Director of Athletics and Recreation Garnett Purnell was invited to become a member of the prestigious NCA A Division III Management Council, adding to his already long list of council memberships and professional accomplishments.

Purnell, who came to Wittenberg in 1999, is already quite familiar with the organization. He previously spent five years as a compliance representative with the NCA A, which is based in Indianapolis, Ind., and he also serves as a member of the NCAA Division III Financial Aid Committee.

"I feel I bring to the council a good knowledge of the NCAA, and a coach's perspective," said Purnell, who also has served as head men's golf coach at Wittenberg since 2004.

The NCAA Division III Management Council currently has 19 members, consisting of athletic directors , institutional CEOs, faculty athletics representatives and members of campus Student-Athlete Advisory Committees (SAAC). It is responsible for a majority of the governance of Division III athletics, charged with resolving issues, overseeing various sports and association-wide committees, and paying special attention to financial aid and women's athletics. These committees report their actions to the council, which then reports to the NCAA President's Council.

"I hope to bring a greater insight into the issues in our division," Purnell said. "I want to resolve some of the issues and 'growing pains' surrounding Division III athletics."

Purnell, who attended his f irst meeting in October 2006, said that he also will be participating on other NCAA committees in the near future.

"It's definitely an honor to be chosen and be a part of this group," Purnell said. "I hope to make the most of this experience and help our association get better."

- Rachel Morgan '08