Academic Liaison and Faculty Representative Selected

COLUMBUS – Ohio State University President Karen A. Holbrook announced today (6/2) the appointments of Beverly Moss as the Office of Academic Affairs Liaison to the Department of Athletics and John Bruno as the Faculty Athletics Representative to the NCAA and Big Ten Conference.

Moss, an associate professor in the Department of English and director of the Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing, replaces David Frantz. She will work with the Student Athlete Support Services Office (SASSO) in managing the academic progress of Ohio State student-athletes.

Moss has been intricately involved in the athletics program, serving on the Athletics Council from 1995-99, including terms as both its chair and vice chair. She currently is vice chair of the Academic Integrity Subcommittee of NCAA Recertification.

Martha Garland, vice provost and dean of Undergraduate Studies, said educating and most importantly graduating students is a top university priority.

“Beverly’s experience is critical to maintaining the collaborative work and academic goals that we share with athletics,” Garland said in appointing Moss. “She has served Ohio State well both as an educator and an advocate for academic excellence and success among our students.”

Moss, who joined the Ohio State faculty in 1988, received her bachelor’s degree from Spelman College in 1981 and her master’s from Carnegie-Mellon ’82. She earned her doctorate in 1988 from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Moss has written and contributed to numerous publications on literacy. She is a member of the National Council of Research on English, the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and a member of the NCTE Black Caucus.

“The academic success of our student-athletes is of the highest importance to the
university,” Moss said. “I look forward to working with Athletics Director Andy Geiger, the coaches, SASSO staff and particularly the student-athletes to ensure that we meet that goal.”

Bruno, professor in the departments of Psychology, Neuroscience and Psychiatry, succeeds Susan Hartmann in representing the academic interests of Ohio State’s faculty and 961 Division I student-athletes.

President Holbrook said that Bruno’s experience and true interest in the student body make him an excellent selection.

“Throughout his Ohio State career, John has expressed a genuine concern for the academic welfare and growth of our students,” Holbrook said. “I know that the goals and concerns that we share as a university will be represented well on a regional and national scale.”

Bruno has been a member of the Athletics Council for the past three years, serving his current term as vice chair and as chair of the Academic Progress and Eligibility Committee. He joined the Ohio State faculty in 1986 and among his many academic honors received the university’s Outstanding Teacher Award in 1994 and the College of Arts and Sciences’ Outstanding Teacher Award in 1995. Bruno also was an elected member of the University Senate from 1998-2001 and is a current member of the Ohio State Academy of Teaching Executive Council.

Bruno graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1975 and received his master’s and doctorate from John Hopkins University in 1977 and 1980, respectively.

“Intercollegiate athletics is a wonderful experience for student-athletes and fans alike,” Bruno said. “However, the enterprise faces significant challenges with respect to meeting enhanced academic outcomes and preserving student-athlete welfare.

“I look forward to representing our institution and in working with our faculty and the Department of Athletics to ensure academic integrity for our student-athletes.”

Andy Geiger, director of the Department of Athletics, said Moss and Bruno are excellent selections.

“I have worked extensively with Beverly and John for a number of years,” Geiger said. “They are truly committed to the academic goals of our university and possess a keen sense of knowledge of the student-athlete experience that will serve us all well.”

Moss’ term will expire in 2005. Bruno’s appointment will run through 2006.