Wigley Appointed Faculty Rep
WINCHESTER, Va. – Shenandoah University President Tracy Fitzsimmons announced Friday the appointment of Dr. Brian Wigley as the university’s Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR).
Wigley, an Associate Professor of Kinesiology, is preparing to enter his ninth year as a member of the Shenandoah faculty. He takes the FAR position from Dr. Travis Sample, who retired from the SU faculty last month.
Reporting directly to the university president, the FAR is an NCAA mandated position that serves as a liaison between the athletics department, its student-athletes and staff, and faculty.
In addition to his role as chair of the Kinesiology department, Wigley is also the co-director of the Center for the Study of Sport and Media at SU.
Wigley is a 1988 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and earned his Master’s and Doctorate degrees at Texas A&M in 1998 and 2002, respectively. As a freshman at UT-Arlington in 1983, Wigley was a member of the men’s tennis team.
“When I learned that Dr. Sample would be retiring and the FAR position would be available, I was immediately intrigued,” Wigley said.
“I value both academics and athletics and I look forward to working with both my fellow faculty members and our coaches and administrators in the athletics department.
“In researching this position, I was pleasantly pleased to the degree that the NCAA allows each institution to define the role of the FAR. My primary goal will always be student-athlete welfare and the betterment of those students.”
From 1989-1996, Wigley was a high school teacher and coach in Texas. His 1996 boy’s tennis team participated in the Texas state tournament.
Wigley also has experience working as Graduate Assistant/Intern in the Texas A&M departments of Athletic Academic Affairs and Athletic Compliance as well as the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball.
Wigley has published 10 academic articles, three book chapters and presented 21 national or international research topics since entering higher education.
He is currently working on a book, tentatively titled “Crime on the Sports Page: An Analysis of Athletes Criminal Behavior and the Media”.
“I am extremely pleased with Dr. Fitzsimmons’ decision to appoint Brian as the university’s FAR,” said Dr. Wayne Edwards, SU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “Dr. Wigley is greatly respected by our coaching staff and student-athletes, and has been highly visible at athletics events throughout his tenure at SU. I look forward to his involvement and leadership within the athletics program for many years to come.”
Wigley was Vice President of the SU Faculty Senate for the 2009-10 academic year and also serves on the City of Winchester Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
