Ohio State president elected chair of national university group

Ohio State University’s president will take a national role in advancing higher education for the next year as chair of the Association of American Universities board of directors.

OSU’s Michael Drake was elected today at the association’s semiannual meeting in Washington, D.C. He succeeds Rice University president David Leebron, according to Ohio State.

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Drake served as the AAU vice chair for the past year.

As chair, Drake will represent AAU in discussions with federal policymakers, help develop national policy positions and play a role in determining the association’s agenda for the coming year.

He will also serve as a spokesperson for the association, particularly on issues that affect research universities, according to Ohio State.

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“Our nation’s universities are at the forefront of teaching, learning and research that change lives and build our most vibrant communities,” Drake said in a prepared statement. “A college degree is the clearest path to the American Dream, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to help advance our great institutions of higher learning.”

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