University of Illinois Springfield faculty member Dr. David Bertaina has been appointed as the University's Interim Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) for the 2026-27 academic year by Chancellor Janet L. Gooch. 

"The Faculty Athletics Representative plays an important role in ensuring that the academic mission remains central to the student-athlete experience," said UIS Chancellor Janet L. Gooch. "I'm pleased Dr. Bertaina has agreed to serve in this role and help support the well-being of our student-athletes as they balance the demands of academics and competition."

Bertaina, a professor in the Department of History, has been actively involved with UIS Athletics for several years. He serves as a faculty partner for the Prairie Stars men's and women's tennis programs and has been a member of the University's Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Committee (IAAC), including serving as committee chair in three academic years.

As Faculty Athletics Representative, Bertaina will serve as the University's designated representative to the NCAA and the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The position helps promote academic integrity, institutional control, and the overall well-being of UIS student-athletes while serving as a liaison between athletics and the University's faculty and administration.

"I appreciate Dr. Bertaina's willingness to step into this important role," said Director of Athletics Mike Hermann. "His longstanding commitment to our student-athletes, his experience working with our tennis programs, and his leadership on the Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Committee make him well suited to serve as Faculty Athletics Representative. I look forward to working with him throughout the coming academic year."

Bertaina succeeds Dr. Marcel Yoder, who served as UIS Faculty Athletics Representative for 21 years.

Throughout his tenure, Yoder played a vital role in supporting the academic success and well-being of Prairie Star student-athletes. He helped establish the University's faculty partner program, contributed to the development of concussion safety protocols, and served as the liaison between UIS Athletics and the Campus Senate.

UIS Athletics extends its sincere gratitude to Yoder for his more than two decades of dedicated service and lasting contributions to the Prairie Stars and the University.