Member Spotlight - Dr. Shawn White

	Name: Shawn White Position: Assistant Professor of Christian Studies Number of years in the position: Three Alma Mater: University of New Brunswick Hometown: Bluefield, VA Classes taught:  Greek, Hebrew, Bible

The FARA 15

1. How did you become an FAR?
   Previous individual moved on to Conference Leadership, and I was already a keen supporter of our athletic program as a Faculty Member, so I was asked to take on the FAR duty. Ironically, I have rarely been to a sporting event since. I spend too much time on FAR duties :)
    
2. What is your favorite part of being an FAR?
   The opportunity to advise and meet with athletes who are outside of my major. I get to see a larger portion of our student body that I may otherwise have been able to see.
    
3. What is the biggest challenge of your job?
   Helping coaches/parents/students see that it isn't my function to "get athletes eligible" but to ensure they are certified properly. My first responsibility is to my College to ensure we are in compliance.
    
4. If you could go back to your first day as an FAR, what would you tell yourself?  
   Start football certification earlier than you think you have to do so!
    
5. What is your favorite show/movie?
   Blue Bloods at the moment. Magnum P.I. is all grown up!
    
6. What has been the highlight of your time as an FAR?
   Sitting down with our Football Coach in early May after Spring grades and helping him and the athletes make a summer plan to maintain eligibility. It showed a deep commitment from the Coach, the athletes and the institution.
    
7. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
   "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." My former Vice President for Academic Affairs
    
8. What can you not live without?
   The family.
    
9. Who are your favorite teams (other than your school’s of course)?
   Green Bay Packers, Pittsburg Penguins
    
10. Who was your most memorable or inspiring student that you have worked with and why?
    One of my first students was very capable and a hard worker but not entirely sure what she wanted to do after College. She went on an academic exchange to China and her horizons exploded wide open. She now serves as a missionary in Thailand and has discovered her calling.
     
11. How does your school approach certifying students in the ECP software?
    The coaches provide the rosters to me as FAR, and I act as the data-entry person. The Coach, AD and Registrar all fact-check my work.
     
12. What do you like to do in your free time?
    I volunteer as a pastor at a local congregation, so that is my non-paid work time.
     
13. If you have a question related to your position as FAR, who do you contact?
    My conference eligibility chair, if he is on campus, or the Legislative Services hotline.
     
14. Do you have any pets?
    No. I have so far resisted all pressure from spouse and daughter.
     
15. How do you navigate being a part of two different departments on campus?
    David Allen's Getting Things Done. I highly recommend.