GENEVA, N.Y.—Hobart and William Smith Colleges Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Brian Miller recently announced that Associate Professor of History Matthew Crow will serve as the Colleges NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR). Crow replaces Associate Professor of Chemistry Christine de Denus who served in the same role since 2008.
 
"We are extremely excited to have Matt Crow step into the role as NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative," Miller said. "The position is another link between our student-athletes and our faculty colleagues. Dr. Crow has been a tremendous advocate for Hobart rowing student-athletes through his work as their Faculty Athletic Fellow ... and now his influence will be felt by all of our nearly 700 Statesmen and Herons across 30 sports."
 
The NCAA FAR helps to ensure the quality of the student-athlete experience and promotes student-athlete well-being, serving as an independent advocate for student-athletes. The FAR also assists in the oversight of intercollegiate athletics at the campus and conference levels to assure they are conducted in a manner designed to protect and enhance the physical, psychological and educational well-being of student-athletes and oversees the nominations of student-athletes for NCAA grants, scholarship and recognition programs. The FAR promotes student-athlete success in the classroom, in athletics and in the community by striking a balance among academic excellence, athletics, competition and social growth as they prepare for lifelong success.
 
"In my time as a Faculty Athletic Fellow, I have developed a deep and abiding respect for the coaches and staff in Athletics here at HWS," Crow said. "Even more importantly, I have seen the dedication and achievement of our student-athletes, and it has been an honor to be present for their moments of struggle and victory alike."
 
Crow joined the faculty at HWS in 2012. He is the chair of the history and law and society departments. He has served as Faculty Athletic Fellow for the Hobart and William Smith rowing teams since 2013. The rowing teams have won 11 Liberty League titles in his time as a Faculty Athletic Fellow.
 
"As the NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative, I will be an advocate for what I know to be true: that our student-athletes are pursuing academic, athletic, and community excellence as part of a common project," Crow added. "To put it simply, the formation our student-athletes are undertaking for themselves and the work their coaches and training staff do in support gives me tremendous hope."