President Philomena Mantella appointed Dr. Jon Coles as the Faculty Athletics Representative on July 1^st, 2024.  Coles serves as an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Sport Management in the Department of Movement Science.  
 
Coles is a tenured associate professor who has taught Introduction to Sport Management, Sport Psychology, Sport Marketing, New Media in Sport, Event and Facility Management, Current Issues in Sport, and Practicum in Sport Management.  As a scholar, Coles has presented in the United States, Asia, and Europe on such topics as sport tourism, challenges facing American sport, and parental involvement in youth sport. Coles has over 20 publications to date and his research on parental involvement in youth sport has been cited in USA Today.  
 
"I'm honored and excited to be serving faculty and student-athletes in this important role," said Coles. "There is nothing more important than academic integrity and our student-athletes' achievements in the classroom. I look forward to building on the success and legacy of our former Faculty Athletics Representative, Dr. Paul Leidig," added Coles.  
 
A strong believer in experiential education, his Rally with the Rapids event as garnered media attention from around West Michigan and was a first-round selection in the Civic Engagement Showcase.  A student-centered professor, Coles has served as a Student Success Network Mentor, Faculty Advisor for New Student Registration, and mentored graduate students at one of his alma mater's, Central Michigan University. 
 
"Dr.  Jon Coles brings an excellent background in both academic and athletic pursuits to serve our student-athletes well," said GVSU Director of Athletics Keri Becker. "He will be a strong bridge between faculty and the athletic department. His background in counseling is a welcome attribute in support of our student-athletes as we seek to ensure they have the absolute best possible experience here at GVSU.
 
Coles, a certified Sport Counselor, has served as both a high school and collegiate athletic administrator. He has served on NCAA and GLIAC committees that set policies and procedures in officiating, championships, sport and gender equity, regional rankings and more. In addition, Coles is a former NCAA Division I student athlete at Valparaiso University garnering Most Improved Player and MVP in men's tennis. He also coached, achieving the 2001 GLIAC Coach of the Year and 2004 ITA Division II Regional Coach of the Year.  
 
A community minded individual, Coles chaired the Hemlock Park Improvement Project in his hometown of Big Rapids raising over $2 million dollars for a local park.  He has been awarded the Salvation Army Red Shield Award, Greenville Public School's Distinguished Alumni Award, a Student Affairs Partner of the Year Award, and a Distinguished Staff Award.  

A Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) is a member of the faculty at an NCAA member institution who has been designated by the institution to serve as a liaison between the institution and the athletics department, and also as a representative of the institution in conference and NCAA affairs. The role of the FAR is to ensure that the academic institution establishes and maintains the appropriate balance between academics and intercollegiate athletics.

Coles is married to Dr. Emily Coles and they have three boys: Carson, Reid, and Ari.