I’ve spent a lot of time at games since I joined Missouri State University, and I always enjoy cheering on our Bears.

But what I appreciate even more is the work that takes place off the field. An important role on campus many may not see is the Faculty Athletics Representative, or FAR, who helps ensure our student-athletes are set up for success in the classroom and beyond.

Every NCAA institution must have a FAR who’s appointed by the president. FARs represent their campus in relationships with the NCAA and respective conferences. They also serve as a vital bridge between athletics and academics, supporting three key areas: overall student-athlete experience and well-being; academic integrity; and institutional control and compliance with NCAA and conference rules.

The current FAR

At the beginning of this year, I appointed music professor Dr. Grant Peters to this role for a five-year term. Before this, he served on Missouri State’s Intercollegiate Athletics Committee (IAC) for two terms, representing the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH).

His responsibilities include:

• Chairing the IAC, strengthening communication between athletics and faculty/staff representatives
• Building relationships with coaches, staff and student-athletes by being present at games and events
• Talking with student-athletes candidly about their overall experience on campus
• Coordinating with compliance on student-athlete eligibility
• Assisting athletics leadership with any student-athletes concerns
• Conducting periodic reviews of the athletics program
• Representing Missouri State at NCAA Far Association meetings and conventions

Working as a team

Prof. Peters collaborates with athletics leadership; a student-athlete representative from the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee; a faculty member from each of our six colleges; staff members from the office of the registrar; and the provost.

The current college representatives are Dr. Brian Breyfogle (College of Natural and Applied Sciences), Nikki Busdieker-Jesse (Darr College of Agriculture); Dr. Seth Hoelscher (College of Business), Dr. Tom Kane (McQueary College of Health and Human Services), Dr. Jeremy Neely (RCASH) and Dr. Nate Quinn (College of Education). The staff representatives are Cindy Fielder and Nathan Hoff.

If you have questions, reach out to these individuals or join them at a monthly IAC meeting.

Our move to Conference USA and our focus on competitive excellence bring new visibility to Missouri State. But what matters most is how we support our students behind the scenes. That’s where roles like the FAR make a real difference.

My gratitude goes to Prof. Peters and all representatives for their service to our student-athletes. Their work ensures we’re not only competing at a high level but doing so with integrity and purpose.

Celebrating our Bear spirit

Last week, we celebrated Missouri State’s 121st birthday and another successful Giving Day.

These moments don’t happen without a lot of behind-the-scenes work. I want to thank the group of staff and students who brought these events to life. Their efforts enabled the campus and community to come together, honor our history and invest in our future.

I also want to thank everyone who participated in Giving Day. Bears everywhere joined in the effort and raised additional funds for Missouri State. Whether you made a gift or helped spread the word, you made a difference. Your generosity supports our students and advances our mission.

Thanks for checking in. It’s a great day to be a Bear!

Biff