Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Jim Barco of Gainesville to the Private Colleges and Universities Authority on Friday.

Barco is senior vice president for development at Brenau University in Gainesville. He's been with Brenau since 1999 and has more than 30 years experience in higher education leadership.

Barco received his bachelor's degree from Catawba College and his master's degree at Florida State University. He has served on the board of the Council for the Advancement of Education and National Committee on Planned Giving.