The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has selected Scott M. Fuess Jr., professor of economics, to serve as its next faculty athletics representative.
The position serves as a liaison between the Office of the Chancellor and Athletics Department. Areas of focus in the role include the welfare of student athletes; maintaining the positive relationship between athletics and faculty; NCAA compliance; developing and responding to NCAA legislative proposals; and representing the university at related NCAA and Big Ten Conference meetings.
“The faculty athletics representative plays a key role as a leader dedicated to protecting and enhancing the student-athlete experience both here at Nebraska and across the NCAA,” Chancellor Ronnie Green said. “Scott has needed experience with intercollegiate athletics and in training the next generation of athletics administrators. I know he will serve in distinction, continuing Nebraska’s tradition as a national leader in the student-athlete experience.”
Fuess, the Steinhart Distinguished Professor of Business and chair of the College of Business’ economics department, has worked at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln since 1986. He serves on the Faculty Senate’s Intercollegiate Athletics Committee, having chaired the committee for 2018-19 and a sub-committee in 2017-18.
“It’s an honor to serve the university as its faculty athletics representative,” Fuess said. “I embrace the challenge to uphold and advance the university’s well-earned reputation for supporting student-athlete academic success, as well as our renown for ethical leadership in intercollegiate sports.”
In August 2018, Fuess was named director of the university’s cross-disciplinary master’s degree program that offers a specialization in intercollegiate athletics administration. The program — which has been completed by 38 Huskers — is built on MBA coursework, allowing students to earn hands-on experiences through Nebraska Athletics, industry professionals, other universities and alumni.
Fuess earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees from Purdue University. His research interests revolve around issues of economics, primarily in labor, collegiate athletics and Japan.
Fuess replaces Jo Potuto, Richard H. Larson Professor of Constitutional Law. Potuto has worked as the university’s faculty athletics representative since 1997.
“Jo has been a longstanding and reliable faculty representative during a key period of NCAA evolution and growth,” Green said. “Her dedication to student-athlete success and issues of compliance has been a driving force behind Nebraska becoming a national leader among intercollegiate athletics programs.”
The half-time position — which has been restructured to an expected term of five years — reports directly to the chancellor and consults with the university’s athletics director. The representative splits academic year time equally between academic responsibilities and faculty rep duties.
Fuess will begin an orientation/training period before starting in the faculty athletics representative role on July 1.
