Illinois State University Interim President Aondover Tarhule has named Dr. Jeri Beggs to serve as interim athletics director, effective May 1, 2023.
Appears InBeggs, a professor in Illinois State’s Department of Marketing, brings a long history of service to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), and Illinois State.
“Dr. Beggs brings a wealth of experience in athletics governance to her new role,” said Tarhule. “She also brings a deep dedication to our student-athletes. I am confident in her leadership and know she will work collaboratively with Athletics staff as well as internal and external partners, and be a strong advocate for our programs within the community and the MVC.”
Beggs is in her 14th year as the faculty athletics representative (FAR) at Illinois State. She is also serving the final year of a four-year term on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors as the only FAR on the Board. She recently served on the prestigious NCAA Transformation Committee, a 21-member committee formed to identify opportunities to modernize college sports and recommend forward-looking changes. Additionally, she has served nine years on the Committee on Academics including chair of the Subcommittee on Penalties and Appeals and served on the Faculty Athletics Representative Association (FARA) Executive Committee for 12 years, including leading the group as president in 2016-2017.
“I am excited and humbled by this incredible opportunity to serve my University and the Redbird athletics program,” said Beggs. “I look forward to working with our many stakeholders, furthering the success of our athletic programs, and promoting the success of the more than 400 student-athletes who wear Illinois State on their jerseys.”
