SUNY Brockport Director of Athletics Erick Hart announced Monday the addition of four faculty members to Brockport's Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) program. Kinesiology, Sport Studies & Physical Education lecturer Eric Sandler will take over duties as the lead FAR, while Director of Higher Education Administration Brittany Profit-Rheinwald, Associate Professor James Zollweg, Ph.D and Assistant Professor of Management Mayank Jaiswal, Ph. D will assume roles as deputy FARs.

"While the success of our athletes' shines on the field, it's the unseen dedication of faculty and staff like Eric, Brittany, James and Mayank that helps to ensure a balance between academic excellence and athletic achievement," said Erick Hart. "The FAR program at SUNY Brockport is the backbone of our commitment to student-athlete welfare, bridging the gap between education and athletics. This group exemplifies the critical role the FAR plays in fostering a culture of integrity, scholarship, and success within our athletic community."

About the FAR Program
A FAR is a member of the faculty at an NCAA member institution who has been designated to serve as a liaison between the institution and the athletics department, and also as a representative of the institution in conference and NCAA affairs. The role of the FAR is to ensure that the academic institution establishes and maintains the appropriate balance between academics and intercollegiate athletics.

Meet the FAR Team

Eric Sandler, a dedicated lecturer in the KSSPE program, rekindled his professional journey with the university in 2016. Prior to this, he cultivated a wealth of experience, having served as an athletic trainer, strength and conditioning coach, and adjunct instructor at Genesee Community College for nearly a decade from 2007 to 2016. Eric's multifaceted background also includes roles as an athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach at The University at Buffalo and Agape Physical Therapy/Advantage Sports Performance.

"I am honored to take on the role of Faculty Athletics Representative for Brockport athletics. As an instructor, I am excited to contribute to the holistic development of our student-athletes," said Sandler. "This position allows me to bridge the worlds of academia and athletics, fostering an environment where educational pursuits and athletic excellence seamlessly coexist  I look forward to working collaboratively with our FAR team across campus and athletics.  Together, we will champion the values of integrity, growth, and success, ensuring our athletes thrive both on and off the field."
 
His resume is underscored by a Master of Science degree from SUNY University at Buffalo in 2006, building upon the foundation of his Bachelor of Science degree obtained from SUNY Brockport in 2004. Eric's areas of specialty encompass Exercise Physiology and Strength and Conditioning, reflecting his commitment to the nuanced intersection of academia and physical fitness. His research interests span a diverse range, including Exercise Program Design, Corrective Exercise, Functional Fitness, Strength and Conditioning, and Sports Medicine.

Brittany Profit-Rheinwald is the accomplished Director of the Higher Education Administration program at SUNY Brockport, showcasing an extensive tenure on campus marked by her dynamic contributions to various facets of university life. Her multifaceted involvement includes serving as the UUP Vice President for Professionals, faculty advisor for Phi Sigma Sigma, advisor for the College Panhellenic Council, Student Conduct Board Member, advisor for CampusOne80, and mentoring within the Leadership Development Program. Beyond campus borders, Brittany actively engages with the Brockport community, holding membership in the Brockport Lions Club and serving as the Vice President of the Brockport Community Connection (BCC). She extends her impact nationally through roles with the National Panhellenic Conference, where she serves as an Alumnae Membership Specialist, and with Alpha Gamma Delta, where she adeptly fulfills the role of chapter advisor for the Alpha Alpha Chapter at the University at Buffalo, while also contributing to the international Volunteer Service Team, focusing on alumnae.
 
Brittany's academic journey reflects her commitment to the field, culminating in her upcoming achievement of a Doctorate in Education (EdD) from Baylor University in 2024. This accomplishment builds upon her Master of Science in Education (MSEd) from SUNY Brockport in 2020 and her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) earned from the same institution in 2013. Her areas of specialty include Leadership, Student Engagement, Community Engagement, and a keen focus on Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Dr. James Zollweg brings a wealth of expertise to the academic realm, holding a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Cornell University, which he earned in 1994. His academic journey also includes a Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, conferred in 1991, and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Agricultural Engineering, achieved in 1981, both from Cornell University. As an esteemed faculty member, Dr. Zollweg has been instrumental in shaping the educational landscape, offering a spectrum of courses that span the domains of natural disasters, watershed science, essentials of GIS, environmental applications of GIS, web GIS, and guiding students through senior capstone projects and research.
 
Dr. Zollweg's pioneering research revolves around the intricate field of spatiotemporal computing. Embracing this paradigm, he delves into the utilization of spatiotemporal principles to forge cutting-edge computing technologies and solutions. His work manifests in the development of innovative methodologies, tools, and software that contribute to addressing pressing global challenges, with a particular emphasis on the intersection of computing and environmental concerns such as climate change and natural disasters. Through his dedication to advancing knowledge and technology, Dr. Zollweg remains at the forefront of academic exploration, leaving an indelible mark on the fields of agricultural and biological engineering.

Dr. Mayank Jaiswal, a dynamic addition to the SUNY Brockport community since 2023, brings a wealth of expertise in strategy and entrepreneurship to the academic landscape. Prior to joining Brockport, he contributed significantly to the academic realm as a dedicated educator, having taught courses in Strategy and Entrepreneurship at Rider University from 2017 to 2023. Mayank's professional journey extends beyond academia, encompassing impactful roles in both corporate and non-profit sectors, both domestically and internationally. His rich and diverse background is a testament to his holistic understanding of business and entrepreneurship.
 
Mayank's academic prowess is underscored by a Ph.D. in Strategy with a focus on Entrepreneurship from the Georgia Institute of Technology, awarded in 2017. Prior to this, he earned an MBA from the University of Chicago in 2006 and holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from DCE, India, obtained in 1999. His areas of specialty include Entrepreneurship and Strategy, and his research interests delve into the online sales of non-perishable experience goods, the diffusion of sustainable innovations, and the exploration of diversity's impact on entrepreneurship. With his multidimensional background, Mayank brings a unique perspective to the study and practice of business and entrepreneurship at SUNY Brockport.