DANBURY, CONN. — As one of the Colonials’ biggest fans, Western Connecticut State University President James W. Schmotter is a familiar face at the university’s games. But when it comes to growth and participation in sports, Schmotter doesn’t sit on the sidelines.

Schmotter’s active participation in the Little East Conference (LEC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has recently earned him top recognition. In June, after the retirement of John Nazarian, president of Rhode Island College, Schmotter replaced Nazarian as LEC president for a two-year term.

LEC Commissioner Jonathan Harper said it was only natural to also nominate Schmotter to sit on the NCAA Division III President’s Council Advisory Group, a term that runs until Jan. 2011. The advisory group represents public and private institutions across the country. It reviews and makes recommendations on a wide variety of issues vital to growth.

“I didn’t hesitate to nominate him to the president’s group,” Harper said. “He’s a strong proponent of athletics and understands the role of athletics and the overall community on campus. He has a strong vision and is a fine example for his colleagues.”

The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a voluntary organization through which many colleges and universities nationwide govern their athletics programs. The Little East Conference is an NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletic conference with eight member institutions in New England.

“Given Dr. Schmotter’s background as a competitive athlete and his continued interest in intercollegiate sports, particularly those at WCSU, it seems to me that his role at the Little East Conference and the NCAA is a natural fit,” WCSU Athletics Director Ed Farrington said.

As LEC president, Schmotter chairs the president’s CEO meetings and is responsible for oversight of the Commissioner’s office and is the official contact to sign off on official NCAA forms, such as grants. The NCAA advisory group meets several times a year to consider legislative changes brought to the NCAA convention floor as they pertain to Division III on a national level.

“Playing intercollegiate basketball at an NCAA Division III college was a meaningful experience for me, and I know that WCSU’s student-athletes also benefit from the lessons in discipline, teamwork and personal commitment that competitive athletics teaches,” Schmotter said. “And, as we saw with our Women’s Soccer Team last year, sports can create positive energy and bring the campus together.”

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.