University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler was appointed Thursday to the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council.

The council, comprised of prominent university presidents and academic leaders, is charged with advising U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and senior leadership at the department on several key issues, a press release said.

“President Kaler’s extensive experience and expertise will make him a valuable asset to the Council,” Napolitano said in a statement. “I look forward to working with him on these critical issues.”

Kaler will provide advice and recommendations on issues related to academic research, campus and community resiliency, security and preparedness and more.

“This is a great opportunity for the University of Minnesota and the state of Minnesota, and I’m honored to join my colleagues from across the country on this council,” Kaler said in the statement.  “The University has a great deal of expertise that will help advance the interests of this council.”

Kaler will attend the council’s inaugural meeting on March 20 in Washington, D.C.