Allen Sessoms Appointed to NCAA Division II President's Council

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- University of the District of Columbia President Allen L. Sessoms has been appointed to the NCAA Division II President's Council.  The appointment exemplifies his leadership and experience in athletics and demonstrates the university's overall commitment to athletics and the role it plays in student life. 

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President Sessoms has extensive experience with intercollegiate athletics and the NCAA.  He is a former NCAA Division II member of the NCAA Presidents' Commission, having served on the President's Council transition team.  Under his leadership, the Athletic Department has dramatically built up its administrative bench with the hiring of associate athletic directors in NCAA compliance, internal operations, external affairs, academics and marketing and communications.

In July 2011, Sessoms, along with Director of Athletics, Patricia Thomas, guided the University of the District of Columbia into membership in the East Coast Conference (ECC), marking the university's first conference membership. 

"This is a great time for the University of the District of Columbia and the entire East Coast Conference," said ECC Commissioner Bob Dranoff.  "Even though [the University of the District of Columbia is] one of our newest members, Dr. Sessoms is extremely committed to Division II and has a strong understanding of the value of intercollegiate athletics to the college community."

"President Sessoms' vision and leadership have made a tremendous impact on intercollegiate athletics at the University of the District of Columbia," said Director Thomas.  "His commitment to our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, and supporters is significant.  His appointment to the President's Council demonstrates that our university's athletics program is definitely headed in the right direction." 

The NCAA Division II President's Council is a fifteen-member body of chancellors and presidents from the Division II membership.  The council provides structure for priorities in Division II intercollegiate athletics matters.  It implements policies adopted by the Association Executive Committee, directs policy of Division II, establishes the strategic plan for Division II, approves recommendations of Management Council and can ratify, amend, and rescind actions of the Management Council.  The Presidents Council also approves the budget and use of funds allocated to Division II.

As the only urban land-grant institution in the United States, the University of the District of Columbia (www.udc.edu) supports a broad mission of education, research and community service across all member colleges and schools, which include the Community College, College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Public Administration, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and David A. Clarke School of Law.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University's EO Policy Statement, please visit:  http://www.udc.edu/equal_opportunity.

The University of the District of Columbia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education - 3624 Market Street - Philadelphia, PA 19104 - (267) 284–5000.

CONTACT:  Alan Etter (202) 345-6371

SOURCE University of the District of Columbia