March 10, 2016
For 25 years I have served as president of NCAA Division II and III institutions. During that time, I have developed a special appreciation for the scholar-athlete philosophy of Division III.
The longer I am here, the more impressed I am with a faculty initiated program that plays a key role in retention and persistence for our student-athletes at Virginia Wesleyan. Student-athletes make up approximately 25 percent of our student population.
In addition to having two outstanding Faculty Athletics Representatives, designations required by the NCAA and ODAC, Virginia Wesleyan was ahead of its peer institutions in the development of a Faculty/Staff Team Advisor program. Dr. Larry Hultgren, Professor of Philosophy, and Dr. Susan Larkin, Associate Professor of English, serve Virginia Wesleyan well as Faculty Athletics Representatives.
Started in the Fall of 2005, faculty and staff advisors provide advice, assistance and resources for our student athletes as they strive to maintain balance in their Wesleyan careers. The Faculty/Staff Advisor serves as an advocate for students participating in the sport, and provides a valuable link between student-athletes and the faculty.
In addition, the Faculty/Staff Advisor may develop a broader involvement in the student-athlete experience and contribute to other individual and team programs and activities. The team Faculty/Staff Advisor program facilitates integration of the intercollegiate programs into the undergraduate experience of Virginia Wesleyan College. Presently, each of the 19 intercollegiate sports, plus cheerleading benefits form the presence of at least one faculty or staff advisor.
Functions performed by the advisors include:
For 25 years I have served as president of NCAA Division II and III institutions. During that time, I have developed a special appreciation for the scholar-athlete philosophy of Division III.
The longer I am here, the more impressed I am with a faculty initiated program that plays a key role in retention and persistence for our student-athletes at Virginia Wesleyan. Student-athletes make up approximately 25 percent of our student population.
In addition to having two outstanding Faculty Athletics Representatives, designations required by the NCAA and ODAC, Virginia Wesleyan was ahead of its peer institutions in the development of a Faculty/Staff Team Advisor program. Dr. Larry Hultgren, Professor of Philosophy, and Dr. Susan Larkin, Associate Professor of English, serve Virginia Wesleyan well as Faculty Athletics Representatives.
Started in the Fall of 2005, faculty and staff advisors provide advice, assistance and resources for our student athletes as they strive to maintain balance in their Wesleyan careers. The Faculty/Staff Advisor serves as an advocate for students participating in the sport, and provides a valuable link between student-athletes and the faculty.
In addition, the Faculty/Staff Advisor may develop a broader involvement in the student-athlete experience and contribute to other individual and team programs and activities. The team Faculty/Staff Advisor program facilitates integration of the intercollegiate programs into the undergraduate experience of Virginia Wesleyan College. Presently, each of the 19 intercollegiate sports, plus cheerleading benefits form the presence of at least one faculty or staff advisor.
Functions performed by the advisors include:
- Assisting student-athletes, and coaches, in linking with college programs, resources and support activities;
- Providing job or graduate school recommendations as requested;
- Communicating to the college community about the performance of individual student-athletes and sports teams;
- Supporting coaches in recruiting efforts as schedule permits;
- Attending the President's and Dean’s List Recognition Ceremony for both Fall and Spring Dean’s list honorees, and
- Attending the annual Spring Athletic Banquet to be recognized for their support of the integration of academics and athletics.
Thanks to the following Faculty/Staff
Advisors for 2015-16:
BASEBALL (Coach Chris Francis)- Mr. Adam Ruh
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL (Coach Stephany Dunmyer)- Dr. Joyce
Easter
MEN’S BASKETBALL (Coach Dave Macedo)- Mrs. Genai Hill
CHEERLEADING (Coach Desiree Ellison)- Mrs. Robin
Takacs
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK &
FIELD (Coach
Krista Littleton)- Dr. Kathy Stolley
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK & FIELD (Coach Mat
Littleton)- Dr. Scott Hinze
FIELD HOCKEY (Coach Christina Restivo)- Dr. Rebecca
Hooker
GOLF (Coach Bryan Hearn)- Dr. Kevin Kittredge
WOMEN’S LACROSSE (Coach Meagan DiCave)- Mrs. Takeyra
Collins
MEN’S LACROSSE (Coach JP Stewart)- Dr. Keith Moore
WOMEN’S SOCCER (Coach Jeff Bowers)- Dr. Susan Larkin
MEN’S SOCCER (Coach Chris Mills)- Dr. Wayne
Pollock & Dr. Paul Ewell
SOFTBALL (Coach Brandon Elliott)- Dr.
Hilve Firek
MEN’S & WOMEN’S TENNIS (Coach Marty Perry)- Dr. Antje Schwennicke
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL (Coach Andrea Hoover)- Dr. Kellie
Holzer
Kudos to Joanne Renn (Executive
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics) for her outstanding leadership to the many faculty serving in this important capacity.
