Former U.S. Rep. Jim Leach (R-Iowa) has been appointed by President Barack Obama to be the new chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), an independent federal agency dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities.

Leach, who represented Iowa in Congress for 30 years before a surprising 2006 defeat at the hands of Democrat Dave Loebsack, made headlines in 2008 when he publicly endorsed Obama for president over Republican John McCain. Last November, Leach and former Clinton Secretary of State Madeleine Albright served as emissaries for President-elect Obama at the international economic summit. Many believed he would be appointed as ambassador to China, a post that went to Utah Gov. John Huntsman.

“I am confident that with Jim as its head, the National Endowment for the Humanities will continue on its vital mission of supporting the humanities and giving the American public access to the rich resources of our culture,” Obama said in a statement. “Jim is a valued and dedicated public servant and I look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”