Sue Jeno named Faculty Athletics Representative President Charles Kupchella has announced that Sue Jeno, an assistant professor of physical therapy at UND, will be the University’s new Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) to the National Collegiate Athletics Association. Jeno replaces Phil Harmeson, the Senior Associate to the President, as UND’s faculty representative since 2000. “I decided it was time for a change in the FAR because Phil has moved completely into administrative status with the University, creating a need for ‘faculty’ representation in the athletic enterprise in accordance with both the spirit and the letter of the NCAA Bylaws,” said Kupchella. “Phil will help Sue’s transition during the rest of the academic year with her new responsibilities and then he will continue in his role as a liaison with the Athletics department and my office as we transition to Division I over the next five years. I want to thank Phil for the job he has done as FAR. Sue and Phil will give us a strong team as we move ahead.” Jeno has served as a member of the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee for the past six years. She was a Division I athlete at the University of Michigan and coached the synchronized swimming team at Michigan for two years. Jeno also completed a term as chair of the University Senate during the 2005-06 academic year. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve UND in this capacity,” said Jeno. “This is an exciting time for UND and the athletic department. I look forward to working with the student-athletes, coaches, and faculty to continue the academic excellence of UND’s athletic teams. My experiences as a Division I student-athlete, coach, and faculty member give me a good base of understanding for this position.” The Faculty Athletics Representative is an important position in the Athletics department. Among the duties and responsibilities are working on NCAA compliance and eligibility issues, issues regarding the welfare of the student-athlete, and serving as a senior advisor to the president on athletic matters. The University of North Dakota announced in June that it will be making the transition to Division I athletics beginning with the NCAA-required exploratory year during the 2007-08 year. UND will look to compete in Division I in all sports during the 2012-13 academic year. -- Jan Orvik, Writer/Editor, University Relations, janorvik@mail.und.nodak.edu, 777-3621