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The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities () has elected ���ϰٿ� President Gayle D. Beebe to a three-year term on its board of directors. Beebe, who will be formally appointed Feb. 1 in Washington, D.C., will represent a region that includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

“At this crucial time for independent higher education, we need to articulate the critical role that colleges like ���ϰٿ� play in equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to contribute to the global society,” Beebe says.

NAICU is the leading national association representing private higher education, serving as the unified voice of more than 1,000 independent college and university presidents and specialized, state and regional association executives. NAICU member institutions enroll nine out of every 10 students attending a private college or university in the U.S. The 44-member NAICU board works with the federal government to establish policy issues affecting student aid, taxation and government regulation.

“President Beebe was selected by his peers because of his expertise in the field, proven leadership and commitment to America’s college students,” said NAICU President David L. Warren. “He assumes his responsibilities at a time of great challenge and transformation for American higher education.”

Beebe became president of ���ϰٿ� in 2007 after leading Spring Arbor University in Michigan for seven years. He earned master’s degrees in divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary and in business administration at Claremont Graduate University, where he studied with Peter Drucker. He also completed a master’s degree and a doctorate in philosophy of religion and theology at Claremont. His books include “Longing for God” and “The Shaping of an Effective Leader.”