Professor Timothy Haab will become The Ohio State University’s next Faculty Athletics Representative to the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Big Ten Conference, the university announced on May 15. Haab will begin as FAR-elect on July 1, shadowing current representative John Davidson for one year before taking over fully on July 1, 2027, for a four-year term.
The role of Faculty Athletics Representative is important because it connects academic priorities with athletics at Ohio State. The position ensures that student-athletes are supported both in competition and in their studies.
Ross Bjork, Ohio State senior vice president and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith endowed athletics director, said Haab’s experience in economics and business brings a valuable perspective to college athletics during a time of change. “We are excited to welcome Tim Haab as our Faculty Athletics Representative in-waiting,” Bjork said. “Tim brings a unique perspective to this role as an economist and scholar around business perspectives. Given the rapid changes in college athletics, his expertise and viewpoints will be valuable moving forward. His previous experiences in faculty governance will continue to help us have a positive relationship across our broad campus.”
“Our current FAR, Dr. John Davidson, has been such a valuable teammate for me since I arrived and I know Tim will continue the positive momentum and help represent the faculty, all students and support our student-athletes and coaches in all that we do around the circle of care,” Bjork said.
Haab currently serves as director of the School of Environment and Natural Resources within Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. He holds degrees from Maryland-Baltimore County (bachelor’s) and Maryland (PhD). Beyond his academic leadership at Ohio State, he has represented the university through roles with organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board’s Environmental Economics Advisory Committee.
Davidson has served as FAR since 2015 but is stepping down after reaching his maximum three terms; he will mentor Haab over the coming year to ensure an efficient transition.
Ohio State competes in 36 varsity sports with numerous Big Ten championships along with national titles; it also operates six campuses statewide with outreach programs across every county in Ohio according to the official website.
