Fairleigh Dickinson University President J. Michael Adams has been named to the governing council of United Nations University, a Tokyo-based international system of research and training institutes.

"I'm very honored to be selected for this prominent post," Adams said in a news release. "This appointment is a reflection of the growing influence and reputation of Fairleigh Dickinson University, and I look forward to representing FDU's special community of scholars and contributing to the important mission of the United Nations University."

Adams, the only appointee from the United States, will join 13 other new members of the UNU Council who will serve for a six-year term.  The council formulates the principles and policies of the university, governs its operations, and approves its biennial budget and work program.

The UNU was founded in 1973 to serve as an international community of scholars and a think-tank for the United Nations.  It receives financial support from contributions from government agencies and other donors.  The UNU serves postgraduate students or young postdoctoral researchers, mainly from developing countries, according to the release.

Adams joined Fairleigh Dickinson University as president in 1999 after 15 years as academic dean of the Nesbitt College of Design Arts at Drexel University in Philadelphia.  He is the president-elect of the International Association of University Presidents.