Dr. Chris Sarver, assistant professor of political science at University of the Ozarks, has been appointed the University’s new faculty athletic representative (FAR).
Sarver, who has taught at Ozarks since 2022, was appointed to the three-year term by U of O President Richard Dunsworth, effective immediately.
“Dr. Sarver is a great fit for the role of faculty athletic representative,” Dunsworth said. “He is a well-respected member of our faculty and understands the institutional aspects and culture of a university that competes on the NCAA Division III level. He is deeply committed to student-athlete welfare, academic integrity and the balance between the university’s educational mission and athletics. I am very pleased that Dr. Sarver has agreed to serve in this important position.”
The faculty athletic representative is an NCAA-mandated position appointed by and reporting directly to the president.
Sarver will serve as a liaison between the institution and the athletics program as well the University’s faculty representative to the NCAA and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC). The fundamental responsibilities of the FAR are to evaluate and ensure the academic integrity of the intercollegiate athletics program, to facilitate institutional control of athletics, and to enhance the student-athlete experience.
“I am very pleased to have been selected to be the faculty athletic representative at University of the Ozarks,” Sarver said. “I have always been a big supporter of sports over the years and look forward to working with and supporting our great student-athletes.”
Sarver earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and his master’s and Ph.D. from State University of New York at Albany. He has also taught at Miami University of Ohio, Flagler College in Florida, University of Pittsburgh-Bradford in Pennsylvania, Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio, Kent State University in Ohio and Hartwick College in New York.
During the Fall 2024 Semester, the University had nearly 300 student-athletes competing in 20 varsity sports. As a member of NCAA Division III, Ozarks does not offer athletic scholarships.
Sarver replaces Dr. Sergio L. Molina, assistant professor of physical education, who held the position of FAR from 2022 until the fall of 2024 when he was named the University’s new director of athletics.
Topics: Athletics