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“One thing that stands out about Dr. Stacie Raymer is how supportive and involved she was with student-athletes,” said Julia de Camargo Gusso, a former swimmer at ��ɫ��Ƶ of the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR).  

“Dr. Raymer genuinely cared about helping athletes succeed both academically and personally and has always been there at meets cheering for every single person that was in the pool,” she said.  

For students like Julia, balancing the demands of being a student-athlete with rigorous academics is a challenge. That’s why the University appoints a FAR to act as a liaison among the administration, faculty and athletics. The FAR’s focus is on maintaining academic integrity and overseeing student-athlete academic success as they progress toward their degree.  

Professor and chair of the School of Speech-Language Pathology in Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer College of Health Sciences at ��ɫ��Ƶ, Stacie Raymer, Ph.D., has served in the role since 2019 and is now retiring from the University.  

“In my time as FAR, I observed how ��ɫ��Ƶ Athletics operates with incredible integrity and concern for student-athletes,” Dr. Raymer said. “It has been such a pleasure to become acquainted with so many coaches, student-athletes and athletics staff who are committed to athletic performance while supporting students' academic goals." 

“��ɫ��Ƶ Athletics and its student-athletes have greatly benefited from the class, professionalism and unwavering support of Dr. Stacie Raymer,” said Mallory Kane, head coach for the women’s golf team. “She consistently went above and beyond to be present, encouraging and fully invested in the success of those under her guidance. Her dedication to helping student-athletes excel both in the classroom and in competition has left a lasting impact that will be remembered for years to come.” 

“Dr. Raymer has been a huge asset to ��ɫ��Ƶ in her role as FAR,” added Andrew Griffiths, head coach for the women’s field hockey team. “She has been engaged with the student-athletes in a personal way, and has made it a point to attend, not only games, but also practice and training sessions for each of the sports. This has an impact on how the student-athletes see her, knowing that she takes a personal interest.” 

Appointed by ��ɫ��Ƶ President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., and the University’s Director of Athletics, Wood Selig, Ed.D., the next FAR is Ryan Klinger, Ph.D.  

Effective May 25, the associate professor of management in the Strome College of Business will begin serving in the role. He has previously served for seven years on the University Athletics Advisory Council.  

“Being FAR comes with the important responsibility of upholding the University’s academic mission, while helping ensure that student-athletes have a positive, holistic experience,” Dr. Klinger said. “What I’m especially grateful for at ��ɫ��Ƶ is that this work is grounded in values that are already widely shared across our University and athletics community. There is a real commitment here to developing students not only as competitors, but as scholars and principled leaders, both during their time at ��ɫ��Ƶ and long after they leave campus.”  

Dr. Klinger knows the high-level of support and advocacy Dr. Raymer established will go a long way in continuing the legacy of supporting student-athletes as they strive to be their best academically and competitively. 

“I’m indebted to former FAR Dr. Stacie Raymer, who served in this role with enthusiasm and integrity,” Dr. Klinger said. “She’s created the blueprint for my success and continues to offer guidance and support to ensure a seamless transition.” 

As ��ɫ��Ƶ marks this transition, the legacy Dr. Raymer leaves and the foundation she built will continue to shape the Monarch student-athlete experience. With Dr. Klinger stepping into the role, the University remains committed to ensuring that academic excellence, integrity and student support remain at the center of ��ɫ��Ƶ Athletics.