Law Professor Recognized for Work with Student-Athletes

Rychlak, distinguished university professor and Jamie L. Whitten Chair in Law and Government, was recognized Tuesday (Dec. 10) at the 2024 NFF Faculty Salutes.

"The position of faculty athletics representative is not well understood," Rychlak said. "What we're doing is making sure we don't overlook academics.

"Everybody's excited about things like the playoffs – and rightfully so – but at the end of the day, 98% of the athletes are going to go on to be professionals in something other than sports. That's our job, to make sure they're ready for that."

The National Collegiate Athletics Association requires that every campus have a faculty member who serves as the faculty athletics representative. As Ole Miss' representative since 2007, Rychlak serves as chair of the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee and as a resource for students, faculty and the Athletics Department.

"Athletics teaches competitors – members of the team – how to be successful in their arena," he said. "They learn to work hard, and they learn about discipline.

"But the rest of the university helps students find what arena they want to be competitive in for the rest of their lives."

The faculty athletics representative ensures that student-athletes are treated the same as other students. They also monitor graduation rates, attendance records and other markers of a student's success.

"Professor Rychlak's role as faculty athletics representative is vital in upholding the academic mission of Ole Miss," said Fred Slabach, dean of the School of Law. "As an advocate for student-athletes, he ensures they thrive in their dual pursuit of academic excellence and athletic achievement.

"Ron cares about student success. He brings the same high standards of leadership and dedication to our student-athletes as he provides to our law students."

Student-athletes often need help coordinating their travel schedules and class time, and an advocate helps ensure that athletic obligations don't interfere with their education.

"No one could be more deserving of this honor than Ron," said Keith Carter, vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics. "His role is crucial to the success of our student-athletes, and he has been a truly valuable resource in that position.

"But more than that, Ron is a great person and trusted adviser for our department. Our university is very fortunate to have someone like Ron in our leadership."

The goal of any faculty athletics representative is to make sure students are performing as well in the classroom as they are on the field, Rychlak said.

"College helped me find my way, and that's what colleges do," he said. "The overwhelming majority of student-athletes are going to find that they want to be a nurse, or a teacher or work in psychology – something like that – and the university helps them find their arenas and learn the fundamentals.

"What sports does is teach you a way to be successful in whatever your arena is. At its best, that's what sports does."

The recognition comes with a $5,000 donation to the university for academic support services.

Top: Ronald Rychlak (right), distinguished university professor and Jamie L. Whitten Chair in Law and Government, participates in Commencement ceremonies on campus. Rychlak has been honored by the National Football Foundation for his work as a faculty athletics representative. Photo by Thomas Graning/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services