U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx will take over the chairmanship of a subcommittee focused on higher education, her office announced today.

The subcommittee oversees federal policy on U.S. colleges and universities and is part of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. Foxx, a Banner Elk Republican, holds a doctorate in higher education and curriculum and is a former president of Mayland Community College president.

"Education is a cornerstone of a prosperous and secure society, and if the United States is to remain competitive in the global marketplace quality higher education will be one of keys to maintaining our edge," Foxx said in a statement. "So I'm very honored to chair the subcommittee on higher education and am excited to roll up my sleeves and work towards making our higher education system even better while carefully stewarding taxpayer dollars."

Foxx also will remain on the Rules Committee.