HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives didn’t look very far to find a new member of the board for the system of state-owned universities: he appointed himself.

Speaker Mike Turzai said Monday that he was honored to join the 20-member Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors.

The Allegheny County Republican says he wants to help ensure the schools are preparing students for jobs that are available and to help resist proposals to increase tuition, room or board.

Turzai is among four legislative leaders who make an appointment to the system’s board.

He’s filling the spot vacated by Rep. Matt Baker, a Tioga County Republican who left the General Assembly to take a job in the Trump administration.