NCAA SCHOLARSHIP

Thurman receives grant for FAR role

Dr. Justin Thurman, Associate Professor of English and the college’s Faculty Athletic Representative, received a full scholarship to the NCAA New FAR Orientation held Feb. 17-19 in Indianapolis.

“Every year, the NCAA recognizes conferences, programs and individuals with scholarships, grants and named awards,” he said. “President Baxter reached out last year and asked if I would be interested in applying for this one, so we did.”

Dr. Thurman, who has been the college’s FAR for two years, said the orientation helped him in three specific areas: NCAA structure and governance, networking with other FARs, and student-athlete wellbeing.

“Dr. Thurman has been a great ambassador for both academics and athletics, and he has a high level of commitment to student excellence,” said Terlynn Olds, Director of Athletics and Recreation. “The student-athletes describe Dr. Thurman as ‘amazing and easy to talk with.’”

He takes his experiences as a former student-athlete into his role. “Working with athletics reminds me of the joy I experienced when I played football and baseball,” he said. “I enjoy helping faculty and athletics work together toward the common goal of making our students good people and productive citizens.”