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President Eanes Appointed to NCAA Division III Presidents Council

York College President Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes is one of six new members of the council who begin their four-year terms following the 2022 NCAA convention

York College President Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes has been named to the prestigious NCAA Division III Presidents Council, the National Collegiate Athletic Association announced. President Eanes is one of six new members of the council who begin their four-year terms following the 2022 NCAA Convention (Jan. 19-22).


In my professional life, appointment to the NCAA Division III Presidents' Council is one of the great honors and an unexpected one," said Eanes. "When I was appointed President of York College in 2020, I did not expect that this additional honor was also in the cards for the near future as well. So not only is it a pleasant surprise, but an honor that is at once exciting and humbling.

The Presidents Council is the highest governing body in Division III.  The Council establishes and directs the general policy of the Division, while also establishing Division III's strategic plan. Presidents Council has the ability to make recommendations to the Board of Governors, the Association's highest governing body, on matters related to Division III such as championships, and may approve the use of funds allocated to the Division.  Additionally, Presidents Council may sponsor legislation independent of Management Council.


Being on the NCAA Division III Presidents Council means York College has a seat at this important table in collegiate athletics, and I get to learn and participate in the decision-making that will impact all of CUNY and numerous other institutions throughout the state and nation. I get to contribute to establishing and directing the general policy of the Division, while also establishing Division III's strategic plan. Having this privilege is a joy and I am so thankful for the opportunity.

The Presidents Council is an 18-member body, with at least two members from each of the four Division III geographical regions and ten shall serve "at large". The geographical regions are as follows: Region 1 – Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont; Region 2 – New York, Pennsylvania; Region 3 – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia; and Region 4 – Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming. Among the 18 members, at least three must be from institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment of 2,400 or more; at least three must be from institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment between 1,400 and 2,400; at least three must be from institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment of 1,400 or less; at least three must be from public institutions; at least three must be from private institutions; there must be at least four women and four men; at least two who are members of an ethnic minority; and at least two who are not ethnic minorities. 

Dr. Eanes was appointed President of York College effective August 1, 2020 after serving as the Interim President for the 2019-20 academic year. The appointment signaled her return to CUNY, having previously spent six years as Vice President for Student Affairs at John Jay College (2006-2012).

Immediately prior to her York College appointment, Dr. Eanes served for seven years as Vice President for Student Affairs at California State University Fullerton, where she delivered leadership and oversight for university and student success programs under the guiding principles of ensuring that everyone working at the university has a role in student success.