VERMILLION, S.D.—University of South Dakota President Sheila K. Gestring and Athletic Director Jon Schemmel have appointed Kari Oyen, Ph.D., as the new faculty athletics representative. Oyen's appointment is for three years, with no limit on the number of successive terms she may serve.
 
Oyen replaces Jessica Messersmith, Ph.D., who served as South Dakota's FAR from 2020-25. Messersmith has accepted a new position as the interim dean of the School of Health Sciences at USD.
 
"I want to thank Dr. Messersmith for her five plus years serving in the FAR role," said Schemmel. "She's been tremendous for our department and student-athletes. As Dr. Messersmith takes on new responsibilities at the university, I am thrilled to have Dr. Oyen stepping into this leadership role. Her passion for Coyote Athletics and most importantly, our student-athletes, is incredible. I look forward to working with her as our new FAR!"
 
Oyen is an associate professor and program director of USD's school psychology program within the Division of Counseling & Psychology in Education. Throughout her tenure at USD, Oyen has demonstrated a commitment to our university's mission, with an emphasis on promoting a student-centered experience, celebrating the unique strengths of our community, and ensuring the highest levels of integrity. She has held a number of roles on campus — including serving on the Strategic Planning Champion Committee, Faculty Affairs Committee and University Senate — in addition to serving on state and national boards.
 
"Dr. Oyen has served our institution with distinction throughout her tenure at USD," said Gestring. "Her professional experience, commitment to students and USD pride position her to be an excellent representative of the university in this role. I look forward to working with Dr. Oyen alongside our USD Athletics leadership as we continue to support our student-athletes."

Oyen graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Ph.D. in school psychology in 2016 after finishing her Education Specialist degree in school psychology at USD in 2008 and bachelor's degree from Augustana University in 2005. 
 
"As a third generation Coyote, it is such an honor to be supporting student athletes as the Faculty Athletic Representative," said Oyen. "I have loved the USD Coyotes since my dad took me to the DakotaDome when I was four years old, and I look forward to upholding our academic excellence into the next generation."

The FAR is appointed by the president to represent the university and its faculty in the institution's relationship with the NCAA and the athletic conferences. The FAR is the co-chair of the Intercollegiate Athletics Academic Advisory Committee (IAAAC) and serves in an advisory capacity to the president and athletics director regarding athletic policy and program decisions. Together, the FAR and IAAAC work to strike a balance for student-athletes among athletics, academics and well-being so athletes can enjoy the full range of collegiate experiences available to all students. He or she also has a role in oversight of NCAA and conference compliance and plays a role in encouraging communication among the faculty, the administration and the Department of Athletics.