Dr. Mark Scully, assistant professor of political science at University of the Ozarks, has been appointed the university’s new faculty athletics representative (FAR).

Scully, who has taught at Ozarks since 2014, was appointed to the three-year term by U of O President Richard Dunsworth, effective immediately.

“Dr. Scully is superbly qualified to serve as the faculty athletics representative,” Dunsworth said. “He is an exceptional scholar 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.”

Scully will serve as a liaison between the institution and the athletics program as well the university’s faculty representative to the NCAA and the American Southwest Conference. 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.

“University of the Ozarks has so many talented student-athletes and dedicated coaches that it is my honor to serve as the new faculty athletics representative,” Scully said. “I hope to contribute to the very impressive accomplishments of the Eagles’ athletics staff in developing our students as both scholars and athletes. I am grateful for any opportunity I have to advocate for our student-athletes, and to continue to work with them to live up to our proud tradition of academic excellence.”

Scully earned his undergraduate degree at St. John’s College in New Mexico and his Ph.D. from Baylor University in Texas.

During the Fall 2016 Semester, the university had a record 277 student-athletes competing in 21 varsity sports. As a member of NCAA Division III, Ozarks does not offer athletic scholarships.

“Dr. Scully is a much-respected faculty member on this campus and we look forward to working with him,” said Ozarks Athletics Director Jimmy Clark. “Student-athletes have unique needs and challenges in successfully balancing their academic and athletic responsibilities. Dr. Scully’s role is an essential part of maintaining an environment that fully supports our student-athletes, while also acting as an institute representative with the NCAA and ASC.”

Scully succeeds Stacy Key, dean of the mathematics and sciences division, who served as the university’s faculty athletics representative since 2011.

“I thank Dean Key for his dedication and leadership over the past six years,” Dunsworth said. “Ozarks was fortunate to have him serve as FAR and we greatly appreciated his support of our coaches and student-athletes over the years.”