St. Ambrose University President Amy Novak has been elected as chair of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ Council of Presidents.
Ms. Novak has served as president of St. Ambrose since Aug. 2021, and has served on the NAIA’s COP Board for seven years, according to an NAIA news release. She also has served as an initial member of the Return on Athletics Advisory Board, and has been on the COP Executive Committee for five years.
“As a COP member, Amy has provided thoughtful insight and guidance to the NAIA from day one,” NAIA President Jim Carr said in a news release. “With her vast knowledge of higher education and unique ability to bring people together, I have no doubt she will be an excellent leader for our board.”
Prior to joining St. Ambrose, Ms. Novak was president of Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota, from 2013 to 2021, according to the release. She also served as DWU’s provost and the vice president of enrollment management. During her tenure as president, DWU experienced record enrollment growth, updated the campus’ infrastructure, and launched a variety of innovative academic initiatives and programs, the release states.
The Council of Presidents is composed of 25 institutional presidents representing the 21 NAIA conferences, plus four at-large members. As part of the NAIA’s shared governance model, the COP is designated as a governing body and has authority over membership, all fiscal matters and conference operations.
