INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Georgia Southern Director of Athletics Tom Kleinlein has been named to the NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee, the NCAA has announced. His appointment will begin on July 1, 2019 and run through June 30, 2023.

The Football Oversight Committee ensures that appropriate oversight of football for both the Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Subdivision is maintained; enhances the development of the sport and make recommendations related to regular-season and postseason football. The committee prioritizes enhancement of the student-athlete educational experience (academically and athletically), and in doing so, promotes student-athletes' personal growth and leadership development. It works in conjunction with appropriate governance entities to provide solutions to issues impacting the health and safety of football student-athletes.

"It's an honor to be chosen to represent Georgia Southern and the Sun Belt Conference on the NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee," Kleinlein said. "I look forward to being able to work with my constituents and help advance college football through enhancing the student-athlete experience, which continues to be a top priority at Georgia Southern."

The Football Oversight Committee supervises procedures for licensing of postseason bowls and qualifications and/or selection procedures for the FCS Championship. The committee reviews recommendations from the NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee and process other issues related to the administration of the FCS Championship. The committee provides direction to the NCAA Football Rules Committee regarding playing rules governing FBS and FCS football. The committee is comprised of representatives from each divisional subgroup that sponsors football.

Entering his eighth year at GS, Kleinlein continues making his mark in all facets of the department. His approach and vision is to ensure that the Georgia Southern programs continue their recent string of successes, while he also remains sharply focused on the areas of student-athlete experience, facilities, fan engagement and fundraising. He was also a leader in the implementation of the new Georgia Southern Athletic Department in 2017 as Georgia Southern and Armstrong State University merged to become one university. Kleinlein was a key cog in the leadership and planning elements to pull off the successful consolidation and now serves on the Presidential Cabinet for new University President Dr. Kyle Marrero.

Kleinlein's vision and planning was critical as Georgia Southern navigated the changing landscape of college athletics by accepting an invitation to join the Sun Belt Conference in March of 2013, moving the FCS powerhouse to the highest level of competition in football and securing a new league for the Eagles' athletics teams. This announcement placed Georgia Southern among new peers, both as a department and as a university.Kleinlein's emphasis on organization and leadership is evident in the assembly of the athletics department, coaches and support staff. In addition to coaching positions and sports, Kleinlein has created his leadership team which is part of the infrastructure needed in order to operate successfully at the Division I FBS level.