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WIU Associate Professor Jeremy Robinett
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Robinett Named Liaison Between WIU Athletics and University Faculty

June 28, 2023

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MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University Recreation, Park, Tourism, and Hospitality Associate Professor Jeremy Robinett has been named the University's Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), beginning July 1.

The FAR position is one the NCAA requires to be filled at each of its member schools. The appointee serves as a liaison between Athletics and the University's faculty.

The position was previously filled by WIU Education Professor Tom Cody.

Prior to Robinett's appointment as FAR, he has played a key role in developing the ongoing strategic planning for the future of Leatherneck Athletics.

"I am looking forward to working with Associate Professor Robinett as our Faculty Athletic Representative," said WIU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Paul Bubb. "This position is key, both on our campus, and in the Ohio Valley Conference. Jeremy's work with our strategic plan gives him some additional insight into our programs that will be valuable as he looks to the welfare of our student-athletes."

Robinett's research explores how perceptions of identities and abilities affect and are affected by leisure activities and associated institutional policies and practices. His recent contributions have included exploring the distance education experiences of students and faculty at WIU, serving as a panelist for a three-part series on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion hosted the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association, presenting on ways that community recreation agencies can better support military service members and their families, and conducting research to highlight transportation challenges negotiated by families of individuals with disabilities in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

Robinett was promoted to associate professor and granted tenure at Western in 2021. Prior to coming to WIU in 2014, Robinett was a teaching and research assistant in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at the University of Illinois (2010-2014); was director of special events for the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (2005-2010); and coordinator of Student Life and Development at Missouri State University – West Plains (1999-2005).

On campus, Robinett's volunteer activities include serving as an advisor for the Military Appreciation Club; and for the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity; secretary of the Council on Curricular Programs and Instruction; and a member of the Military Task Force. In Macomb, Robinett is the secretary of the Centennial Morning Rotary Club; a member of the Center for Youth and Family Solutions Advancement Team and a coach for Special Olympics. He was presented with the Macomb/WIU Town and Gown Award in 2021.

Robinett received his bachelor's degree in Communication Management from Missouri State University; his master's degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism from the University of Illinois; and his doctoral degree from the University of Illinois in Recreation, Sport and Tourism.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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