ALISO VIEJO, Calif. - Cal State San Marcos' Dr. Bennett Cherry and Cal State East Bay's Dr. Summer Jackson were recently honored for their excellent work by their peers in the Faculty Athletics Representatives Association (FARA).
 
Dr. Cherry was chosen as the 2025 NCAA Division II FAR of the Year, and Dr. Jackson was voted the 2025 NCAA Division II FAR Newcomer of the Year.
 
The FAR (Faculty Athletics Representative) is a member of the faculty at an NCAA member institution who the institution has designated to serve as a liaison between the institution and the athletics department, and 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 academic and intercollegiate athletics.
 
Cherry has served as the FAR for CSUSM since 2004. He is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management in the College of Business Administration. His primary areas of research include nascent entrepreneurs, fanatical customer behavior, new venture creation, employee engagement, and humility and trust in leadership. Cherry was also appointed to a one-year term as the NCAA Division II Management Council chair by the Division II Executive Board. He will begin this new role at the conclusion of the 2026 NCAA Convention in January.
 
Jackson has worked as the FAR at Cal State East Bay since 2023. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice. Dr. Jackson works as a liaison between academics and athletics, advocating for student-athletes and ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations.
 
The awards were presented in November at the 2025 FARA Annual Meeting in Indianapolis.