The president of Wake Forest University has been elected chairman of the board that governs one of the country's leading higher education policy organizations.

Wake Forest University President Nathan O. Hatch was chosen Wednesday to lead the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, which has more than 1,000 members ranging from Ivy League schools to small Bible colleges.

The organization works on behalf of private, nonprofit schools with the federal government on issues like regulation and student financial aid. The schools that belong to the group account for roughly 90 percent of all students in private colleges and universities.

The organization's president, David L. Warren, said Hatch was selected by his peers as Chair of the NAICU "because of his expertise in the field, proven leadership, and commitment to America’s college students." He says Hatch "assumes his responsibilities at a time of great challenge and transformation for American higher education."

Hatch is Wake Forest's 13th president, having served since 2005. He said he's looking forward to working on issues like access to higher education and student financial aid.