The NCAA Executive Committee voted to extend the contract of NCAA President Myles Brand by two years and then on an annual basis for the indefinite future. The contract extension will run through December 31, 2009.

Executive Committee Chair Walter Harrison called the action a "vote of confidence" in the leadership Brand has shown since his tenure began in January 2003.

"We are delighted by the strong leadership he has provided to the Association, and we look forward to the contribution he will make in the future," said Harrison, president of the University of Hartford.

Brand has been a key figure in academic reform and in establishing partnerships with many significant constituents. He also has been an outspoken advocate for the value intercollegiate athletics adds to the educational experience.

Brand assumed his duties as the Association's fourth chief executive with a five-year contract. In addition to the two-year extension, the Executive Committee can exercise an option as early as 2008 to extend the contract on an annual basis thereafter.