College Football Playoff tabs Washington State’s Kirk Schulz for Board of Managers

Washington State University President Kirk Schulz has been chosen as the newest member and Pac-12 representative of the College Football Playoff Board of Managers, the organization announced Monday. Schulz replaces former USC President C.L. Max Nikias as the Pac-12’s rep, who stepped down from the school’s presidency in August. The CFP board is comprised of 11 members - one from each of the 10 FBS conferences (Pac-12, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, AAC, Sun Belt, Mountain West, Conference-USA, Mid-American) and Notre Dame. It’s the CFP committee, not the board, that selects the four teams that participate in the annual four-team playoff. But Schulz and fellow board members are responsible for governing the playoff’s business, property and affairs, as well as developing annual budgets, policies and operating guidelines. “I am looking forward to representing Washington State University and the Pac-12 Conference on the College Football Playoff Board of Managers,” Schulz said. “I look forward to working with my college presidents and chancellors from around the country in ensuring an outstanding College Football Playoff experience for our student-athletes.” Schulz has served previously on collegiate athletic committees, working from 2014-16 as a chairman on the NCAA Board of Governors - the organization’s highest-ranking committee - while he was the president at Kansas State University. He was also part of a subcommittee that restructured the Division I governance model. “We are delighted that Dr. Schulz has joined the board of managers. His knowledge, experience and judgement will make him a terrific member. It is a remarkable group of dedicated individuals, and Dr. Schulz will fit right in,” said Bill Hancock, executive director for the CFP.