Kansas State University President Kirk Schulz is the new chair of the NCAA Board of Governors, which is the highest-ranking committee for the nation’s premiere collegiate athletics organization.

The board established Schulz as its newest leader on Friday during the 2015 NCAA Convention. He will serve as chair until January 2017, and will help to oversee association-wide issues.

“I am honored with the appointment to chair the board of governors and I look forward to bringing together athletics and academics in this leadership role, ” Schulz said. “The opportunity to serve as chair is an opportunity to strengthen the interconnectivity between intercollegiate athletics and the campus community, which is key as K-State becomes a Top 50 public research university by 2025.”

The board of governors includes 20 presidents and chancellors from all three divisions. Schulz replaces Lou Anna Simon, the president of Michigan State University, who has chaired the committee since August 2012.

Since 2012 Schulz has represented the Big 12 Conference as a member of the Division I Board of Directors and has served on the NCAA Executive Committee, which became the board of governors in October.