The 112th Congress convenes today, with changes in leadership nearly across the board. District Congresswoman Virginia Foxx yesterday announced her appointment as chairwoman of the House subcommittee on Higher Education.

The subcommittee oversees federal policy on U.S. colleges and universities and is part of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, which will be chaired by Rep. Ron Kline (R-MN).  In her release, Foxx said “Education is a cornerstone of a prosperous and secure society and if the United States is to remain competitive in the global marketplace quality higher education will be one of keys to maintaining our edge.” She went on to say  “I’m very honored to chair the subcommittee on higher education and am excited to roll up my sleeves and work towards making our higher education system even better while carefully stewarding taxpayer dollars.” Foxx previously served on the Education and the Workforce Committee from 2005-2008.