Colby-Sawyer College President Susan D. Stuebner was recently appointed to serve on the NCAA Division III Chancellors/Presidents Advisory Group on a three-year term.

This selective group, made up of college and university presidents from Division III conferences across the nation, operates as the premiere advisory panel to the Division III Presidents Council, the division’s highest governing body. Stuebner, who is currently serving as chair of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Presidents Council, begins her term immediately.

“I am delighted and honored to begin a term on the NCAA Division III Presidents Advisory Group, representing both Colby-Sawyer College and the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC),” said Stuebner, who is in her sixth year as Colby-Sawyer president. “Collegiate athletics are a central part of our institutions and I look forward to representing our student-athletes, our coaches and our presidents on the advisory group.”

The advisory group was established in response to the Division III Presidents Council’s desire to more directly and effectively engage college and university presidents in governance discussions at the national, conference and institutional levels. It consists of one president or chancellor from each Division III voting conference not currently represented on the Presidents Council or Management Council.

Prior to Stuebner’s appointment, the GNAC has most recently been represented on the advisory group by Albertus Magnus College President Dr. Marc Camille (2019-22), Saint Joseph’s College of Maine President Dr. James Dlugos (2017-19) and Rivier University President Sister Paula Buley, IHM (2015-17).

“President Stuebner has always shown exceptional commitment to the success and overall experience of our student-athletes,” GNAC Commissioner Joe Walsh said. “She will provide keen perspective and leadership for Division III student-athletes everywhere with this appointment.”

The advisory group’s primary objectives include enhancing the extent to which college presidents understand the NCAA governance process; enhancing the leadership of presidents in the governance of intercollegiate athletics; enhancing the integration of athletics programs within the educational mission of Division III institutions and conferences; and better recognizing and accommodating the differing models of conference governance and expectations of leadership by presidents within Division III.

“This is currently a time of change and reflection at the NCAA and I am looking forward to working with the other presidents on issues of governance and communicating with the GNAC presidents about what I learn,” Stuebner said. “I also look forward to advocating about the unique character of Division III athletics and the importance of preserving this important model.”