Hobart and William Smith Colleges Athletics

Founded in 2006, the Hobart and William Smith Faculty-Athletics Fellows Program is a collaboration between the faculty and the Athletic Department. Based on the underlying synergy between student athletic achievement and student academic achievement, the program pairs athletics teams with faculty members to form lasting and meaningful relationships between students, professors and coaches.


At its core, it's an opportunity for the exchange of ideas, the celebration of student achievements and efforts, and the acquisition of life-long skills.


Fellows support student-athletes by providing academic advice, and connecting them to other faculty and resources within the campus community. Student-athletes provide faculty members with a chance to experience the world of the collegiate athlete first-hand, while also demonstrating their high levels of commitment, abilities to draw parallels between the classroom and the field, and passion. Along the way, students, professors and coaches alike have forged bonds that enhance an already rich experience.

In addition to serving as the Faculty-Athletics Fellow for the HWS rowing teams, Associate Professor of History Matthew Crow also serves as the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR). A FAR is a designated member of the faculty who serves as a liaison between the institution and the athletics department, and also as a representative of the institution in conference and NCAA affairs. The role of the FAR is to ensure that the academic institution establishes and maintains the appropriate balance between academics and intercollegiate athletics. 

Professor Crow holds office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and by appointment in Henry House.