Koester joined the board last year for a one-year term that was to expire this month. However, a subcommittee of the board in October recommended that Koester extend her term on AASCU's Board of Directors to 2008. The full board voted yesterday to affirm the recommendation at its annual meeting.

AASCU, one of higher education's most prestigious advocacy organizations, represents more than 430 public colleges, universities and higher education systems in the United States and its territories.

"Cal State Northridge is pleased to continue its service on the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Board of Directors in support of AASCU's work to promote accessible, quality public higher education," Koester said.

Koester will serve with board members from institutions around the country, helping the association fulfill its stated goals:

• To promote appreciation and support for public higher education and the contributions of the association's member colleges and universities;
• To analyze public policy and advocate for member institutions;
• To provide policy leadership and program support for academic quality, access and inclusion, and educational innovation;
• To create professional development opportunities for institutional leaders.

AASCU schools, according to the association, enroll more than 3 million students, totaling 56 percent of enrollment at all public four-year institutions.