Elizabeth Taylor, an assistant professor in Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) and deputy chair of the Department of Sport and Recreation Management, has been appointed the university’s faculty athletics representative (FAR). Taylor will begin her term on Jan. 1, 2024, and she succeeds Jeremy Jordan, who recently departed Temple to become the dean of Syracuse University’s David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. 

It is the FAR’s responsibility to help ensure the academic integrity of Temple’s intercollegiate athletics program, facilitate institutional control of athletics and enhance the student-athlete experience. The FAR seeks to maintain balance between academics and athletics for the benefit of the student-athletes and serves as the representative of Temple and its faculty to the NCAA and the American Athletic Conference (AAC). At Temple, The FAR reports directly to the president and is the president’s senior advisor outside of the Athletics Department on matters related to intercollegiate athletics. The FAR also advises the athletics director. 

“Both an outstanding researcher and faculty member, Liz is really an ideal fit for this role,” President Richard Englert said. “She already works closely with our Athletics Department and regularly collaborates with the NCAA. Her research also directly relates to college athletics, and she recognizes how important it is for Temple to provide student-athletes a quality experience while prioritizing student-athlete well-being. We have no doubt that she will thrive in this position.” 

As a former NCAA student-athlete, NCAA assistant volleyball coach, and current STHM faculty member and collegiate sport researcher, Taylor brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this position. She recognizes the role that college athletics plays within the broader higher education ecosystem, and her commitment to service makes her an excellent candidate to represent Temple and its faculty to the AAC, the NCAA and other key stakeholder groups. 

“I want to thank President Englert for this opportunity,” Taylor said. “As a former NCAA student-athlete and coach, and now a faculty member who studies well-being in college athletics, I have a deep appreciation for the time, effort and dedication of our student-athletes here at Temple University. I have been involved in research supported by the NCAA and AAC, and I am excited to share these findings with stakeholders across the university in this new role as we continue to enhance the student-athlete experience on our campus.” 

Taylor’s research interests focus on the organizational culture, well-being and holistic development of athletes and sport employees. She has regularly discussed these topics with mainstream media members, appearing within prominent outlets that include The Washington Post, USA Today, NewsNation, The Houston Chronicle, The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate and several other outlets.   

She also has already worked closely with the NCAA and AAC. Just recently, she completed a project funded by the AAC, which examined leadership development opportunities for student-athletes and outlined how student-athlete perceptions differ from those of athletics department staff members. She also collaborated with the NCAA on several research projects, including a coach well-being study that was recently completed. 

In addition, Taylor has partnered with Temple vice president and Director of Athletics Arthur Johnson and Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Initiatives and Sports Derek Horne. Together, the trio developed programming that was delivered at Temple Athletics’ annual head coaches retreat. This programming focused on enhancing organizational and team culture to foster on-field success. 

“I am excited about Dr. Taylor’s appointment as the faculty athletics representative,” Johnson said. “Her experiences as a student-athlete, coach and professor are beneficial to helping our student-athletes have a great experience during their time on campus. I am looking forward to serving closely with her as we navigate the changing landscape of collegiate athletics.” 

Taylor’s commitment to service has been hallmark of her tenure at Temple since she joined the faculty at STHM in 2017. She works diligently to support students, especially student-athletes and students who wish to pursue a career in sports, and she is always looking for ways to better engage with those groups. To that end, she co-founded a student professional organization focused on women in sport and recreation management.  

In addition to her new role as the university’s FAR, Taylor will continue to serve as a faculty member within STHM. A search committee, chaired by vice president and university secretary Michael Gebhardt, that included representatives from the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost, Temple Athletics and the faculty oversaw the application and nomination process, which led to her appointment.