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.

"AASCU serves to promote and advance issues of importance to the higher education community, and gives all universities and colleges a strong presence nationally," Koester said. "For these reasons, I am honored to be able to contribute to their efforts."

Her appointment became official at the annual meeting of the AASCU membership on November 23.

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.