John Skalbeck Named FAR

Chancellor Ford acknowledges decades of service by Dr. Norm Cloutier

Dr. John Skalbeck, professor of geosciences and academic director for the UW-Parkside Master of Science in Sustainable Management program, will serve as the university's Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) beginning this fall. 

Dr. John Skalbeck

Skalbeck replaces Economics Professor Dr. Norm Cloutier, who has served UW-Parkside and its student-athletes as FAR since 2007.

"Norm became a 'student' of each sport and was always willing to go to bat for our student-athletes," said UW-Parkside Chancellor Debbie Ford. "He made a point to connect with coaches early on to better understand the implications of proposed changes and amendments to conference and NCAA policies."

Dr. Norm Cloutier

The FAR is an advocate for student-athletes and plays an active role in communicating the vision and values of NCAA DII athletics. The position also provides oversight in both academics and athletics to ensure the integrity and institutional control of the athletics program.

Cloutier said he has enjoyed the experience and hopes that he has made a positive contribution. "I was an undergraduate student-athlete at a DIII institution, so I know how much hard work and dedication it takes to compete athletically at a high level while excelling in the classroom," Cloutier said. "I am grateful to our UW-Parkside student-athletes for making my job as FAR so much easier. It has been gratifying, and frankly inspiring, to have a front row seat to their athletic and academic accomplishments."

In addition to acting as an advisor to the athletics director, the FAR is a liaison and collegial intermediary between student-athletes and faculty.

"The student-athlete is an important ambassador for the university and often a very positive public image throughout the community," Skalbeck said. "My interest comes from a lifelong involvement in athletics and personal experience in the positive attributes gained from balancing the demands of academic and athletic challenges.

"My immediate goals include learning the details of the athletic programs at UW-Parkside and learning about the nature of NCAA oversight that guides our student athletes."

According to Cloutier, Skalbeck brings the, "perfect combination of institutional knowledge, personal experience with athletics, and collegial temperament to thrive in this position."