Dr. Batista Appointed As New Faculty Athletic Representative

Longstanding Sport Management faculty member Dr. Paul Batista was appointed by the Office of the President as the new Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) for Texas A&M University. Beginning September 1, Dr. Batista will be providing important counsel for the Texas A&M athletic program as required by NCAA guidelines.

As a FAR, Dr. Batista will provide oversight and advice in the administration of the athletic department and monitor institutional compliance with the NCAA and SEC bi-laws and regulations.

“I am honored that President Young would ask me to represent the faculty and I look forward to doing what I can to support student athletes and to help the athletic department operate according to our six core values,” Dr. Batista said. “I think the most important thing is to provide transparency to the faculty and keep them fully informed about the activities of the athletic department.”

Dr. Batista, an attorney, joined the faculty at Texas A&M in 1998, teaching various Legal Aspects of Sport classes to both undergraduates and graduates. In addition to serving as Division Chair and Associate Department Head from 2010-2014, he has been awarded a number of awards including the Texas A&M Bush Excellence Award for Faculty in International Teaching by the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation, and the Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching.

Prior to becoming a full-time faculty member, he engaged in the private practice of law in Caldwell, including representing professional athletes. He believes his background in these various fields will help him to be an effective representative.

“I’ve been exposed to the organizational structure of the athletic department and the NCAA,” he said. “Having been a scholarship athlete and having practiced law for so many years, I think that will enhance my ability to understand all of the different aspects involved in being a FAR.”