Dr. Keenan Invited to 2025 NCAA Division III Faculty Athletics Representative Institute
FITCHBURG, MA: Fitchburg State University will be sending Dr. Karen Keenan, an Assistant Professor for Exercise and Sports Science within the School of Health and Natural Sciences, to the 2025 NCAA Division III Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) Institute in Indianapolis, November 18-19. This marks the first FAR from Fitchburg State to be invited to the FAR Institute, sponsored by the NCAA.
The Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) Institute is a professional development program designed for experienced Division III faculty athletics representatives to enhance their leadership skills, learn strategic best practices for their roles, understand national Division III issues, and develop action plans for positive change on their campuses and within their conferences. The institute focuses on the FAR's vital role as an advocate for student-athletes and a liaison between academics and athletics within Division III institutions.
"I am very excited to have been selected for the NCAA Division III FAR Institute," Dr. Keenan said "With the scheduled programming and peer-networking, this experience will help me learn more about best practices to promote academic, athletic, and social success, specifically in Division III student-athletes," she continued "All of this is so that I can best support our student-athletes now and help to set them up for lifelong success," Dr. Keenan Concluded.
This year marks Dr. Keenan's first year as Fitchburg State's FAR. It is also the first year the position has been elevated to include more responsibilities to support student-athletes' success on campus. Dr. Keenan has taken numerous steps to expand her outreach to students, including opening office hours for athletes who may need extra help in classes. The growth of her role aligns with the campus's initiative to improve retention by helping students stay in school through academic success. Dr. Keenan will work closely with the Athletics Department and the newly added Academic Success Advisor role, held by Laura Pierce. Together, these roles aim to enhance GPAs across all teams and increase student-athlete retention.
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