Dr. Stewart Dippel Appointed Faculty Athletic Representative

Dr. Stewart Dippel has been appointed the University of the Ozarks new faculty athletics representative (FAR), the athletic department announced Wednesday (July 3).

Clarksville, Ark. – Dr. Stewart Dippel has been appointed the University of the Ozarks new faculty athletics representative (FAR), the athletic department announced Wednesday (July 3).

Dippel, a professor of political science at Ozarks since 1992, will serve as a liaison between the institution and the athletics program. Additionally, he will be tasked with representing Ozarks in relations with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the American Southwest Conference (ASC).

Dr. Stewart Dippel "I look forward to working with our student-athletes and their coaches to promote the values of hard work, discipline, and integrity at our college," Dippel said. "Collegiate athletics, especially for NCAA Division III institutions, are an important part of the educational experience. Studies show that student-athletes have better work ethics, higher academic performance and lower levels of depression."

More than 350 students compete in the 20 varsity sports offered at Ozarks.

"Dr. Dippel has always had a strong relationship with our student-athletes," said Athletics Director Jimmy Clark. "He has mentored countless student-athletes during his career. He is someone that has had a profound impact on the lives of our students. He is a respected professor with current and past student-athletes."

Dippel earned his Ph.D. from Ohio State University in history. Dippel has written and published five books on religious history—mostly England during the 17th century. Dippel won the University's Bagwell Outstanding Faculty Award in 2004.

The fundamental responsibilities of the FAR are to evaluate and ensure the academic integrity of the intercollegiate athletics program, to facilitate institutional control of athletics, and to enhance the student-athlete experience. 

Dippel succeeds Dr. Deborah Sisson, who served as the FAR during the 2018-2019 academic year.