Donovan McNabb has a new responsibility these days besides scoring touchdowns for the Philadelphia Eagles.

He is Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw’s newest boss.

The Syracuse University Board of Trustees on Nov. 8 elected McNabb. The board oversees the physical and fiscal health of the university, has authority over the programs within the university, oversees the current chancellor and administrators and selects a new chancellor when the time comes, said Kathryn Zubal-Strang, assistant secretary to the board.

“It brings joy to my heart that I would be voted into something so prestigious,” McNabb said.”I am overwhelmed.”

Joe Lampe, chairman of the board, said McNabb’s name had come up several times in the past two years at several Board Organization and Nominating Committee meetings. At a meeting this July, McNabb told Lampe he would become a member of the board if approved through the normal selection process, Lampe said.

The normal selection process begins when the nominating committee presents the executive committee with candidates for approval. If the executive committee approves the candidate, the full board then votes on whether to approve him or her, Zubal-Strang said.

McNabb’s addition to the board means much to him because it allows him to affect the lives of many, he said.

“You could give people opportunities they never would have had,” McNabb said.

McNabb’s age was a factor in his selection, Lampe said.

“He brings the perspective of a younger alumni, one who is well respected and holds a special spot in his heart for the university,” Lampe said.”I am certain that he will represent the ideas all of our younger alumni. As a recent student-athlete, Donovan provides a unique insight to the board.”

McNabb said while the election is an honor first and foremost, he will not just treat it as an honorary title and plans to do some real work at SU. McNabb will speak on behalf of student-athletes, hopes to increase the graduation rate among them and help make a more comfortable atmosphere on campus, he said.

“He’s a very distinguished graduate who has done extremely well,” said William Davis, a member of the board. ”He will bring an interesting perspective as a recent graduate for the board “

Lampe said McNabb was chosen for his leadership, civic and philanthropic interests and his record as a student.

“I think the university felt comfortable with me being a part of this,” McNabb said.

He added that he was both student and athlete at SU not too long ago, and he felt his selection was comfortable and suitable for everyone.

“For me to come back and be a part of the community and change some things around the community is a joy,” McNabb said. “It’s like I never left.”

Published on November 7, 2002 at 12:00 pm