The incoming state Assembly speaker announced Monday the committee chairs for the 2009-10 legislative session.

Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan, D-Janesville, and Democrats will control the state Assembly for the first time since 1994.

The new appointments include Rep. Kim Hixson, D-Whitewater, as chair of the Colleges and Universities Committee and Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, as chair of the Natural Resources Committee.

Hixson, who has been an associate professor of advertising at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for the past 12 years, said he hopes to use his higher education experience to do all that he can to better the University of Wisconsin System.

“We really have a tough road ahead of us with the budget and all, and I want to do all that I can to protect the university,” Hixson said. “Certainly, times are not looking good budget-wise, and I think all of the departments around the state are going to be asked to tighten their belts.”

He added while Rep. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, who previously chaired the Colleges and Universities Committee, focused on the money that was invested in the university, he would take a different route.

“I want to move legislation ahead that is going to improve the university and make it better for the state,” Hixson said. “The university’s main purpose is of course for the students. I want to make sure that higher education remains accessible and affordable for anyone that wants it in our state.”

Black, whose appointment was announced earlier last week, previously served as the chair of the Natural Resources Committee for eight years, from 1986 to 1994.

Black expressed his excitement for the opportunity to continue his work as chair during the upcoming legislative session by working on initiatives to protect the environment.

“Two of the top priorities of the committee will be improving water quality in our lakes, rivers and streams and taking action to address global warming,” Black said in a statement.

He added his aim is to encourage a bipartisan approach to conservation and to continue Wisconsin’s tradition of progressive action to protect the outdoors.

Other nominations of Madison democrats include Rep. Joe Parisi, D-Madison, as chair of the Corrections and Courts Committee and Rep. Terese Berceau, D-Madison, as chair of the Urban and Local Affairs Committee.