INDIANAPOLIS – Austin Peay State University Vice President Gerald Harrison has been named accepted an appointment as the Vice Chair of NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Oversight Committee (FCSOC). In turn, APSU Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer Niesha Campbell has taken over Harrison's appointment to the NCAA FCS Playoff Committee.
Harrison, also a Division I Council member, will serve a three-year team on the FCSOC that expires in June 2027. The FCSOC consists of 17 members from the FCS at-large, with one member from each conference.
The NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision Oversight Committee ensures appropriate oversight of football for the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) is maintained; enhances the development of the sport; and makes 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. The FCSOC collaborates and works in conjunction with appropriate governance entities to provide solutions to issues impacting the health and safety of football student-athletes.
The FCSOC also supervises qualifications and/or selection procedures for the FCS Championship. In addition, the FCSOC reviews recommendations from the NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee and processes other issues related to the administration of the FCS Championship. Lastly, the committee provides direction to the NCAA Football Rules Committee regarding playing rules governing FCS football.
With Harrison's appointment to the FCSOC, Campbell has taken over Harrison's appointment on the FCS Playoff Committee. Campbell will serve as the Atlantic Sun Conference's representative until August 2025, at which time she would be eligible for reappointment.
The FCS Playoff Committee is tasked with forming the 24-team FCS Playoff bracket. The committee has one representative from each conference that is eligible for and applies for automatic qualification in the Division I Football Championship.
Campbell is joined on the FCS Playoff Committee by Sacramento State AD Mark Orr (Big Sky Conference), Tennessee State AD Dr. Mikki Allen (Ohio Valley Conference), Albany AD Mark Benson (America East Conference), Chattanooga Vice Chancellor and AD Mark Wharton (Southern Conference), Drake AD Brian Hardin (Pioneer Football League), Central Connecticut State AD Thomas Pincince (Northeast Conference), and Houston Christian AD Steve Moniaci (Southland Conference). The FCS Playoff Committee Chair is North Dakota State AD Matt Larsen, who represents the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
