Roberts To Focus On Academics As Member Of FCS Oversight Committee

Tennessee Tech’s Jeff Roberts has been selected to represent the Faculty Athletics Representatives Association on the Football Championship Subdivision Oversight Committee.

The history professor said his priority on the board will be to make sure academics are not lost in college sports. He said looking after student athlete welfare also remains a priority.

“There’s so much change going on in athletics right now,” Roberts said. “We really need for folks to put their minds together and make the best of it.”

Tennessee Tech Director of Athletics Mark Wilson also appointed to the group. Roberts said he is bringing two decades of experience to the role.

“I’ve served on a lot of local committees,” Roberts said. “I’ve been involved in a number of challenging situations. I’ve been all over the conference and all over the county. I’ve interacted with coaches and staff.”

Roberts has been with the History Department since 1991. He is currently serving as the Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Science. He has been the Faculty Athletic Representative since 2006.

“I’m very honored to have been selected to work on this committee,” Roberts said. “Working with the NCAA has been an awarding experience for me, and I think the service we can provide to our student athletes is a very valuable one.”

The committee oversees the selection procedures for the FCS Championship. It also studies issues unique to FCS athletes and makes recommendations to the NCAA and the Championship Committee.