Nike has appointed Phyllis M. Wise, Ph.D. to its Board of Directors.

Wise, 64, is the Executive Vice President and Provost of the University of Washington, where she is also professor of physiology and biophysics, biology, and obstetrics and gynaecology.

"Dr Wise’s outstanding academic career, experience as a respected university leader and administrator of a multi-billion-dollar budget for the University of Washington, is a rare combination that makes her an ideal addition to our board,” said Philip H. Knight, Nike founder and chairman. “We look forward to her contributions to expand Nike’s position as the industry leader in innovation.”

Wise was appointed the University of Washington's vice president and provost in August 2005 and became executive vice president in September 2007.

She has been a faculty member at several prominent research universities, holds a doctorate in zoology from the University of Michigan, an honorary doctorate from Swarthmore College and is an elected member of the National Academies Institute of Medicine.