When the weather was good outside, Matt Thomas' parents made sure he was out there enjoying it.
 
"They would push me out the door to go play, whether it was the soccer field, baseball, running, football…," Thomas said.
 
As Chico State's new Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR), he will be doing something similar for the University's student-athletes: making sure they are getting the best possible experience participating in the activities they love.
 
A professor of political science, criminal justice, and public administration, Dr. Thomas' role as FAR is to serve the University in following ways: advocate for the well-being of student-athletes by helping to ensure a quality experience in an environment of tolerance, respect, and inclusion; provide academic and athletic oversight to ensure integrity and institutional control within the athletics program; and play an active role in communicating the vision and values of Division II intercollegiate athletics at the campus, conference and national levels, and with the community at-large.
 
Director of Athletics Anita Barker is excited about Thomas' appointment.

"The Faculty Athletic Representative is an important advocate for our student-athletes, their academic and athletic pursuits, and their other passions," Barker said. "We are thrilled to have Dr. Thomas' vital perspective. His reputation among his students and peers is excellent. This addition will strengthen our department and bolster our efforts to create the best student-athlete experience we can."

Thomas is not new to the west side of Warner Street. He's a regular attendee of Chico State athletic events.
 
"Intercollegiate athletics adds an important dimension to the culture of a university and I've always been a big supporter of Chico State Athletics," Thomas said. "I've always enjoyed having student-athletes in my classes. I think that they bring a lot to the entire institution. It's not just the student-athletes who get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. The entire University gets to share in their victories."
 
Professor Thomas received a BA from St. Joseph's University, and an MA and PhD from the University of Maryland, College Park. Along with teaching political science, criminal justice, and public administration in the department's undergraduate and graduate programs, Thomas is the coordinator of the MA in Political Science program, and is the internship coordinator for the MPA program. He received the University's Outstanding Service Award in 2016-17.
 
Now, he can add FAR to his list of duties, which he is happy to do.

"I love Chico State. I love the institution. It's a place that has allowed me to have an incredibly meaningful career and I am anxious to tackle the challenges of this position," Thomas said. "I am really looking forward to working with the athletics administrators, support staff, coaches and especially the student-athletes."