Dr. Joseph J. McGowan, president of Bellarmine University, has been elected to the executive committee of a national association for independent universities.

McGowan will serve as treasurer of the Council of Independent Colleges for a two-year term from January 2016 to January 2018.

The Council of Independent Colleges provides services and a broad range of initiatives directly to independent colleges and universities to help improve the quality of education and strengthen institutional resources. 

“The council is pleased to have Dr. McGowan as a member of the Board’s executive committee,” said the council’s president, Richard Ekman. “CIC continues to implement many new programs, projects, and services and needs a strong executive committee to oversee their planning and execution. I am certain that Jay will serve the council admirably, and I look forward to working with him.” 

McGowan’s recent service in higher education associations includes terms as chairman of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities and Kentuckiana Metroversity, along with service on the board of directors of the American Council on Education and the Council of Independent Colleges.

Within the Council of Independent Colleges, McGowan has served on committees for programs and awards, and on an advisory group for new college presidents.

McGowan was appointed the third president of Bellarmine University in 1990.