MUNCIE, Ind. -- J. Richard Marshall, Ball State University Foundation board chair, is the first representative of a public institution named to the Council of Board Chairs of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB).

As a member of this advisory group, Marshall joins 21 other college and university board chairs nationwide to advise the association on its programs, services, publications and other initiatives on behalf of its 32,000 members.

AGB recently extended its programs and services to include the boards of foundations affiliated with public colleges and universities.

Marshall's appointment was natural, said David Bahlmann, president and CEO of Ball State University Foundation.

"Dick has been very active in volunteer leadership," Bahlmann said. "The AGB has recognized him and Ball State for the university's leadership. They've looked to Ball State as a model of how the university president, foundation board and trustees work together. It's going to help the entire field of institutional foundations."

Marshall said his selection proves Ball State's sphere of influence is reaching beyond East Central Indiana.

"It's a nice honor for Ball State," Marshall said. "It is a positive reflection on the university. I'm just pleased to be able to serve and have the opportunity to talk with others from around the nation who are interested in public education."

Marshall has been a member of the board of the foundation since 1977. He was vice chair for 15 years before being elected chair in 1997. The president of the law firm Cross, Marshall, Schuck, DeWeese, Cross & Feick in Muncie, Marshall graduated fromPurdue University and received his J.D. from the University of Michigan.

The AGB is a national nonprofit education association that serves as a continuing education resource for trustees, regents, presidents and chancellors and provides a wide variety of programs such as workshops, publications and consulting services. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C.