INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—Bethany Lutheran College's President, Dr. Gene Pfeifer, will begin a two-year term representing the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) on the NCAA Division III Presidents Advisory Group (PAG). Pfeifer is in his 11th year as Bethany Lutheran's President, having served in that role since July 2015, and is in his second year of a three-year term as the chair of the UMAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors.
 
The NCAA Division III PAG consists of one president or chancellor from each Division III voting conference not represented on the NCAA Division III Presidents Council. Established to engage college leaders directly in governance, it serves as a sounding board on key national issues, legislative proposals, and provides nominees for the Presidents Council.
 
"College athletics is an important component of campus life at each of our Upper Midwest Athletic Conference institutions," said Dr. Pfeifer. "As current Chair of the UMAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors, it's an honor to serve the collective interests of our colleges and universities, and I now look forward to representing the conference and providing input at the national NCAA Division III through the Presidents Advisory Group."
 
Each eligible conference nominates one presidential representative to ensure nationwide grassroots input into national DIII policies. The PAG meets multiple times throughout the year, including dedicated orientations, virtual summer updates, and in-person meetings at the NCAA Convention and Fall Presidents Council summits. This group reviews and discusses critical topics—such as eligibility criteria, championships, financial stability, and NIL frameworks—before the Presidents Council votes on or takes official positions.
 
"President Pfeifer's appointment to the NCAA Division III Presidents Advisory Group is a tremendous recognition of his leadership and service to intercollegiate athletics," said former UMAC Commissioner, Corey Borchardt. "As chair of the UMAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors, Gene has been an active and influential leader who consistently brings thoughtful insight, strategic vision, and a strong commitment to the Division III model. He is deeply engaged in NCAA affairs and possesses a comprehensive understanding of the issues impacting our institutions and student-athletes. This appointment is a natural fit, and I know Gene will represent the UMAC and Division III in a very positive manner."