Spires' Zimmerman Named 2023-24 KCAC Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year

WICHITA, Kan. — Dr. James Zimmerman of the University of Saint Mary has been named the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) of the Year, the conference office announced Friday.

This marks the third time Zimmerman has received this honor, with all three of these honors coming in the last five years.

“It’s always special to be recognized by your peers," Zimmerman said. "I’m thankful to work with such great colleagues in the KCAC, as college athletics faces so many challenges."

"Our student-athletes at USM had one of their best years ever, and it’s a pleasure being a small part the program," he continued. "For me, this was a special year starting with defending my dissertation, and this honor puts the icing on the cake.”

At the University of Saint Mary, Zimmerman serves as the FAR, the director of the Sport Management academic department, and is an associate professor in that department as well. In addition to his academic responsibilities, Zimmerman serves on a variety of committees on both the KCAC and NAIA levels, including, but not limited to:

• KCAC Committees
  • Governing Council: Serves as Chair-Elect
  • Executive Council
  • Membership Committee
  • Championship Committee
• NAIA Committees
  • Council of Faculity of Athletics Representatives: Served as Chair
  • National Coordinating Committee
  • National Drug Testing and Education Committee

Zimmerman served in all these roles while also earning his Doctorate of Education in Leadership (Ed. D.), graduating in December 2023.
 
We are proud of the efforts from our FAR, Jim Zimmerman,"  Rob Miller, Vice President of Athletics at the University of Saint Mary, remarked. "His dedication and desire to support our student-athletes and staff has been outstanding since his arrival to USM. Jim serves a vital role within our community and is well deserving of this award."

"We are very excited for Jim to receive this award," Miller continued. "Jim has one of the most critical jobs in an athletic department that directly affects every student-athlete. He takes great pride in his work and does it accurately and professionally. Jim has also been a tremendous asset to the conference".

"Congratulations to Jim Zimmerman for winning his third KCAC Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year Award," Ted Breidenthal, commissioner of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, said. "Jim is a leader in our conference and nationally among his peers. His hard work and dedication to our schools and student-athletes is greatly appreciated by all in the KCAC."
 

Previous KCAC Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year Winners

2022-23: Pete Kosek, Sterling College

2021-22: James Zimmerman, University of Saint Mary

2020-21: Dr. Richard Teter, Friends University

2019-20: James Zimmerman, University of Saint Mary

2018-19: Dr. Ed Loeb, Southwestern College

2017-18: Hans Nickel, Sterling College

2016-17: Dr. Joyce Pigge, Bethany College

2015-16: Dr. Ed Loeb, Southwestern College

2014-15: Dr. Joyce Pigge, Bethany College

2013-14: Dr. Merle Schlabaugh, Bethel College