Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson has joined the College Football Playoff Board of Managers, replacing retiring Penn State President Eric Barron as the Big Ten’s representative. The board is made up of chancellors and presidents from the 10 Football Bowl Subdivision conferences and Notre Dame.
Johnson will be part of the board that governs the College Football Playoff business, property and affairs, according to an Ohio State release.
“As someone who was afforded significant academic opportunities as a result of my participation in sports, I have long recognized the importance of collegiate athletics and championed access to them for every student who desires it,” Johnson said. “I am proud to have played a key role in preserving the 2020 Big Ten Conference fall season at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic and am looking forward to continuing my advocacy and working with the other presidents and chancellors on the College Football Playoff Board of Managers.”
Johnson was announced as Ohio State’s president on June 3, 2020, a tumultuous time period in which it was unknown whether football would be played in the fall. Ohio State and the Big Ten went on to play that season, and Johnson recently wrapped her second football season as president.
“We are grateful to add President Johnson to the College Football Playoff Board of Managers to represent our conference and its 14 world-class member institutions,” said Big Ten Conference Commissioner Kevin Warren. “President Johnson, who replaces retiring Penn State University President Barron, will make an immediate and profound impact in this critical role as we embrace opportunities related to the College Football Playoff system.”
College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock said the CFP is “delighted” to have Johnson serving on the board.
“President Johnson’s experience as a leader in higher education and as a former student-athlete will provide great perspective for the board,” he said.
