INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Division II Executive Board elected new leadership and members earlier this week, appointing Pittsburg State University President Dr. Thomas Newsom as its newest Executive Board member representing the Central Region.

The Division II Executive Board is the highest governance office in the Division. Its members are charged with setting the strategic direction for the division in all areas, including the division’s financial affairs and championships administration. The Executive Board may also sponsor legislative proposals at the NCAA Convention, and the chair of the board moderates the Division II Business Session at the annual Convention. The board comprises 13 voting members: nine presidents and chancellors, two student-athletes and two independent representatives.

“The MIAA is excited to learn that President Thomas Newsom has been appointed to the NCAA Executive Board,” said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. “It is a critical time for NCAA athletics and it is important to have someone from the MIAA on this leadership group helping to enhance the governance and membership experience for NCAA Division II institutions.”

Dr. Thomas Newsom became the 11th president of Pittsburg State University this past June. Most recently serving as the president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma, Newsom has spent more than 20 years in higher education, leading several colleges and universities on the path to academic excellence and achievement.

Prior to his role at Southeastern Oklahoma State, Newsom served as vice president of Student Success and dean of students at Texas A&M-Commerce. There, he oversaw the development of new student success initiatives and led the university’s student affairs.  

A native of Sherman, Texas, Newsom earned a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of North Texas, a Master's in higher education from A&M-Commerce, and a Bachelor’s in business administration from Austin College.

“I’m really excited to represent our region and the MIAA on the Division II Executive Board at such a pivotal time for collegiate athletics,” said Newsom. “I very much believe in the ‘life in the balance’ philosophy for Division II student-athletes, and I’m honored my peers selected me to help champion this healthy way of life within the NCAA.”