A FAR is a member of the faculty at an NCAA member institution who has been designated by the institution to serve as a liaison between the institution and the athletics department, and as a representative of the institution in conference and NCAA affairs. The role of the FAR is to ensure that the academic institution establishes and maintains the appropriate balance between academics and intercollegiate athletics.
As we look to highlight those individuals on our member campuses, we want to bring attention to our FARs to showcase their efforts to build bridges between academics and athletics. These are professors who spend time with our student-athletes in the classroom and cheer them on at competition.
They play a vital role in the growth of our young people. Let’s get to know Dr. Michael Ross from Shorter University in today’s FAR spotlight.
Where did you go to undergrad/ grad school?
I graduated from Piedmont University with my B.S. in History, the University of Georgia with my M.S. in Kinesiology and from Troy University with my PhD in Sport Management.
Did you play a sport in college?
I played college basketball.
How long have you been a FAR?
This is my first year serving as a FAR.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love getting to interact and assist our student-athletes well. It has been a pleasure assisting many of them develop professionally, personally, and most importantly, spiritually. This new role allows me even more opportunity to serve our student-athletes in these avenues to a greater degree.
In college what did you envision yourself doing for a career?
I envisioned myself coaching, being an athletic director, or working for an NBA organization.
What made you choose the school you work at now?
I appreciate the flexibility and opportunity to integrate my faith and show my students how it can serve as a firm foundation for their desired career paths. Shorter University offers a platform for me to do that in an effective manner and with a positive platform to integrate these beliefs through academic freedom.
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
I have two national dunk contest titles from my younger days. I love high pointing (hiking the highest peak in each state) and have completed 25 thus far. I also love traveling and have been blessed enough to travel to 25 countries and hope to add a lot more to this list!
What makes Conference Carolinas a great conference to work with?
Conference Carolinas has proven repeatedly that they care about each member institution and the overall development of each student-athlete who competes within this conference. I have absolutely loved seeing all the resources offered to both athletics and their student-athletes as-well-as seeing firsthand their commitment to highlighting a wide variety of accomplishments achieved by all.
What advice would you give current student athletes?
Compete as hard as you can and be present each day you are able to enjoy the sport you have played your entire life. This is an amazing chapter in your life and when the time comes for you to complete your athletic journey, I hope you can look back with a smile and have endless stories, memories and meaningful relationships to reflect on. Find your passions, get involved, push your boundaries and limitations and keep
Christ in the center of all you do.
What advice would you give to graduating student athletes?
Always search for ways to compete and keep the mentality you have developed throughout your journey of being a student-athlete. Actively look for ways to grow into your new chapter or role and begin looking for opportunities to serve the next generation who is coming behind you. Life experience is a great thing, and you are beginning to log a lot that will benefit you and all of those around you if you should accept that responsibility!
What is your most memorable moment while working at your school?
Seeing my students grow and accomplish goals that they were not sure they could during the early stages of their career. I am thankful to have witnessed and assisted in many wins through this consideration and there are many more to be had!
If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be?
There are many people I would add as the answer to this question. I think my answer would change each time asked while considering family members, historical figures, professional athletes and many other figures I admire for various reasons! If you see me in person, kick off our interaction with this question and let’s compare notes!
What is your favorite hobby?
I love traveling, hiking, scuba diving, kayaking and anything else active that can create a great memory or story!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years with your career?
Advancing in administration and being a good steward of those opportunities, serving those around me to the best of my ability, traveling and striving to be in the moment with whatever opportunities God places before me.