LeNá Powe McDonald, a Birmingham native and Alabama graduate, has joined the SEC as associate commissioner for academic relations.

McDonald previously worked as Alabama’s Director of Internal Affairs and System Liaison and was on the faculty of the university’s College of Communication and Information Sciences. She holds three degrees from Alabama, including a Ph.D. in Higher Education.

“We are excited to have Dr. LeNá McDonald join the Southeastern Conference staff in the critical role of supporting and promoting programs and activities designed to highlight the teaching, research and service accomplishments of students, faculty and staff in the SEC,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said. “Dr. McDonald is uniquely qualified to lead our efforts to highlight the endeavors and achievements of the SEC’s world-class universities.”

In her role with the SEC, McDonald will help shape the conference’s academic message and “will lead SEC activities meant to highlight the academic accomplishments and impact of SEC universities, including academically focused intercollegiate athletics opportunities,’ according to a release by the league office. She will also head up the SEC Academic Leadership Development Program, SEC Faculty Achievement Awards, SEC Faculty Travel Program, SEC College Tour, SEC MBA Case and Student Pitch Competitions, SEC Emerging Scholars Program, among other duties.

McDonald will also serve as the league’s staff liaison to the SEC Provosts and the SEC Vice Presidents/Chancellors for Communications.