Bill Sproule Tapped to Replace Pat Joyce as Faculty Athletics Rep
HOUGHTON, Mich. — Michigan Tech president Glenn Mroz has appointed Bill Sproule to replace Pat Joyce as faculty athletics representative (FAR) for the University. Sproule, a professor in civil and environmental engineering, will begin his duties on Sept. 1.
The FAR serves as a liaison between the institution and the athletics department and represents the institution in conference and NCAA affairs. At Michigan Tech, that requires work with two leagues—the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Sproule, an active supporter of athletics and member of the Huskies\’ Blue Line Club, has been a part of the Michigan Tech faculty since 1996. His teaching and research areas include airport design, transportation planning and hockey history. The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, native holds a bachelor\’s degree from Michigan Tech, a master\’s from the University of Toronto and a doctorate from Michigan State. Sproule has served on the
University\’s Athletic Council for the past several years.
\”I\’m really looking forward working in this position as FAR,\” said Sproule. \”It fits with my passions for academics and athletics, and I\’m ready to get started.\”
Sproule supplants Pat Joyce, a faculty member in the school of business and economics who is stepping down after 11 years as FAR. Joyce is taking a year of leave from Tech to work at the University of Michigan for the 2010-11 academic year.
\”It was a privilege and challenge to represent Michigan Tech in both the GLIAC and WCHA,\” said Joyce. \”The privilege was working with two talented ADs in Rick Yeo and Suzanne Sanregret. The challenge was being an effective voice for Tech\’s commitment to academics and for matters relating to conference expansion.
\”Bill Sproule will be an excellent FAR. He values competitive athletics and high academic standards consistent with Michigan Tech\’s long and successful history.\”
University president Glenn Mroz expressed his gratitude to Joyce and confidence in Sproule to continue the important work. \”Our thanks to Pat for his service in the role of FAR,\” he said. \”Bill is a natural fit to fill the position with his experience and love for athletics. He will represent Michigan Tech very well within the GLIAC, WCHA and NCAA.\”