AUGUSTA, Ga - Augusta University sophomore runner Haley Gilbert has been selected to serve as the Peach Belt Conference representative of the NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Gilbert is a member of the both the women's cross country and women's track & field programs.
 
"I am so grateful to have the opportunity to represent my university as well as the PBC to advocate for change within collegiate athletics," said Gilbert. "It is an incredible honor and I am so pleased to be selected as this year's National SAAC representative."
 
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) serves as the primary governance arm representing student-athlete interests in Division II affairs. SAAC members serve as student-athlete liaisons that monitor and discuss happenings on campuses, within conference and at the national level.
 
Representatives are responsible for gathering feedback and reporting on behalf of their conference, as well as relaying important events, hot topics and educational information to both the campus and conference levels. In addition to relaying information across campuses and conferences, the committee speaks on behalf of the entire Division II student-athlete body throughout the NCAA governance structure.
 
Division II SAAC members serve as voting members on a number of Division II committees, including the Management Council. The SAAC also has voting authority during the Division II Business Session at the annual NCAA Convention.
 
"'I am very pleased that Haley was selected to be our PBC National SAAC representative," said Peach Belt Conference Commissioner David Brunk. "In just a short time as a student-athlete at Augusta University, Haley has carved a niche both in the classroom and on the field of competition.  Her aforementioned success and leadership qualities make her the ideal person to assume this very important role representing all student-athletes in the PBC on the national stage. I look forward to working with her in navigating the many issues of importance in intercollegiate athletics today."
 
Gilbert, a kinesiology major from Dallas, Georgia begins service this semester and will continue through January 2026.
 
Speaking of her experience, Gilbert said, "With my time on SAAC thus far, it has provided me with many opportunities to gain leadership skills, address concerns, and acquire connections. I began my SAAC journey in 2021 as just a committee member and now I have the privilege to serve as this year's SAAC president. With this role I hope to ensure that all athletes' voices are known and are being heard."
 
In the 2022 fall cross country season, Gilbert competed in all six meets for Augusta, helping the team to a third place finish at PBC Championships and a seventh place finish at the NCAA Southeast Regional.
 
"We're ecstatic Haley was selected to represent not only Augusta University but the Peach Belt Conference on the NCAA DII SAAC" said Augusta University Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher. "Her appointment speaks volumes of her outstanding leadership skills, and we have no doubt she will excel in this role."
 
The committee consists of 28 members, including representatives from each of the 23 Division II multisport voting conferences, one representative of Division II independent institutions, two at-large representatives, and two members of the Management Council. The two members of the Management Council and one member of the Presidents Council serve as ex-officio and nonvoting members.
 
The Division II SAAC Nominating Subcommittee selects national committee members from a diverse pool of candidates that conference offices submit. The Division II Administrative Committee ratifies the appointments, and each student-athlete serves a non-renewable three-year term; however the student-athlete may serve only up to one year after exhausting his or her eligibility.
 

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