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AMHERST, N.Y. -- ˿����Ƶ College President Gary A. Olson has been appointed to the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division II Presidents Council, the body that helps set policy and the strategic direction for all Division II colleges nationwide. The council is composed of 16 presidents or chancellors of Division II colleges across the country.

“President Olson’s appointment to this prestigious post is further evidence that ˿����Ƶ College is becoming an institution of national distinction,” said Bridget Niland, director of athletics. “As a member of the Presidents Council, Dr. Olson will help chart the future of Division II sports throughout the country and uphold the division’s philosophy of academic excellence and competitive intercollegiate athletics.”

Olson, who has a national reputation as a scholar, columnist, and college administrator, will serve a four-year term as a council member.

“I am honored and humbled to be chosen to help lead the NCAA,” said Olson. “We at ˿����Ƶ College are committed to the Division II philosophy of ‘life in the balance,’ the healthy balance of academics and athletics.”

After a three-year-long probationary period, ˿����Ƶ was approved in July to become an active member of Division II beginning in September. The college will be a member of the East Coast Conference and will compete against such colleges as the University of Bridgeport, Molloy College, Queens College, and the University of the District of Columbia.