Heptathlete Cowley Ross represented New Zealand in two Commonwealth Games during her career, as well as the London Olympics.

She also represented New Zealand at three Summer Universiades while studying, but retired from athletics in 2014.

Cowley Ross hopes her experience as an elite sportswoman can help develop athletes, while she expressed her aim to help increase participation rates in sport amongst university students.

"My hope for UTSNZ is that we see greater participation rates in our university and tertiary students with the implementation of the new strategy," she said.

"Sport can change lives and we need to continue to support our young people in sport and recreation.

"Sport grows better individuals, includes all and strengthens communities.

"At an elite level I would love to see more value placed on the World University Games as a pathway in high performance sport by National Sporting Organisations.

"I am passionate about sport and young people.

"UTSNZ aligns with both factors and I feel fortunate to be in a position now to contribute as a board member to the grow and quality of this organisation."

UTSNZ chairwoman Nicola Clayden claimed Cowley Ross had been appointed for her background in communications, knowledge of high performance sport and understanding of the value of sport for young people.

Carnachan joins having recently been a project manager for the Sport NZ Sport in Education project, as well as a member of the New Zealand Olympic Committee Education Commission.

He has also been a member of the Sport NZ Thought Leaders Group, responsible for the Sport NZ talent plan.

His knowledge, particularly in regard of recruitment and retention of school leavers in sport as they transition into tertiary institutions, has been asserted as a key reason for the appointment.

The appointments take the board to seven members, who serve on a voluntary basis.

The board are set to meet four times per year.