KANSAS — Dr. Pari Ford of Bethany College has been named the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) of the Year, the conference office announced Friday.
This marks the first time since the 2016-17 academic year that an FAR from Bethany has earned the honor.
"I am truly honored to receive this award," Ford stated. "I have been fortunate to work alongside our registrar and Dean of Athletics. Together we are committed to supporting our student athletes with integrity and excellence."
Ford has been a part of the Bethany College faculty since 2015, moving from visiting assistant professor, to assistant professor and chair of the math and physics department, a tenured associate professor, and then moving into her role of tenured full professor of mathematics. She continues to serve as the chair of the math and physics department. In addition to her teaching and faculty athletics representative responsibilities, she also serves in several other roles at Bethany, including being on the Faculty Review Committee, the Bethany College Wellness Committee, and the Teacher Education committee.
Ford is a member of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), which she has organized regional conferences for, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and the Association for Women in Mathematics.
"I am thrilled for Dr. Pari Ford to be named the KCAC FAR of the Year," Laura Moreno, Bethany College Dean of Athletics, remarked. "Pari is absolutely fantastic to work with; she cares for students, is very collaborative, and has thorough processes for eligibility. The behind-the-scenes work of the FAR often goes unnoticed, but the impact is felt every day by the students, coaches, and institutions they serve. This is truly indicative of Pari and all she does for Bethany College and Swedes student-athletes."
Previous KCAC Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year Winners
2024-25: Lisa Janzen Scott, Bethel College
2023-24: James Zimmerman, University of Saint Mary
2022-23: Pete Kosek, Sterling College
2021-22: James Zimmerman, University of Saint Mary
2020-21: Dr. Richard Teter, Friends University
2019-20: James Zimmerman, University of Saint Mary
2018-19: Dr. Ed Loeb, Southwestern College
2017-18: Hans Nickel, Sterling College
2016-17: Dr. Joyce Pigge, Bethany College
2015-16: Dr. Ed Loeb, Southwestern College
2014-15: Dr. Joyce Pigge, Bethany College
2013-14: Dr. Merle Schlabaugh, Bethel College
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