Avron Abraham, faculty director of the Center for Academic Success and University Studies and a faculty member in the Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition at the University of Delaware, will take over as the University’s Faculty Athletic Representative, beginning in May 2020.

Abraham, who was appointed to the position by UD President Dennis Assanis, succeeds Tammy Anderson, professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, who has served in the position since 2017.

The Faculty Athletic Representative is the official voting delegate for the University on NCAA matters and works with UD’s Faculty Board on Athletics.

“I am thrilled that Avron will serve in this role to assure that we build on the strong relationship between academics and athletics,” Assanis said. “He brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this assignment, both as a well-respected professor and as a coach at the University of Connecticut. He understands the key issues of academics and athletics, and he has a track record of navigating toward the best solutions. I look forward to working closely with him and the board.”

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Abraham to this role within our athletic department,” said UD Director of Athletics and Recreation Services Chrissi Rawak. “Dr. Abraham has a great understanding of the vital role that athletics plays in the success of an academic institution. His integrity, commitment and experience in academics and as a member of the Faculty Board on Athletics will serve us well. I look forward to working closely with him on the issues that affect our programs and our student-athletes.”

Abraham, who has served on the Faculty Board on Athletics for the past two years, said he understands the balance between athletic and academic performance both from a student-athlete and faculty board member standpoint.

Abraham spent three seasons as the head women’s volleyball coach at the University of Connecticut, where he received his doctorate.

“I have served on the board for the past two years where I have gained an appreciation of the time and effort that our student athletes invest to ensure their success both athletically and academically at the University of Delaware,” Abraham said. “It is my hope that as the Faculty Athletic Representative working closely with the Faculty Athletic Board, we can help support our student athletes as they strive to meet their goals both inside and outside the classroom.

About Avron Abraham

Abraham is the faculty director of the Center for Academic Success and University Studies and a faculty member in the Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition in the College of Health Sciences. He received his undergraduate degree from Rhodes University in South Africa and his doctorate from the University of Connecticut, where he also served as the head women’s volleyball coach.

His current responsibilities include teaching in the Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, overseeing the University Studies Program, which serves approximately 1,500 undeclared students, the Office of Academic Enrichment, the Student Support Services Program TRIO grant and the First Year Seminar Program. He has served on the Faculty Senate Undergraduate Studies Committee, chaired the General Education Committee and been president of the University Faculty Senate.

Faculty Board on Athletics

In addition to Abraham, serving on the Faculty Board on Athletics are Tammy Anderson, professor of sociology and criminal justice; Carlos Asarta, professor of economics; Michael Chajes, director of Honors Program and professor of civil engineering; Theodore Davis, professor of political science and international relations; Mary Dozier, professor of psychology and brain sciences; Tiffany Gill, associate professor of Africana studies and history; Christina Guardiola-Griffiths, associate professor of languages, literatures and culture; Thomas Kaminski, professor of kinesiology and applied physiology; Salil Lachke, associate professor and associate chair of biological sciences; and Sharon Neal, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry.