Mike Van Houten’s career as a faculty athletics representative started with a question from former football coach Pete Schmidt back in 1992.
“Pete made it sound really easy – you just need to sign your name (certifying the eligibility of the student-athletes) on the rosters,” Van Houten said. “But the job has developed over the years.”
In the 26 years since, the job continues to require Van Houten to certify the eligibility of rosters, but it has evolved into requesting interpretations from the NCAA on compliance rules, nominating deserving student-athletes for NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships, serving on numerous committees at the college and MIAA level and serving as a bridge between the academic and athletic divisions of the college and shaping the policies that impact the student-athletes on campus.
“We understand the importance of athletics, but to the FARs it’s most important that the students succeed academically.”
Van Houten is most proud of the five-year stretch of Briton football players who received NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships.
Van Houten’s service as faculty athletics representative is remarkable when noting seven women have served as FAR to Albion’s women’s teams.
In addition to his administrative work, Van Houten has volunteered his services to the athletic department, working in the football press box at and operating the scoreboard at men’s basketball games for many years.
