UO President Michael Gottfredson has appointed Tim Gleason, former dean of the School of Journalism and Communications, to serve as Faculty Athletics Representative or FAR.
The FAR, a position required by the NCAA, is responsible for overseeing the academic integrity of the intercollegiate athletic program, promoting the well-being of student-athletes and ensuring compliance and student eligibility.
In an announcement on his website President Gottfredson praised Gleason’s dedication to ethics and the student experience.
“Professor Gleason is a prominent national leader among peers in his field,” Gottfredson said. “He brings a dedication to the role of serving the needs of student-athletes and upholding the governances of the conference and NCAA regulations. I am confident in his abilities to provide strong leadership in this role as we move into the future.”
Gleason served 15 years as Edwin L. Artzt Dean of the UO School of Journalism and Communication and was the 2013 recipient of the Charles E. Scripps Award as journalism and mass communications administrator of the year. His teaching and research focus is on communication law and communication ethics. He most recently worked as a special assistant to the provost.
“This is an opportunity to enhance UO athletics’ position as an integral and vital part of the UO educational experience and to assist UO student-athletes excel on the field and in the classroom,” said Gleason. “This is a crucial time for intercollegiate athletics, and I look forward to being involved in discussions about the future of intercollegiate athletics at the conference and national levels.”
An advisory selection committee, chaired by human physiology professor Andy Karduna, conducted an extensive review of candidates. Gottfredson commended the panel for its thorough review of the highly qualified candidates.
Gleason will take on his role on January 1, 2015. Current FAR, Jim O’Fallon announced his retirement earlier this year. He will continue in his role until June 30, 2015 as co-FAR to help Gleason learn the positon responsibilities and ensure a smooth transition.