Washington Update: Mitchell Named Under Secretary of Education; NOAA Gets new Chief Scientist; NLRB Solicits Input on Unions, College Athletics

May 14, 2014—Two administration positions of great importance were filled last week when the Senate confirmed Ted Mitchell as Under Secretary of Education and President Obama named Richard W. Spinrad as NOAA’s chief scientist. Also, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is accepting briefs on the issue of unions and college athletics.

TED MITCHELL CONFIRMED AS U.S. UNDER SECRETARY OF EDUCATION

The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Ted Mitchell as Under Secretary of Education. Mitchell will oversee all programs and policies in postsecondary education; career, technical and adult education; federal student aid; and six White House Initiatives. APLU issued a statement on the confirmation offering congratulations to Mitchell, “who has long focused on expanding access and quality”.

RICHARD SPINRAD, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH AT OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY NAMED CHIEF SCIENTIST AT NOAA

President Obama named Richard Spinrad as the National Oceans and Atmospheric Administraion’s Chief Scientist. Spinrad previously served as the Vice President for Research at Oregon State University (OSU) from 2005 to 2010. Spinrad has extensive experience in environmental research, management, and teaching. He was a leader in the development of the nation’s first-ever ocean research priorities and established the U.S. Navy’s environmental research strategy. He has directed federal research programs and served on the faculty of three major universities.

For more information, please read the NOAA press release here.

NLRB INVITES BRIEFS ON ISSUES IN THE NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETES CASE

In a notice posted earlier this week, “The NLRB invites the filing of briefs in order to afford the parties and interested amici the opportunity to address issues raised in Northwestern (Case 13-RC-121359).

“On April 24, 2014, the Board granted Northwestern University’s request for review of the Regional Director’s decision finding the University’s grant-in-aid scholarship football players are employees under the NLRA and directing an election to take place. The election was held on April 25, 2014, but the ballots have not been counted. To aid in the consideration of the issues raised in the case, the Board invites the filing of briefs from the parties and interested amici on or before June 26, 2014.”

The American Council on Education is coordinating a response from the higher education community.

Click here to read the notice and invitation to file briefs.