February 15, 2017

Susquehanna University President L. Jay Lemons has been selected to serve as chair of the National College Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Division III President’s Council.

The 18-member President’s Council is Division III’s primary governance body. In this role, Lemons will chair the council’s Strategic Planning and Finance Committee, as well as serve on the Board of Governors, the umbrella governing body that includes Divisions I, II and III college and university presidents.

“Athletics plays such an important role in the education and leadership development of many students. Students don’t just learn in the classroom, they also learn on the playing fields and through other cocurricular activities,” Lemons said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the council to advance the NCAA’s mission of encouraging students to pursue excellence in both academics and athletics, ensuring inclusivity and instilling respect for differences.”

A track and field athlete at Nebraska Wesleyan University while pursuing his undergraduate degrees, Lemons was instrumental in the formation of the Landmark Conference, of which Susquehanna University is a member. He continues to serve a critical role in the growth and development of the league. He was appointed to represent the Landmark Conference on the NCAA Division III President’s Council in August 2013 and was appointed vice chair of the NCAA Board of Governors in 2015.

Lemons has been president of Susquehanna University since February 2001. During his tenure, Susquehanna has experienced a period of significant enrollment growth, a $100 million capital investment plan, completion of Susquehanna’s largest fundraising campaign and support of the faculty’s innovative new Central Curriculum. Additionally, the university has gained national recognition for its Global Opportunities off-campus study program, commitment to affordability and socio-economic diversity among the student body, and postgraduate outcomes.