University of New England

UNE NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative Dennis Leighton elected president of national association

University of New England Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) Dennis Leighton has been elected president of the Faculty Athletic Representative Association (FARA).

Leighton was voted into the position in January 2006 at the NCAA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. The FARA is an affiliate organization of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), of which UNE is a Division III member.

UNE Director of Athletics Kim Allen notes that Leighton's position is an honor for both him, as well as the University.  "FARA is an association that represents all divisions within the NCAA," says Allen.  "It is truly an achievement for Dennis to be representing our institution, our conference, and Division I, II, and III.  This is a great honor for Dennis and for the University of New England.  We are very fortunate to have an individual of his caliber as a member of our University."

Leighton, an assistant professor of physical therapy at UNE, has served as the institution's FAR since 1996.  He was Division III vice president of FARA this past year. He will serve a three-year term for FARA, as president-elect this year, president in 2007, and past president in 2008.   Leighton will lead more than 1,200 faculty athletic representatives from NCAA I, NCAA II and NCAA III institutions.

The position of faculty athletic representative is mandated by the NCAA to help ensure that athletics departments maintain academic integrity, that there is institutional oversight of the athletics department, and that student welfare is a core value for the institution and department. 

Leighton has been a faculty member at UNE since 1992 and was awarded a doctor of physical therapy degree in 2004.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity to lead this association," says Leighton.  "Academics plays a critical role in the overall experience of the student-athlete.  We as FAR's exist to help promote student-athlete welfare."

(Press release issued Feb. 3, 2006)