Wayne State University's plan to enhance opportunities for students and campus life received a major boost by the appointment of President Irvin D. Reid to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Presidents Council.

The appointment comes on the heels of unprecedented growth in the university's athletic program. In 1998, the university adopted the recommendation of a Blue Ribbon Panel of university and community leaders, alumni and students and announced a five-year plan to move toward becoming a Division I university. The following year the university launched Division I men's and women's hockey programs. In 1999, WSU introduced a new athletic identity program and a new nickname, the Warriors.

Continuing the momentum, Steve Kazor, following an impressive career coaching both at the NFL and college levels, took over as head coach last season leading the Warriors to their best season since 1994. Rob Fournier, formerly senior associate commissioner of the Mid-American Conference and the assistant athletic director as the University of Akron in Ohio, was appointed athletic director last fall.

Reid's two-year appointment was recommended following a recent vote by the 13-membercouncil and will become effective with the August 7, 2001, Presidents Council meeting. As the top governing body of the NCAA, the Presidents Council reviews and recommends legislation, policy and budgets relating to collegiate athletics for 264 Division II schools. Reid's placement on the council will provide an opportunity for Wayne State University to have a major voice in NCAA legislative matters that will impact colleges and universities nationwide.

This year one of the major issues that may be considered by the Council is deregulation. A controversial issue in collegiate athletics today, deregulation encompasses three major areas that directly affect student athletics nationwide; eligibility, financial aid, and post-season tournament play. In all three areas, there is growing momentum to relax some of the rigid standards that the NCAA has historically mandated.

President Reid will represent Region 3 consisting of NCAA member schools in the North Central area of Division II including Wayne State University. States comprising Region 3 include Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.