 

The NCAA DI Board of Directors has many functions. Among them, it: 

• Focuses on strategic topics in college sports and their relationship to higher education.
• Monitors legislation to ensure it does not conflict with policies and goals.
• Reviews and approves policies and procedures governing the infractions program.
• Approves an annual budget.
• Adopts legislation when significant values are at stake, or an issue requires fast action that does not allow use of the regular legislative process.
• Collaborates with NCAA staff on how the national office can best serve Division I members. 

Noland has served as ETSU’s ninth president since January 2012. 

“President Noland’s appointment to the NCAA Division I Board of Directors speaks to his exemplary capabilities and outstanding character,” ETSU Director of Athletics Dr. Richard Sander said. “He is a visionary leader who can help chart the future of the NCAA. He is also a compassionate and ardent advocate for students who will prioritize the well-being and educational experiences of our student-athletes.” 

Noland will become the first representative from the SoCon on the Board of Directors since Wofford College President Dr. Nayef Samhat served from June 2018 to August 2019, completing the term of former Western Carolina University Chancellor Dr. David O. Belcher, who served from August 2015 to May 2018.

-www.SoConSports.com-